Macbeth
William Shakespeare
Contributed by Sharon Fleming
Overview
Author
William Shakespeare
Year Published
1606
Type
Play
Genre
Tragedy
Perspective and Narrator
Macbeth uses drama and literary techniques fleshed out in the play to explore key themes of the fallenness of man, ambition for power and also delves into themes of gender roles. Macbeth's downfall is a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked ambition .
Tense
NA
About the Title
Macbeth is similar to Hamlet, except while Hamlet’s reasoning and drive for overtaking the position of the throne are defensible to an extent (i.e. as revenge for his father), Macbeth possesses a more nefarious and greedy motive, and both of these characters are arguably moved by supernatural phenomena (witches, ghosts). Further, the idea of a self-fulfilling prophecy in the sets of predictions that the witches give Macbeth and the way in which he chooses to fulfill a prophecy show the true nature of Macbeth.
Diagrams
replay Summary

This study guide offers a comprehensive perspective on and analysis into Shakespeare’s classic work, Macbeth. Discover Studypool's infographics, in-depth chapter summaries, literary analyses, thematic overviews, and commentary which allows students and educators quick and thorough accessibility into the different aspects of this influential work.
account_circle Characters

info_outline
Have study documents to share about Macbeth? Upload them to earn free Studypool credits!