Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Eve best directs this dark and gripping version of Macbeth on Global Stage , Starring Joseph Millson and Samantha Spiro.Watch via Global Player.
This blog is written as a thinking activity for screening of Macbeth assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's article for background reading:Click here
2013 - Part of the 'Season of Plenty'
Directed by Eve Best and featuring Joseph Millson as Macbeth and Samantha Spiro as Lady Macbeth.
Title: Macbeth
Author: William Shakespeare
Genre: Tragedy
Published Year: Around 1606
Plot Summary: Macbeth hears a prophecy from three witches that he will become king. Urged by his wife, he kills King Duncan. Guilt and fear lead to more murders. Eventually, Macbeth is killed by Macduff, and peace is restored.
Major Characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, The Witches, Banquo, King Duncan, Macduff, Malcolm.
Setting: Grim, supernatural Scotland
Prophecy: Three witches foretell Macbeth will become king
Ambition: Lady Macbeth urges him to murder King Duncan
Consequence: One murder leads to more — Banquo, Macduff’s family
Symbolism:
•Witches = Fate and Chaos
•Sleep = Innocence and Guilt
•Blood = Guilt and Consequence
Key Moments:
•Banquo’s ghost appears
•Lady Macbeth sleepwalks in guilt
•Macbeth’s "Tomorrow" soliloquy reflects despair
Language: Rich in irony – “noble Macbeth” becomes a tyrant
Finale: Macbeth dies fighting; justice is restored
First Performed : 1606, for King James I
Macbeth: The Dark Scottish Tale
Macbeth is often labeled a villain, but his actions cannot be solely blamed on Lady Macbeth’s manipulation. From the moment he encounters the witches unexpectedly, he becomes consumed by their prophecy, which triggers his ambition and inner conflict. He struggles morally with the idea of killing King Duncan, showing clear awareness of right and wrong. After committing murder, Macbeth’s mental state deteriorates rapidly—he experiences guilt, fear, and paranoia, which drive him to further violence. Unlike a cold-blooded villain, Macbeth is a complex tragic hero who regrets his deeds and loses his peace of mind. Shakespeare presents him as a brave warrior undone by his fatal flaw: excessive ambition. Macbeth is not purely evil, but a deeply human character caught in a tragic downfall.
Q-1: |How faithful is the play performance to the original play?
Ans:
•Faithfulness of the Globe’s Macbeth Performance to the Original Play:
The 2013 production of Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is one of the most authentic and faithful renditions of the play available in modern times. It attempts not just to present Shakespeare’s text, but to recreate the spirit and atmosphere of a 17th-century performance, staying as close as possible to how audiences would have experienced it during Shakespeare’s life.
•Use of Original Language
Retains Shakespeare’s Early Modern English without simplification.
Preserves poetic devices like iambic pentameter, metaphor, and antithesis.
Famous soliloquies delivered as written (e.g., “Is this a dagger…”, “Tomorrow, and tomorrow…”).
• Staging and Set Design
Minimalist stage with basic props (daggers, goblets, etc.).
No modern effects or scenery; focus on actors and language.
Open-air daytime performance, using natural light like in 17th-century Globe.
•Costumes and Appearance
Elizabethan/Jacobean-style costumes.
No modern or symbolic dress.
Enhances historical authenticity.
•Performance Style
-Energetic, expressive acting.
Frequent direct interaction with audience (especially groundlings).
Reflects original Shakespearean performance techniques.
•Treatment of Supernatural
Witches portrayed with voice, movement, and rhythm—not special effects.
Creates a chilling effect through live performance, not technology.
•Action and Violence
Violence shown symbolically, not graphically.
Stage combat focuses on emotion, not realism.
Audience imagination fills in the horror.
•Overall Interpretation
Macbeth shown as a tragic, psychological figure.
Themes of ambition, guilt, and moral decay emphasized.
Avoids modern political or cinematic reinterpretations.
•How faithful maqbool to the Macbeth?
Faithfulness of Maqbool to Shakespeare’s Macbeth:
•Plot & Structure: Faithful with Cultural Adaptation
Maqbool retains the core plot: a loyal subordinate (Maqbool) is driven by prophecy and ambition to kill his master (Abbaji, equivalent to King Duncan) and seize power.
