Macbeth Universal Theme Essay

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Shakespeare is known for telling stories with universal themes. In the well-known play Macbeth, a few of these universal themes are used. For example, ambition, guilt, things not being what they seem, and fate versus free will. These themes really give the play a relatable factor. Ambition is the strong desire to achieve something. In the play Macbeth ambition is exhibited through many of the characters. For example, in one scene Macbeth was second guessing killing King Duncan. To encourage him, Lady Macbeth says, “We, fail? If you get your courage up, we can’t fail.” (I, vii, 59-61) Her ambition in this scene is ruthless for the fact that she wants Macbeth to be king. As the play goes on Macbeths real ambition starts to show as well. He proceeds to killing the king so he can then become king. This theme exhibits through the characters as they start to accomplish what they must …show more content…
This theme is exhibited a great quantity throughout the play. I feel that this whole play is based around this theme. For instance, when Macbeth is told by the witches of his future fate he says, “If fate wants me to be king, perhaps fate will just make it happen and I won’t have to do anything.” (I, III, 146-148) This is where Macbeth really questions whether or not to kill Duncan. He can’t decide if he wants fate to take its course, or if he wants to take matters into his own hands. Another example of fate versus free will is when Macbeth kills Banquo. This interfered with Banquo’s fate because he was supposed to have descendants that were to become king. Fate versus free will is a powerful theme by the way it is used in the play. In conclusion, Shakespeare wrote 37 plays. In these 37 plays there are many themes throughout. The themes used in Macbeth are just a few of many he used. These themes give each play a relatable
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