Thesis topics for Macbeth
Name: ___________________________
British Literature, 5.0
Directions: below is a list of “focused” critical paper topics. Consider the guiding questions to help develop your thesis. Consider
the question: how does the author use _____________________ to communicate an idea?
Please write your draft of your thesis on the back page.
I.THEMES/LITERARY DEVICES
A. Good vs. Evil
Is this a moral play? Does “karma” win? What message is Shakespeare providing? Is justice served at the end of the play?
B. Fate/Free will
The supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth. To what extent does it motivate Macbeth's actions?
Do the witches (or weird sisters) control the events in the play? Why or why not?
C. Literary devices: motifs (blood!), light & dark imagery
Discuss the role that blood plays in Macbeth, particularly immediately following Duncan’s murder and late in the play.
What does it symbolize for Macbeth and his wife?
Violence and the bloodshed that results are important symbols. While the blood that is shed is a tangible reminder of the outcomes
of misused power, it also serves as an image that provokes Macbeth to reflect upon his deeds, even if he does not change his
behavior. Macbeth becomes obsessed with the blood on his hands. Unfortunately, this reminder of his guilt does not prevent him
from continuing violent acts.
II. POWER
A. Absolute corruption of power and or struggle for power
How do Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Macduff/Banquo exemplify the struggle for power? What does Shakespeare seem to be suggesting
about power and corruption?
B. Ambition:
Explore three characters & the way they act on their ambition. (Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Macduff, Banquo).
III. SUPERNATURAL
A. Witches, spells, ghosts
The supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth. To what extent does it motivate Macbeth's actions?
How does Shakespeare use supernatural elements in the play? How does Shakespeare characterize the witches? What is their thematic
significance?
B. The Role of Witches
Macbeth introduces an element of fantasy into the normal tragedy narrative through the characters of the witches. The witches are
important figures in the play, as their function is both to predict Macbeth’s fate and to signal to the reader what is to come. Far from
serving as a distracting element, the witches help focus the reader on some of the darker and more sinister aspects of the play.
Shakespeare’s use of this fantasy element is effective as a narrative technique.
Do the witches (or weird sisters) control the events in the play? Why or why not?
Does Shakespeare want us to believe that the witches are real, supernatural, and/or projections of Macbeth's
imagination?
III. CHARACTERIZATION
A. Male/female gender roles
Do gender roles actually have an impact upon the course of events in this play? (Consider, for example, the roles of Lady Macbeth
and Lady Macduff—and even the witches).
How do Macbeth & Lady Macbeth switch expected gender roles? How is she “male” in her behavior? How is Macbeth “female”?
What kind of marriage do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have? Do you think it is a good one? Why or why not?
B. The Role of Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is a complex character. Like many female characters, Lady Macbeth was cast into a role not entirely of her own
choosing; however, like her husband, she finds that once she is on the path of darkness, it is impossible for her to turn back. In fact,
Lady Macbeth becomes even more bloodthirsty than her husband, and she encourages him to use his power to perpetrate violence
against others. A character analysis of Lady Macbeth reveals that she is a complex character who adds depth to an otherwise
straightforward play about power.
How would you characterize Lady Macbeth? Does her appearance in the sleepwalking scene alter your perception of her from
previous scenes? Why or why not?
Is Lady Macbeth more responsible than Macbeth for the murder of King Duncan? Is Lady Macbeth a more evil character than her
husband and, if so, why?
C.Character development
Conscience/guilt: consider Macbeth’s, Lady Macbeth’s, Banquo, Macduff. How does their guilt (or conscience) drive their actions?
What are the devastating effects of guilt? How do the characters express their conscience?
D. Character foils: Macbeth vs. Macduff…Banquo
Compare and contrast Macbeth/Macduff, or Macbeth/Banquo. How are they alike? How are they different? Is it possible to argue
that Macbeth is the play’s villain and Macduff or Banquo its hero, or is the matter more complicated than that?
E. Macbeth as a tragic hero
How is Macbeth an example of a Shakespearean tragic hero? What is his tragic flaw and how does it affect the events of the play?
Examine Macbeth's mental deterioration throughout the play.
Who is responsible for Macbeth’s downfall? (The witches, Lady Macbeth and/or Macbeth himself?)
F. Macbeth - Tragic Hero or Tyrant
Macbeth is the central character in the play who is described as both “brave Macbeth” and “butcher Macbeth.” Which of
these descriptions fits Macbeth best?
Macbeth changes from a loyal heroic warrior, to 'hell hound.' Before he dies he regains some of his earlier stature. Macbeth is
therefore a masterfully crafted tragic hero, far more than a simple tyrant.
Part II: Below, write your rough draft of your thesis statement. Be sure to write a persuasive argument and provide three
subtopics. BE SURE TO SUBMIT WHEN IT IS DUE TO RECEIVE CREDIT.
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Part III: Notes/edits (please leave blank for peer/teacher comments).
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Avoid phrases: In the play Macbeth; Throughout the play; Macbeth shows; Lady Macbeth shows…