English Literature Study Notes
English Literature – Themes in Macbeth
William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth explores ambition, fate, and guilt.
1. Ambition • Macbeth’s desire to become king drives the plot. • Lady Macbeth’s ambition pushes
Macbeth to act.
2. Fate vs. Free Will • The witches’ prophecies suggest destiny. • Macbeth’s choices determine how
events unfold.
3. Guilt and Conscience • Macbeth is haunted by visions (dagger, Banquo’s ghost). • Lady Macbeth’s
guilt leads to sleepwalking and her death.
4. The Corrupting Power of Power • Once in power, Macbeth becomes tyrannical. • Fear of losing
power drives further violence.
Important Quotes (paraphrased): • “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” – The blurring of moral boundaries. •
“Out, damned spot!” – Lady Macbeth’s guilt.