ipl-logo

The Thematic Message Of Integrity In Macbeth

989 Words4 Pages
In the tragedy Macbeth, illustrated by William Shakespeare is about Macbeth and his lack of integrity which leads to him murdering the King of Scotland Duncan. Shakespeare has demonstrated the thematic message of integrity where one’s lust for power and at large ambition leads to the destruction of himself and others. Three significant scenes were elaborated in order to demonstrate Macbeths integrity; Act 1 scene 2, Act 1 scene 7 and Act 5 scene 7 were the scenes. Throughout the play Shakespeare has successfully used literary devices to construct and develop the thematic message relating to Integrity in Macbeth.
This concept of Macbeths lust for power and at large ambition is first conveyed in Act 1 scene 2. Firstly, Shakespeare conveys these ideas by using phrases such as "Valour 's minion" (the servant of Courage) and "Bellona 's bridegroom" (the husband of War) which exemplify Macbeths heroism which is effective as it sets the Kings critique of Macbeths integrity (2016 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). In Macbeth one of the very first lines a captain announces a speech to King Duncan about ‘brave’ Macbeth saying, “For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name—Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution, like valour’s minion carved out his passage” (1.2.16-19). At first glimpse it is highly evident that Macbeth is a loyal man to the King this is better explained by the epithet that has been used in order to portray Macbeth; as things like
Show More
Related
1077 Words | 5 Pages

In the play, Macbeth, there are numerous themes that can be seen in present-day entertainment. However, Shakespeare has an intricate way of displaying these themes in his pieces. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tragic story that gives the visualization of a fallen hero who is taken over by greed and is utterly stopped. In Macbeth, he displays the theme of “Ambition” throughout the story as Macbeth drives for power and glory eventually leading to his beheading.

Read More
357 Words | 2 Pages

In Scene 7 Act 1 of Macbeth, Integrity of each character were displayed throughout. Macbeth had possessed a high integrity to his master at first but it was quickly changed to low integrity due to the motivation of his wife. Shakespeare used diction in the text to display integrity of Macbeth throughout this scene. Throughout, Macbeth displayed a Low Integrity, Macbeth couldn’t resist the idea of killing the king and Which is why he felled into his wife’s corrupted plans.

Read More
706 Words | 3 Pages

Throughout the play Lady Macbeth has a great influence upon Macbeth’s decisions, including the one which begins all the bloodshed, daring Macbeth, “Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem[?]” (1.7.41). Lady Macbeth invigorates and changes Macbeth’s attitude from unwilling and ambiguous about murdering Duncan to “settled, and bend up...to this terrible feat” by using pathos, demonstrating that Macbeth chooses evil because of the flawed influence of Lady Macbeth who is leading him down to a tragic alley.

Read More
232 Words | 1 Pages

Readers of Macbeth can look at him from different perspectives; a troubled man who fell to the dark side, or an arrogant, power hungry man who got what he deserved at the end. Macbeth by William Shakespeare tells the story about a man who was so desperate for power that he was willing to do anything to keep it. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is considered a war hero and along with his then friend, Banquo, is called upon by three witches who tell him he will be the next king. His wife, Lady Macbeth, is a power hungry figure who convinces him to kill King Duncan, to fulfill his prophecies.

Read More
1158 Words | 5 Pages

Macbeth’s integrity becomes undone in Act two, Scene two, consequently, the complete destruction of his honour is delivered in a killing blow in Act Five, Scene eight. Firstly, in Act one, Scene two, Macbeth beholds as a man of integrity; which displayed through the literary devices Shakespeare used to emphasise his nobility in battle. By first exploring the mayhem of combat utilising a metaphor, Shakespeare advances to express the fulsome bravery of Macbeth as a warrior to the King. “Doubtful it stood, as two spent swimmers that do cling together and choke their art,” (1.2.7-9).

Read More
1155 Words | 5 Pages

Macbeth Study Guide This response will analyze and evaluate the thematic messages regarding integrity that Shakespeare constructs through his use of literary devices and stylistic features. This essay will address the play Macbeth and the aspects regarding integrity such as representations or changes, character constructions along with their perspectives, and social/cultural beliefs and their expectations. In addition to this, the ways ideas, attitudes and values underpin the play will be discussed, the perspectives and representations of concepts, identities, times and places will also be examined through the use of aesthetic features in the play.

