Explain how the key themes in Macbeth have been explored and

represented through characters.

Our beliefs and thoughts are very fragile things; they cannot withstand
the endurance of time and the current of life. They continuously shape
and reshape into seemingly structured forms, then perhaps contradict,
warp or break down later on. Actions, however, hold a more definite form;
they maintain their impact, influence and effect even after the deed was
done. Thus, this results to great psychological instability, a false
confidence and fear if they were to invoke havoc to ones surroundings.
William Shakespeares Macbeth conveys precisely this, as seen in the
development of Macbeth throughout the play. Main themes such as
ambition, kingship and the contrast between appearance and reality are
more vividly portrayed through Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and the three
witches. This demonstrates that a persons actions greatly define who
they are, and therefore would eventually alter their thoughts, beliefs and
perception on ethical matters.
If one possesses a strong ambition, they are said to be half-way to their
desired destination already. Now all that is needed is a little
encouragement to plant a seed of destruction in that individuals mind in
order to achieve their aspirations. Of course, Macbeth is this individual. By
succumbing to the three witches prophecy All hail, Macbeth, that shalt
be King hereafter in Act 1 Scene 3, Macbeth demonstrates that his dark
ambition has been enticed by the promise of power. In this scene, the
sense of mysticism is enhanced due to a tension build-up in the
mysterious entrance and exit of the witches. Similarly, strong ambition is
also an important cause to Lady Macbeths thirst for power. This is clearly
seen in her soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 5 Make thick my blood/ Stop up th
access and passage to remorse which effectively shows us how far she is
willing to go to make her husband king.
After murdering Duncan and during his reign as King, Macbeth undergoes
significant changes in his thoughts, beliefs, and thus his actions. Guilt and
remorse are the two feelings that continuously haunt him after his first
murder. The symbolism of blood, Will all great Neptunes ocean wash this
blood/Clean from my hand? in Act 2 Scene 2 shows Macbeths struggle
with his inner guilt. Also, after the death of Banquo, his guilt once again
contributed to his hallucinations of Banquos ghost, as indicated by the
stage directions Enter the Ghost of Banquo and sits in Macbeths place,
marking the beginning of his psychological inadequacy. However, despite
feeling guilty during the first two killings, Macbeth does not stop there. He
ultimately reveals his inner evil and wickedness in Act 4 Scene 1 The
castle of Macduff I will surprise/ Give to the edge o th sword his wife, his

babes and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line through the use
of an Aside. This proves that the more people Macbeth kills, the more
falsely confident and evil he becomes.
The appearance of reality is constantly warped and twisted by the
witches words. This successfully tricks Macbeth into unfolding his own
demise. During the presentation of the three apparitions in Act 4 Scene 1,
Macbeth grows more and more arrogant, tricked into believing that he
would conquer everyone Then live, Macduff! What need I fear of thee?
However, this is merely a false display of courage. In fact, Macbeth by this
stage has become paranoid. Yes, paranoid of the people around him and
fear of losing his title But yet Ill make assurance double sure/Thou shalt
not live. Furthermore, the prophecy that the apparitions painted for
Macbeth intentionally falsifies the future in his point of view, as no
woman born shall harm Macbeth turns out to be Macduff who was
untimely ripped from his mothers womb and the non-literal moving
woods. Finally, as Macbeth experience a partial catharsis in Act 5 Scene 5,
his final soliloquy displays a broken man who is dejected and atrabilious
by his short-lived taste of power Lifes but a walking shadow/ Full of
sound and fury, signifying nothing.
The key themes of ambition, changes during kingship and the contrast
between appearance and reality shown in Macbeth are portrayed through
Macbeth himself, Lady Macbeth and the three witches. Through them, it is
clear to see that our actions can greatly influence our thoughts, beliefs
and behaviour whether we like it or not.