The betrayal, guilt, paranoia, and eventual downfall of the protagonist closely mirror Macbeth’s journey.
•Characters: Adapted but Parallel
Maqbool = Macbeth – a loyal underworld henchman who becomes consumed by ambition.
Nimmi = Lady Macbeth – Abbaji’s mistress who manipulates Maqbool into murder.
Abbaji = King Duncan – the powerful don and father figure.
Inspector Pandit and Inspector Purohit = The Witches – corrupt policemen who make ambiguous, prophetic statements that spark Maqbool’s ambition.
Kaka = Banquo – Maqbool’s friend and fellow gangster, eventually murdered due to suspicion.
Guddu and Sameera = Fleance and Lady Macduff’s equivalents – representing threats to Maqbool’s rule.
•Themes: Strongly Preserved
Ambition and Power – Maqbool’s hunger for power mirrors Macbeth’s tragic ambition.
Guilt and Conscience – Both Maqbool and Nimmi are haunted by their crime.
Fate vs. Free Will – The influence of the police (as prophets) reflects the witches’ manipulative role.
Moral Decay – The corrupt underworld setting enhances the theme of moral collapse.
•Psychological Depth & Catharsis
Maqbool gives a nuanced view of the emotional and psychological unraveling of both Maqbool and Nimmi, offering deep catharsis similar to the original tragedy.
*Departures from Original:
•Setting & Genre Shift
Set in the Mumbai underworld, not medieval Scotland.
The transformation from political power to mafia hierarchy gives it a more modern, gritty flavor.
• Language and Tone
Uses Urdu/Hindi poetry and dialogue instead of Shakespearean English.
The tone is noir and cinematic rather than theatrical, but the philosophical weight remains.
•Interpretive Differences
Nimmi is more emotionally conflicted and tragic than the purely manipulative Lady Macbeth.
The supernatural becomes social and psychological, rooted in systemic corruption and power games, rather than magic.
Q-2:|How has watching the play influenced your perception of the characters, situation,or themes?
Ans:
Character:
Watching Macbeth at the Globe Theatre brought the characters to life in ways the page never could.
Macbeth was no longer just a tragic figure—he was a man visibly unraveling before our eyes. His coronation wasn’t glorious, but chilling. His trembling hands and hollow stare told a story of ambition turned to fear, power turned to paranoia.
Lady Macbeth, played with eerie brilliance, transformed from a woman of cold determination in7to a ghost haunted by her own conscience. Her sleepwalking scene was more than dramatic—it was heartbreaking. Her guilt wasn’t just spoken; it was etched in every movement, every whispered “Out, damned spot!”
The witches, with their haunting voices and uncanny rhythm, were more than magical—they were menacing. They dominated the stage like forces of fate, unpredictable and terrifying.
Situation:
Familiar moments took on new emotional depth when experienced live:
Macbeth’s coronation wasn’t a celebration, but a silent horror show—his rise drenched in blood, his eyes already hollow from fear.
Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking, set under dim torchlight, was both haunting and intimate. Her movements were fragile, her voice cracked with guilt, and the moment seemed frozen in tragic stillness.
The murder of Macduff’s family hit like a thunderclap. The silence that followed in the theatre was more powerful than any line—an unspoken grief shared by all.
Each situation was layered with emotion that the written text hints at, but the stage fully delivers.
Theme:
The performance illuminated Shakespeare’s themes with chilling clarity:
Ambition was not just a flaw—it was a slow poison. Macbeth’s climb to power was filled with dread rather than triumph, showing how ambition can corrupt even the noblest intentions.
Guilt was portrayed not through words alone, but through trembling voices, vacant eyes, and ghost-like movements. Lady Macbeth’s descent from pride to torment captured this better than any analysis ever could.
The supernatural was no longer an abstract idea—it was a force that lingered in the shadows, whispering from the mouths of the witches, making the hairs on the neck stand on end.
Q-3:|Did you experience aesthetic delight while watching the play when and why?
Ans:
Yes, I experienced aesthetic delight while watching the play, especially during the soliloquies and emotionally intense scenes. One moment that truly stood out was Macbeth’s famous speech: “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow...” The way it was delivered—slow, heavy with despair, and echoing with the weight of time—gave me chills. It was not just the words, but the raw emotion and the deep philosophical meaning behind them that created a powerful experience.
