129 Macbeth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best macbeth topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on macbeth, 📌 most interesting macbeth topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about macbeth, ❓ macbeth essay questions.

Writing an essay on Shakespearean tragedies may be tricky for some students. There are a lot of ideas to put in your paper, and that may puzzle you. That’s why we’ve prepared a short guide on how to write Macbeth essay.

Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare based on the true story of Scottish king Macbeth. The play tells us about a Scottish general who heard a prophecy from a trio of witches and decided to bring predictions to fulfillment. This is a drama about the jeopardy of excessive lust for power and betrayal of friends.

Some researchers state that William Shakespeare adopted the plot from Holinshed’s Chronicles, a popular history of England, while others argue that the plot of the play was borrowed from George Buchanan. Before you start your Macbeth essay, you should do thorough research on facts and fiction around the play.

To give you ideas on how and what to write in your essay, check the tips below:

  • Check our Macbeth essay samples to acquire knowledge on characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, Banquo, Malcolm, Macduff, Three Witches, and others. Each character is unique, and it’s quite easy to write a paper on each of them. Make a meticulous analysis of each of them, if you decide to write an essay on Macbeth characters. Use dialogues and monologues as supporting arguments to your ideas.
  • In your Macbeth essay introduction provide readers with the thesis statement and a summary you’re going to discuss in the paper. Specify what exactly you will depict or analyze. Sometimes, you may need to write the intro after you finish the body and already have done an in-depth analysis of text and critique materials.
  • When writing body paragraphs, describe the essay topic in detail. Start each section with a short statement, provide a supporting quote, explain it, and make a conclusion. You can always analyze IvyPanda Macbeth essay titles to learn various points of view on each character and event.
  • In the Macbeth essay conclusion, reiterate a topic and your analysis. You should not only summarize the information you’ve gathered and analyzed in the paper body. You have to get back to the intro and provide clear and extensive answers on the questions you raised. Try not to leave any further questions for your readers. Here’s the secret: some professors read the conclusion first. So make it persuasive and give a complete portion of information.

You may be wondering how to use essay examples that you may find on our website. It is super easy. First of all, look through the titles to get some topic ideas.

Then, look through the sample and learn how to create your outline. Think about what you can write in your essay. Check the bibliography: there you can find useful sources for the research.

Indeed, any paper on Shakespeare’s play may concern a variety of topics. So check out our Macbeth essay examples and think of the topics which you can choose.

