Is Macbeth a sympathetic character? Do we feel sorry for him at any point during the play?
Archive for the ‘Themes’ Category
Sympathy
Posted in Themes on April 19, 2007 | 14 Comments »
Violence
Posted in Symbols, Themes on April 19, 2007 | 23 Comments »
Most violence is done off stage, however there are few key moments on stage: The murder of Banquo, the murder of Macduff’s son, and the death of Macbeth (he dies on stage, and his head is removed offstage). Why are these moments shown and others are not? For example: Duncan’s murder is a pretty big [...]
Good vs. Evil
Posted in Themes on April 18, 2007 | 9 Comments »
Many stories have this universal conflict at their heart—but in Macbeth are the ideas of good and evil clearly defined? Are there any characters who are truly “good,” and are there any characters who are totally “evil”?
Loyalty
Posted in Themes on April 18, 2007 | 10 Comments »
Is Macbeth loyal to anyone or anything beyond himself? Many people appear to be loyal (to Duncan, to Macbeth, to each other), but is there anyone in the play who exhibits true, uninhibited loyalty?
Bravery
Posted in Themes on April 18, 2007 | 4 Comments »
At many points throughout the play Macbeth completes impossible acts and fights against terrible odds; however, is he truly brave?
Lies vs. Honesty
Posted in Themes on April 18, 2007 | 3 Comments »
It seems that almost everyone, at some point, lies in this play. Are there any characters who are truly honest? Is lying sometimes necessary?
Guilt and Responsibility
Posted in Themes on April 18, 2007 | 7 Comments »
Is Macbeth truly responsible for all of his actions—does he choose his actions, does he allow himself to be influenced by others, or does he just blindly follow what others tell him to do?
Free Will vs. Destiny
Posted in Themes on April 18, 2007 | 4 Comments »
Was Macbeth destined to become king, or did this event take place because of his converstation with the witches? Would Macbeth have become king if he never met the witches? Did the prophecy make him king, or would it have happened regardless?