Another moment of aesthetic pleasure came from the witches' scenes. Their eerie presence, stylized movement, and rhythmic
Q-4:| Did you experience catharsis while or after watching the play?When and Why?
Ans:
Yes, I experienced catharsis both during and after watching the play. One of the most powerful moments was Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene. Watching her unravel emotionally—haunted by guilt and unable to wash away the "blood" from her hands—was deeply moving. Her breakdown triggered a strong sense of pity and fear, as I witnessed how ambition and guilt destroyed her mind.
Another cathartic moment came with Macbeth’s downfall and death. Though he began as a brave and noble warrior, his moral decay led him to loneliness, paranoia, and ruin. When he finally faced death, I felt a strange mix of sorrow and relief. His tragic end restored a moral order to the world of the play, and in that moment, I felt a release of built-up tension.
The play stirred intense emotions—fear of unchecked ambition, sorrow for lost innocence, and the emotional weight of fate and guilt. These feelings were purged through the tragedy’s resolution, giving me a deeper emotional and psychological clarity. That is where true catharsis lies.
Q-5:|How did the screening of the play enhance your understanding of the play compared to reading the text?
Ans:
Reading Macbeth is like seeing the map—but watching the screening is like walking the haunted path. The performance gave voice to Shakespeare’s words, turning emotionless lines into living, breathing struggles. Lady Macbeth’s guilt, Macbeth’s madness, and the witches’ eerie presence—all became vivid through gestures, tone, and expression. I didn’t just understand the play better—I felt it. The stage turned the text into an experience.
Q-6:| Is there a particular scene or moment in the play that will stay with you?
Ans:
Yes—the “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” soliloquy will stay with me long after the curtain falls. In that quiet, haunting moment, Macbeth isn’t a ruthless tyrant—he’s a broken man, facing the emptiness of his ambition and the meaninglessness of life. The way he delivers those lines, heavy with despair and regret, made time itself feel suspended.
It’s not just the poetry—it’s the raw human truth in his voice. That moment captured the essence of Macbeth: how power gained through blood leaves behind silence, not glory.
Q-7:|If you were the director,what changes would you consider making in a screening of the play performance adaptation of Macbeth?
Ans:
If I were the director…
If I were directing a performance of Macbeth, I would keep Shakespeare’s powerful language intact, but make subtle creative changes to deepen audience connection:
•Highlight Lady Macbeth’s unraveling:
I would add brief, silent visual scenes—her isolated, restless moments—to show her guilt even before the sleepwalking scene. This would make her descent into madness more gradual and tragic.
•Enhance the supernatural with atmosphere, not effects:
I’d use shadow play, whispering echoes, and rhythmic drumbeats to make the witches and their prophecies feel like a force of fate surrounding Macbeth, not just three eerie figures.
•Modern costume wi huth symbolic elements:
Instead of full historical costumes, I’d blend traditional and modern dress—using deep reds and blacks to symbolize blood, guilt, and ambition—without losing the timeless quality of the story.
• Focus on psychological tension:
I’d slow down key soliloquies with lighting shifts and pauses, letting the audience sit in the discomfort of Macbeth’s internal torment.
By doing this, I’d aim to keep Shakespeare’s core intact, while giving modern viewers a more visceral, emotional connection to the characters and their tragic downfall.
Q-8:| Symbolism of the scenes involving the witches in relation to Macbeth's ambitious actions and the plot of the play.
Ans:
Symbolism of the Witches’ Scenes in Macbeth:
The witches in Macbeth are powerful symbols representing fate, temptation, and chaos. Their scenes are mysterious and eerie, setting the dark, supernatural tone of the play from the very start.
•Agents of Fate and Prophecy:
The witches symbolize the idea that destiny is preordained. Their prophecy that Macbeth will become king plants the seed of ambition in him. They don’t tell him how to achieve it, but their words act as a catalyst, suggesting that Macbeth’s rise is “meant to be.”
•Temptation and Moral Ambiguity:
The witches’ cryptic and paradoxical statements (e.g., “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”) blur the lines between good and evil. This ambiguity reflects Macbeth’s own moral confusion as he wrestles with his conscience about murdering Duncan. The witches symbolize the seductive and dangerous nature of unchecked ambition.