  • Dramatic Irony in Macbeth Essay Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to amuse the audience and to show the level of deception developed by the main character. The porter gives a clear picture of what is about to happen.
  • Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The betrayer, Macbeth betrays the King, friend and other subjects in the kingdom. However when Macbeth is told he has just been chosen as the Thane of Cawdor, scenes of the possibilities of him as […]
  • The Use of Hands as a Motif in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The play presents readers with the world of royalty and the well-knit state; the world of Duncan, his two sons, Banquo, Macbeth and the whole of Scotland and England.
  • William Shakespeare: Hamlet and Macbeth It is important to examine the role that the setting plays in Hamlet and Macbeth in relation to the tragic flaw and developments of the plot.
  • Unchecked Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” However, in Act 1, scenes 1 to 4, the audience is introduced to Macbeth’s increasing fear and the developing desire to be the king. It appears that the desire to be the king overrides his […]
  • Supernatural Elements of Act I and II in Macbeth In the play, the supernatural things are central to the plot of the play as they provide a basis for action as Shakespeare meant them to fit in putting the play together.
  • Concept of Power in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” While The government is the system that makes laws and ensures that they are followed, it is the person who wields power who is responsible for the equality and impartiality of its enforcement.
  • Macbeth & Frankenstein: Compare & Contrast In the being of the play, we assume that Macbeth is akin to the king, a loyal soldier, and a person “full of the milk of human kindness”.
  • The Downfall of Macbeth Nonetheless, he goes on to murder the king and his character takes a turn for the worst as he kills the chamberlains who would give witness of the king’s death and he claims he killed […]
  • Emotions and Outward Actions in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” In this regard, in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the relationship of inward emotions and outward actions is relevant in fully conveying the interplay of themes in this tragedy.
  • British Literature: Beowulf vs. Macbeth They are as follows: the presentation of the heroes, the consideration of the ethical themes, and the final stages of the plays the latter help to draw some ethical conclusions based on the peculiarity of […]
  • “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: Language and Tropes Typically, ‘the end of something means the onset of another.’ Using this as a viewpoint that provides a lead to what Macbeth is all about, the fact that ‘we will proceed no further in this […]
  • Comparison of the Opening Scene of Macbeth by Orson Welles and The Tragedy of Macbeth by Roman Polanski The opening scene of The Tragedy of Macbeth starts with the words “fair is foul and foul is fair” that Polanski takes from the end of the Shakespeare’s scene.
  • The “Macbeth” Film by Rupert Goold While Shakespeare’s play happened in the 11th century in Scotland, the movie’s design is more similar to the events of the 20th century. Corresponding to the era of the first half of the 20th century, […]
  • Literary Character Analysis of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The very reason that made me write about this character was how he is depicted as a hero in the opening pages of the play, and only to learn how weak he is from his […]
  • Shakespeare Tragedies: Macbeth and King Lear At the beginning of the play, he decides to abdicate his throne and divide his kingdom among his three daughters. This choice eventually undermines the ethical integrity of this character, and he murders murder to […]
  • Macbeth Versions Comparison Film Analysis The use of classic settings in the design of the play helps in portraying the role that gangsters play in the original play of Macbeth and helps present it in the modern world.
  • Omens in The “Macbeth” Play by William Shakespeare The supernatural was an aspect of the plot structure used to add tension and drama to the occurrences and situations and manifested in various ways. To conclude, the owl and raven were utilized as omens […]
  • The Play “Macbeth” by Shakespeare and the Film “Maqbool” by Bhardwaj Bhardwaj’s Maqbool is a great example of how the weather sets the tone for the story, it is not the backdrop in the film, but an active force expressing the psychological state of the characters.
  • Macbeth and Hamlet Characters Comparison The queens in Hamlet and Macbeth play a pivotal role in the life of the heroes of the play. She is portrayed as a mother who, in her awareness of Hamlet’s crisis, feels guilty and […]
  • Character Analysis of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare The unplanned overnight stay of King Duncan and his entourage at Macbeth’s castle precipitates Macbeth’s first fateful decision: to murder King Duncan and clear the way for the witches’ prophecy to come true.
  • The Life and Work of William Shakespeare: His Contribution to the Contemporary Theater In addition, the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare continue to set the standard for the study of the English language in its dramatic context in institutes of higher learning and performance training.
  • Characters’ Traits in Shakespeare’s Macbeth As weird as it might sound, Lady Macbeth is very emotional; as a matter of fact, the crimes that she committed can be attributed to her emotionality rather than her greed, though the latter has […]
  • Drama Macbeth: Shakespeare’s Play and Wells’ Film However, the play communicates the meaning of the text in a better way as compared to the film by Orson Wells.
  • Supernatural in “Macbeth” Play by Shakespeare The supernaturally manufactured predictions lure Macbeth and Banquo with the idea of power, leading Macbeth to plot the cruel murder of Duncan.
  • Jeffrey R. Wilson: Macbeth and Criminology The genre of tragedy used in Macbeth poses the question to the reader: who is responsible for committing a crime – the individual or the society?
  • Intro to Theatre: “Macbeth” Shakespeare’s theatrical performances are widespread all over the world and do not lose their relevance, both due to the problems raised by the playwright and the various interpretations of his works. One of such plays is the production of Macbeth directed by Bodinetz (2020) and created by the troupe of Digital Theater +. The performance […]
  • The Story of Macbeth by W. Sheakspeare: Relationship and Strengths Between Macbeth and His Wife Lady Macbeth reads a letter her husband had written about the witches’ prophecy and manipulates him to kill King Duncan and take over the kingdom.
  • Analyzing the Adaptation of the Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Furthermore, the names of all the characters in both films are the same except for a little twist in the spelling of names like Mcbeth and Mcduff.
  • Shakespeare and His View on Kingship: Macbeth, King Lear and Othello At the same time, it is beyond doubt in the basement Macbeth’s character is clean and as a soldier, he is true to his job and his king.
  • Representing the Heroic: Macbeth and Odysseus In Homer’s Odyssey, the noble nature of the hero is made clear in the way that his servants speak of him and strive to behave as he would expect.
  • Analysis of Characters in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The witches’ predictions spark Macbeth’s ambitions and then hearten his violent performance; Lady Macbeth offers the brains and the will behind her husband’s intrigues; and the only heavenly being to emerge is Hecate, the divinity […]
  • Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Macbeth The world of Macbeth is a world of contradiction. Already a successful soldier in the army of King Duncan, Macbeth is informed by Three Witches that he is to become “Thane of Glamis!”, “Thane of […]
  • Shakespearean Macbeth as a Tragic Hero In addition to fighting for his king, Macbeth is quickly and well rewarded for his efforts as King Duncan makes him the new Thane of Cawdor in addition to his already holding the title of […]
  • Shakespear’s “Macbeth”: Main Character Change Analysis Macbeth is essentially the story of a character who lives his life in a state of confusion to the degree that the only constant in his life changes.
  • Chaucer’s ‘Miller’s Tale’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale and in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to be more exact, we will find out how the notion of poetic justice is represented by examples of the main characters of the works mentioned.
  • An Explication on Shakespeare’s Macbeth However, Macbeth’s wife is murdered and the news is broken to him, and he is drifted into a life of futility and remorsefulness.
