Themes+-+Minor

**Ambition:** Ambition is seen in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth with purely negative consequences; but it is clear that Banquo, too, is ambitious. He asks the witches to tell his fortune, and wonders if the fact that Macbeth's promises have come true may 'set (him) up in hope' also. However, Banquo maintains his integrity: "In the great hand of God I stand". This clearly shows that Macbeth, too, had a moral choice between good and evil.

**Good and evil:** Macbeth has to choose between the two. He and Edward of England come to be the embodiment of the two extremes. The witches are the incarnation of evil, and may be seen as representing the evil in human nature.

**Trust and Betrayal:** Duncan trusts the wrong men with disastrous consequences. Macbeth trusts the witches, and ultimately they destroy him.

**Actions and their consequences:** The first Thane of Cawdor pays the penalty for his treachery; Macbeth repeats the pattern. Duncan is punished for his poor judgement. Macbeth wishes his action could be the "be-all and end-all" but he knows there will be consequences: he will have 'judgement' both on earth and in heaven. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth both have to suffer the consequences of their crimes.

**Power and the abuse of power:** Lust for power motivates Macbeth. However he discovers power without security is not worth having: "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus." Lady Macbeth, too, finds she cannot enjoy her new positions"without content". Macbeth realises that although he could commit crimes with"barefaced power" he still has to consider his public image. When that is damaged beyond repair, he abuses his power by becoming a tyrant.

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