•Chaos and Disorder:
Their supernatural presence heralds the disruption of natural order. As Macbeth’s ambition grows and he commits regicide, Scotland falls into political and moral chaos. The witches embody this disorder, linking their scenes directly to the tragic downfall that follows.
•Psychological Symbolism:
On a deeper level, the witches can be seen as manifestations of Macbeth’s inner desires and fears. Their prophecy awakens his darkest ambitions, pushing him toward destructive actions.
Multiple-choice Questions(MCQ):
Q:1 What is the genre of Shakespeare's play "Macbeth"?
a) comedy
b) Tragedy
c) Romance
d) History
Ans: B) Tragedy
Shakespeare's Macbeth is classified as a tragedy because it follows the classical elements of a tragic play:
Tragic Hero:
Macbeth, the protagonist, is a noble figure with a fatal flaw — ambition — which ultimately leads to his downfall.
Downfall and Death:
The play ends with Macbeth's destruction, a hallmark of tragic structure.
Catharsis:
Audiences experience a sense of emotional purging or catharsis as they watch Macbeth’s inner torment and the consequences of his actions.
•Themes of Fate, Guilt, and Moral Struggle:
These are common in tragedies and are central in Macbeth.
Though it contains supernatural elements and dramatic scenes, its structure, tone, and outcome clearly place it in the tragedy genre.
Q:2 Which of the following best describes Macbeth's tragic flaw?
a) Ambition
b)Kindness
c) Honesty
d) Patience
Ans:
a) Ambition
Macbeth’s tragic flaw is his unchecked ambition. While ambition itself isn’t inherently bad, in Macbeth, it drives him to murder King Duncan and commit other crimes to secure and maintain power. This desire for power at any cost ultimately leads to his mental deterioration, loss of morality, and eventual downfall.
•A key line that reveals Macbeth’s tragic flaw of ambition is:
> “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself / And falls on th’ other.”
— Act 1, Scene 7
In this moment, Macbeth is reflecting on why he wants to kill King Duncan. He admits that he has no just reason to do so — Duncan is a good king and relative. The only motivation Macbeth can find is his "vaulting ambition" — an ambition so intense that it overreaches itself and leads to disaster.
Q:3 The witches' prophecies play a significant role in Macbeth's downfall.What is the primary theme associated with these prophecies?
a) Love
b) Power
c) Justice
d) Friendship
Ans:
b) Power
The witches’ prophecies spark Macbeth’s ambition for power, which leads directly to his moral corruption and tragic downfall.
•When the witches greet him with:
> “All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter!”
— Act 1, Scene 3
They plant the idea of kingship in his mind. This prophecy triggers his obsession with gaining and keeping power, prompting him to murder King Duncan, then Banquo, and ultimately descend into tyranny and madness.
Q:4 Lady Macbeth 's sleepwalking scene is a turning point in the play.What emotion is she struggling with during this scene?
a) Joy
b) Fear
c) Guilt
d)Anger
Ans:
c) Guilt
In the sleepwalking scene (Act 5, Scene 1), Lady Macbeth is consumed by guilt over the murders she and Macbeth have committed. Her repeated hand-washing gesture and the famous line "Out, damned spot!" reveal her psychological torment and overwhelming remorse. This scene marks her mental and emotional breakdown.
Open - Ended Short Questions:
Q.-1.|Describe the symbolic significance of the opening scenes in Act I & IV involving the three witches in the play "Macbeth."
Ans:
•Act I, Scene 1 – Symbolism of the Witches:
1. Setting and Tone:
“Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches.”
Symbolism: The stormy weather reflects chaos, evil, and the unnatural forces about to disrupt Scotland.
2. Moral Inversion:
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
Symbolism: Introduces the theme of appearance vs. reality, showing how things that seem good (like the prophecy) are actually evil and destructive.
3. Role as Agents of Fate:
The witches symbolize fate and temptation, planting the seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind even before we meet him.
•Act IV, Scene 1 – Symbolism of the Witches
1. Dark Imagery and Supernatural Evil:
“Double, double toil and trouble; / Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.”
Symbolism: The witches' spellwork and grotesque ingredients (e.g., “eye of newt”) reflect unnatural evil, moral corruption, and chaos.
2. Manipulation Through Apparitions:
The witches conjure visions that twist the truth:
“None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.”
“Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until / Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill / Shall come against him.”
Symbolism: These riddles symbolize deceptive security—they manipulate Macbeth, making him overconfident and blind to real danger.
3. Fate vs. Free Will:
Though the witches reveal prophecies, their symbolic role is to tempt, not to command. Macbeth still chooses to act on their words.
Q:2. How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his moral deterioration throughout the play? Provide examples from the play to support your answer.
Ans.
1. Macbeth’s ambition is awakened by the witches’ prophecy
The witches predict Macbeth will be king:
> “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! / All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! / All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Act 1, Scene 3)
This prophecy plants the first seed of ambition in Macbeth, leading him to consider a future filled with power.
2. His ambition overcomes his moral hesitation
Macbeth initially resists killing Duncan:
> “We will proceed no further in this business: / He hath honour'd me of late” (Act 1, Scene 7)
However, his “vaulting ambition” overpowers his sense of loyalty:
> “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself” (Act 1, Scene 7)
3. After Duncan’s murder, Macbeth is consumed by guilt and fear
Immediately after killing Duncan, Macbeth feels deep remorse:
> “Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more! / Macbeth does murder sleep’” (Act 2, Scene 2)
His ambition drives him to continue killing to protect his throne, even though it destroys his peace of mind.
4. Macbeth commits more murders to secure his power
Fearing Banquo's heirs, he arranges Banquo’s murder:
> “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus. / Our fears in Banquo stick deep” (Act 3, Scene 1)
He later has Macduff’s wife and children slaughtered, showing how far he has fallen:
> “Give to the edge o' the sword / His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls” (Act 4, Scene 1)
5. His ambition blinds him to reality and leads to his downfall
Macbeth trusts the witches’ second set of prophecies and believes he is invincible:
> “None of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth” (Act 4, Scene 1)
This overconfidence causes his defeat and death in the final act.
6. By the end, Macbeth is emotionally numb and morally destroyed
He reflects on the futility of life:
> “I have supped full with horrors... / Life's but a walking shadow” (Act 5, Scene 5)
His ambition has turned him into a tragic figure — isolated, paranoid, and doomed.
Q: 3. In what ways does the motif of ‘blood’ serve as a symbol in "Macbeth"? Explain its significance in relation to guilt and violence. (‘Blood’ is mentioned around 40 times in the play).
Ans.
•Motif of ‘Blood’ in Macbeth
‘Blood’ is one of the most powerful recurring motifs in the play, symbolizing both physical violence and emotional guilt. Mentioned around 40 times, it evolves from a symbol of bravery and honor to one of murder, guilt, and moral decay.
1. Blood as a Symbol of Violence:
Early in the play, blood represents valor in battle.
“For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name – / Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, / Which smoked with bloody execution.” (Act 1, Scene 2)
•Here, blood signifies Macbeth’s heroic violence as a loyal soldier.
As Macbeth turns to murder, blood becomes symbolic of unlawful killing and cruelty.
“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 2)
•Macbeth realizes the permanence of his guilt after killing King Duncan. Blood here becomes the stain of moral corruption.
2. Blood as a Symbol of Guilt:
Lady Macbeth is haunted by blood in her sleepwalking scene.
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5, Scene 1)
• She imagines blood on her hands that she cannot wash away—symbolizing guilt that cannot be cleansed.
She also says:
“Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand."
• Even scent becomes a metaphor for lingering guilt.
3. Blood as a Symbol of Moral Consequences:
As the murders multiply, blood reflects the growing psychological toll.
“I am in blood / Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o’er.” (Act 3, Scene 4)
• Macbeth feels trapped in a cycle of violence, with blood marking the irreversibility of his actions.
Q:4. Discuss the impact of the supernatural elements, such as the witches and prophecies, on the plot and characters of "Macbeth."
Ans.
Supernatural Elements in Macbeth: Witches and Prophecies:
Supernatural elements play a central role in Macbeth, shaping the plot’s direction, influencing the characters’ decisions, and reinforcing key themes such as fate vs. free will, ambition, and moral corruption. Shakespeare uses the supernatural not just for dramatic effect, but as a catalyst for Macbeth’s psychological descent and the tragedy that follows.
1. The Witches as Agents of Fate and Temptation
The play opens with the three witches, immediately introducing a tone of mystery and evil.