  • Literary Elements in “Macbeth” Poem In addition, use of Symbolism imagery and symbolism creates a better picture in audience mind, concerning the themes that the play covers; such as where dark is used to represent evil.
  • King Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Play and History He proved to be a courageous man and ambitious because he wanted to become the king, and the only way he could do it was by killing the king.
  • Themes in the Tragedy of Macbeth by Shakespeare The character of Macbeth is used by Shakespeare to illustrate a man who lacks the strength of moral fiber under the affection of guilt and ambition.
  • Macbeth: An Analysis of the Play by Shakespeare Macbeth’s treachery springs from his reliance to the witches who gave him prophecy that results in his endless creation of enemies.
  • Oedipus King vs. Macbeth: Drama Comparison The concept reflects the foundation of the decent authority through showing the tendencies of power both in the ancient times and in the period of Renaissance.
  • Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus” The idea of a person being in the center of the action and trying to overcome some problems connected with doom, fate and some other supernatural forces become peculiar to this kind of art.
  • Macbeth by Shakespeare and Oedipus by Sophocles Comparison In Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth, we have the three witches who greet him and inform him that he is to become the “Thane of Cawdor,” the title that he will receive that evening, […]
  • Shakespeare Literature: Prophecy and Macbeth Morality The divination made by the witches pushes Macbeth further into immorality as he is made to believe that he deserves the position of king. In addition, Macbeth abandons reason and morality so as to make […]
  • Power and Evocation of Horror: The Macbeth Witches’ Chant Among them are the rhymes, the rhythm of the words, the interpolation of a chorus, the increasing complexity of the lines as the poem progresses, and the vivid and horrifying imagery.
  • Philosophy of Literature: Shakespearean Tragedy In addition, it is also an indication of the facts that human beings are always nosy and ready to participate in other people’s issues.
  • The Ambitions and Immoral Decision in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Analyzing Macbeth’s Conscience Throughout Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • Murder and Power in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • Unprincipled Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Use of Supernatural to Create Suspense in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Psychological Victimization of William Shakespeare’s Protagonist in “Macbeth”
  • Responsibility for Planning to Kill Duncan in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Dramatic Techniques to Create a Sense That Macbeth Is Not in Control of His Own Thoughts and Deeds
  • An Analysis of Jam-Packed With Malfeasance and Darkness in the Play “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
  • The Application of Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Witches, Supernatural, and Evil in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Banquet Scene of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Analyzing Macbeth’s Weak Character in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Ambition Often Results in Greed as Portrayed in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Psychoanalytical Criticism of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Women as The Driving Action of the Play in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • William Shakespeare’s Manipulation of the Audience Through “Macbeth”
  • Suspense and the Supernatural in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Sharing the Blame in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Macbeth’s Tragic Downfall in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Characterization of Macbeth in Relation to the Development of Scotland in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Role Reversal in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • The Butcher and His Fiend Like Queen in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Supernatural Forces Create a Suspense Atmosphere in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Archetypal Tragic Hero Characteristics of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus”
  • An Analysis of Macbeth as a Victim of Circumstances in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Power, Ambition, and Treason in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Breakdown of Lady Macbeth in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Unbridled Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Art of Appeasement and the Political, Religious, and Social Issues Reflected in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Parallels Between Macbeth and Satan in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Some of the Ways in Which Shakespeare Portrays an Atmosphere of Evil in “Macbeth”
  • An Analysis of Lady Macbeth’s Character in “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
  • The Blood Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Macbeth’s Representation of Ambition in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Attract of Wicked in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Manipulations, Greed, and Guilt in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • Stereotypical Images of Women in “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
  • Symbolism and Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Subjective Reality to the Viewer in the Play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • The Betrayal of Human Nature in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Treatment of Gender Disruption in William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “Macbeth”
  • Significance of Act Four Scene One in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Role of Women in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Recurring Images in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Similarities Between the Philosophies From Machiavelli’s “The Prince” and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Aristotelian Standards of a Tragic Hero in the Tragedy of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Struggles of the Conscience in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • The Battle Between Good and Evil in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Sleep and Its Meaning in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Relationship Between Spouses in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • A Musical Analysis of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • What Did Macbeth’s Character, Words, and Actions Show About Changes in His Character?
  • Who Are the Women in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • When Power Falls Into the Wrong Hands in “Macbeth”?
  • Why Are the Period and Place Important in “Macbeth”?
  • What Makes William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” a Pessimistic Play?
  • How Ambitions and Immoral Decision Play a Part in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • How and Why Does Macbeth Turn a War Hero Into an Evil Murderer?
  • Did the Three Witches Push Macbeth to Kill Duncan?
  • What Are the Attitudes Towards Gender Can Be Seen in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • What Part Does the Supernatural Play in “Macbeth”?
  • Was Macbeth Responsible for His Downfall?
  • Does Shakespeare Present Lady Macbeth as Good or Evil?
  • Can One Feel Pity for Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • What Dramatic Techniques Are Used in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • How Did Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s Relationship Change Throughout the Play?
  • What Did Macbeth Say About Good and Evil?
  • Does Shakespeare Present Lady Macbeth as Fiend-Like?
  • Does Macbeth Have Power?
  • How Did Macbeth Turn From “Nobel Macbeth” to “A Bloody Butcher”?
  • What Does Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Have to Say About Kingship?
  • Did Macbeth Suffer From Fate?
  • What Are the Character Traits of Lady Macbeth?
  • Does Macbeth Have Free Will?
  • What Are the Influences of the Witches’ Prophecies on Macbeth’s Actions?
  • How Are the Themes of Appearance and Reality Presented in “Macbeth”?
  • How Are Characters Presented as Disturbed in “Macbeth”?
  • Was Macbeth Considered the Tragic Hero of the Play?
  • How Did Lady Macbeth and Witches Change?
  • What Are the Differences and Similarities Between “Medea” and “Macbeth” Plays?
  • What Factors Lead Macbeth to Kill Duncan?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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30 Macbeth Essay Topics