Read More
801 Words | 4 Pages

Ultimately, Macbeth’s actions answer the essential questions of Shakespearean tragedies, namely, “What is a man? Of what is he capable? What are his moral…limits?” (Ramsey 285). Illustrating his answer through Macbeth’s downfall, Shakespeare shows exactly what man can become without morals; specifically, Shakespeare asserts that the loss of morality causes damage that cannot be undone.

Read More
1560 Words | 7 Pages

Miya Cate Ms. Junqueira English 2 11 May 2023 Trust and Politics PART 1: INTRODUCTION Trust can often influence the actions and behaviors of people, forcing them to make smart or illogical choices. It is a feeling people rely on when they do not know what to do because it is so instinctual. The idea of trust and the role it plays in our society is intriguing because it can lead to the smallest decisions that have the largest consequences. The concept of trust occurs frequently in the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Macbeth, who is the protagonist, is a powerful thame to the king of Scotland, Duncan.

Read More
672 Words | 3 Pages

The Tragedy of Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare set in Scotland about a murderous and vehement king who spirals on a path of destruction as he suffers from the consequences of determining his own fate. The predominant theme portrayed throughout the play is honor vs. loyalty. This is represented through the identification, actions, and quotes of numerous characters. To introduce the theme of honor vs. disloyalty, the characters Banquo and Macbeth exemplify traits that are equivalent with the moral of the story.

Read More
824 Words | 4 Pages

At the beginning of William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ the protagonist Macbeth is described as ‘brave’, ‘noble’ and ‘honourable’, however Lady Macbeth’s and Macbeths desire for power consumes them. Macbeth’s ambition overrides his conscience and transformed his greatest strength into his greatest weakness. Macbeth’s inability to resist temptations that led him to be greedy for power, Macbeth’s easily manipulative nature which allowed his mind to be swayed, Macbeth having no self control and his excessive pride was what allowed him to renew his previously honourable and celebrated title into one of an evil ‘tyrant’. Macbeth is led by the prophecies of the witches after they foretell he will become the Thane of Cawdor. Not only the witches, but also his wife easily manipulate Macbeth as she attacks his manhood in order to provoke him to act on his desires.

Read More
887 Words | 4 Pages

Trust is what makes the world go round. Without trust, people wouldn’t know how to live. Sometimes trust can cause a person’s downfall. In Macbeth, trust fools plenty of citizens in Scotland. Although some people may become skeptical too quickly, people should be careful who they trust because people can have bad intentions and betray each other no matter what.

Read More
630 Words | 3 Pages

What seemed like a fearless soldier soon would have his life turned around by his own innocent ambition that furthermore evolved into blinding greed, need for power, and selfishness. This soldier was Macbeth, he didn 't realize the toll this had on his mental health and others. Macbeth had many distinct layers to him that he personally didn 't know he acquired over the course of time. This is what you 'd call a complex character, one who can 't be cognized yet till you fully get to know their mindset and thoughts. Traditionally this would be a great way to describe Macbeth, throughout this book readers slowly started to comprehend his intentions and actions .

Read More
230 Words | 1 Pages

In the play Macbeth written by Shakespeare many different themes can be revealed throughout the play. Betrayal has different definitions like one friend going against another for their own gain. The theme of betrayal is illustrated in Macbeth actions to murder King Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff leaving his family. Macbeth demonstrates betrayal by killing King Duncan.

Read More
577 Words | 3 Pages

In his greed, or desire to fulfill the prophecy, Macbeth murders several people, including King Duncan and Macbeth’s own friend Banquo. As he is trying to talk himself out of murder, he says, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’er leaps itself and falls on the other” ,(Act 1 Scene 7 Shakespeare 62). Then Macbeth realizes that greed is his only motivator, yet he continues to pursue the thrown. The theme ambition plays a big role in Macbeth testing Macbeth disloyalty. Macbeth said to himself, “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires”, (Act 1 Scene 4 Shakespeare 48) “Stars, hide your fires” is personification.

Read More
426 Words | 2 Pages

Humans are known for being insightful and looking into their soul, asking questions and exploring philosophy. One of the greater philosophical questions is how to be a moral person. These questions prompt many stories. One such story is Macbeth, a Shakespearean play about a corrupt Scottish king who becomes a murderer to achieve power. Macbeth teaches us that to be a moral person, one must not let their desires control them.

Read More

More about The Thematic Message Of Integrity In Macbeth

Related Topics

Open Document