They deliver the ambiguous prophecy:
“All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! / Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! / Hail to thee, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Act 1, Scene 3)
•Impact on Macbeth:
This prophecy plants the seed of ambition in Macbeth’s mind.
Though they never tell him to kill Duncan, their words tempt him to act on his own desires.
The witches serve as supernatural manipulators, using riddles and half-truths to guide Macbeth’s downfall.
2. Shaping the Plot Through Prophecy
The witches drive the initial turning point: Macbeth’s decision to murder Duncan.
Their second set of prophecies (Act 4, Scene 1) misleads Macbeth into false confidence:
“None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.”
“Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until / Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill / Shall come against him.”
•Impact on the Plot:
These cryptic predictions shape Macbeth’s decisions:
He becomes paranoid and tyrannical, ordering the murder of Banquo and Macduff’s family.
He believes himself invincible, leading to reckless overconfidence.
•Plot Irony:
The witches’ words come true in an unexpected way (Macduff was “from his mother’s womb untimely ripped,” and Birnam Wood "moves" when soldiers camouflage themselves with branches).
This dramatic irony highlights how the supernatural misleads Macbeth, while the audience sees the truth behind the deception.
3. Psychological Impact on Characters
Macbeth:
Becomes obsessed with the witches’ words, losing touch with reality.
Moves from a hesitant murderer to a ruthless tyrant, driven by supernatural temptation and his own ambition.
His visions (e.g., “Is this a dagger which I see before me” – Act 2, Scene 1) are influenced by the supernatural atmosphere,
their presence draws out Macbeth’s darkest ambitions.
Moral Disorder: The unnatural world (witches, ghosts, visions) reflects the breakdown of natural order caused by regicide and ambition.
Q:5. Compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. How do their personalities and motivations contribute to the unfolding of the tragedy?
Ans.
•Comparison and Contrast: Macbeth vs. Lady Macbeth
1. Personality Traits
Macbeth:
At the start: Brave, loyal, and honourable.
“For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name.” (Act 1, Scene 2)
Later becomes: Ambitious, paranoid, and morally unstable.
Struggles with conscience: “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition.” (Act 1, Scene 7)
Easily influenced, especially by his wife and the witches.
Lady Macbeth:
Initially: Strong-willed, ambitious, manipulative, and more ruthless than Macbeth.
“Look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5)
Challenges traditional gender roles: “Unsex me here.”
Later becomes: Guilt-ridden, emotionally fragile, and mentally broken.
2. Motivations
Macbeth:
Ambition is his driving force, triggered by the witches' prophecy.
He hesitates at first, showing internal conflict and moral hesitation.
Once he kills Duncan, ambition overpowers conscience. He spirals into further violence to secure his power.
Lady Macbeth:
Motivated by power and status, but lives through her husband’s success.
She pushes Macbeth into action when he falters:
“When you durst do it, then you were a man.” (Act 1, Scene 7)
Her motivation is intense but not sustained—she underestimates the psychological cost of murder.
3. Reaction to Guilt and Consequences
Macbeth:
Initially feels guilt (e.g., “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep”), but becomes increasingly desensitized.
Later murders (Banquo, Macduff’s family) are committed without remorse, showing his transformation into a tyrant.
Lady Macbeth:
Appears unaffected after Duncan’s murder: “A little water clears us of this deed.” (Act 2, Scene 2)
But guilt eventually consumes her:
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5, Scene 1)
She becomes haunted, mentally broken, and eventually dies off-stage, likely by suicide.
4. Contribution to the Tragedy
Together, they form a dangerous pair: Lady Macbeth initiates the murder, and Macbeth executes and escalates it.
Their reversed arcs—Macbeth becomes colder, Lady Macbeth becomes weaker—highlight the tragedy.
Their personal flaws—unchecked ambition, manipulation, and moral collapse—lead directly to their downfall and the destruction of Scotland’s order.
End of the play
Refrences:
1. Barad, Dilip. “Worksheet - Screening Shakespeare’s Macbeth.” ResearchGate,
2.Macbeth. Directed by Eve Best, Shakespeare's Globe,2013.
3.Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Project Gutenberg, 1998,
4. Macbeth Tragedy by William Shakespeare, Britannica
Thank you!
