Book Cover

Macbeth

Save:
Find on Amazon

'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare is a classic tragedy that delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, guilt, and the consequences of seeking power for its own sake. The story follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, who is driven by prophecies to commit murder in order to fulfil his ambitions, ultimately leading to his downfall. The play is known for its dramatic and intense plot, supernatural elements, and memorable characters like Lady Macbeth and the three witches.

Characters:

Characters are complex and morally ambiguous, with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as central figures embodying ambition and guilt, while the witches introduce themes of fate.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characteristically Shakespearean, utilizing iambic pentameter and rich imagery, while exploring deep psychological tensions.

Plot/Storyline:

The storyline involves the tragic downfall of a hero driven by ambition, leading to murder and madness, ultimately showcasing the destructive consequences of power and greed.

Setting:

The setting is a grim medieval Scotland, characterized by castles and dark themes, along with supernatural elements that enhance the mood.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, with rapid developments following pivotal events, maintaining tension throughout the narrative.
A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her lap, And munch'd, and munch'd, and munch'd:— 'Give me,' quoth I: 'Aroint thee, witch!' the rump-fed ronyon cries. Her husband's to Aleppo gone, master o' the Tiger...

Notes:

Macbeth is considered Shakespeare's darkest tragedy.
It explores themes of greed, ambition, fate, and moral corruption.
The play features three witches, or 'weird sisters,' who prophesy Macbeth's rise to power.
Macbeth initially is a loyal subject, fighting for King Duncan before the influence of the witches.
Lady Macbeth plays a crucial role in pushing Macbeth towards regicide, showcasing a complex interplay of ambition and guilt.
The phrase 'Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble' is one of the play's most famous lines, spoken by the witches.
Macbeth's ambition leads him to murder not only Duncan but others including his friend Banquo.
The play is often viewed as a commentary on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral ramifications of one's actions.
Lady Macbeth eventually succumbs to madness, overwhelmed by guilt, which culminates in her tragic end.
The play raises questions about fate versus free will, as Macbeth's downfall seems to be set in motion by the witches' prophecies, yet he actively chooses to act on them.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The play contains themes of murder, insanity, and violent actions, as well as mentions of suicide and graphic depictions of violence.

From The Publisher:

Dark and violent, Macbeth is also the most theatrically spectacular of Shakespeare's tragedies.

Promised a golden future as ruler of Scotland by three sinister witches, Macbeth murders the king to ensure his ambitions are realized. But he soon learns the meaning of terror - killing once, he must kill again and again, and the dead return to haunt him. A story of war and witchcraft, Macbeth also explores the relationship between husband and wife, and the risks they are prepared to take to achieve their desires.

Ratings (72)

Incredible (14)
Loved It (31)
Liked It (16)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (3)

Reader Stats (104):

Read It (87)
Want To Read (12)
Not Interested (5)

6 comment(s)

Loved It
1 month

4.25

 
Incredible
2 months

I read this play as a preparation for the book Macbeth by Jo Nesbo. I've really enjoyed reading Shakespeare's plays but this is most likely my favorite. Even if it was written in the page I could really imagine what happen in my head so vividly. It had everything, drama, action and let's not forget about the witches. I never wanted to see a play so badly as this one and I really hope the retailing book is as engaging as the play!

 
Loved It
6 months

Exciting play that focuses on guilt

 
8 months

DNF @ 75%.

I thought I might be able to do an audiobook for a play since, after all, plays are written to be performed, but nope: despite the wonderful cast, I'm barely able to follow it, not retaining any of it, and not particularly enjoying it. Ah well.

 
Liked It
9 months

probably one of the most quotable of shakey's plays imo. out damn spot

 
Loved It
1 year

An absolute classic, reflecting the consequences of greed, whilst equally balancing the feeling of guilt.

 

About the Author:

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, in 1564. The date of his birth is not known but is traditionally 23 April, St George's Day. Aged 18, he married a Stratford farmer's daughter, Anne Hathaway. They had three children. Around 1585 William joined an acting troupe on tour in Stratford from London, and thereafter spent much of his life in the capital. A member of the leading theatre group in London, the Chamberlain's Men, which built the Globe Theatre and frequently performed in front of Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare wrote 36 plays and much poetry besides. He died in 1616.

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.