Most commonly assigned as required reading for high school and college students, Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. The play is set in medieval Scotland and chronicles the rise and fall of its eponymous protagonist, Macbeth, who murders his way to the throne but is ultimately undone by his ambition and paranoia.

While Macbeth can be a challenging read, it is also one of the most rewarding, offering a complex and multi-layered exploration of themes like ambition, morality, and fate.

If you are tasked with writing an essay on Macbeth, there are many possible essay writing formats you can use to analyze, compare, summarize, and discuss the play. This guide will walk you through writing a Macbeth essay and provide 30 Macbeth essay topics to get you started on your next writing assignment.

Argumentative Essay Writing for Macbeth

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that asks you to take a position on a given issue or question. Argumentative essays are common assignments in high school and college, especially in literature courses.

In an argumentative essay about Macbeth, you will take one position on one of the play’s many themes and argue for your interpretation using specific evidence from the text.

Argumentative essay topics for Macbeth need to include both sides of the argument and should be framed as a question. For example, “Is Macbeth a tragic hero?” or “What is the role of gender in Macbeth?”

Once you have chosen your topic, you will need to find evidence from the play to support your position. Be sure to cite specific lines and passages from the text as evidence in your essay.

Comparative Essay Writing for Macbeth

Comparative essays ask you to compare and contrast two or more things such as characters, themes, motifs, plot elements, etc. A comparative essay about Macbeth can take many different forms, but one common approach is to compare the characters of Macbeth and Banquo.

When writing a comparative essay about Macbeth and Banquo, you will want to consider how they are similar and different. What motivates them? How do they react to the events of the play? Are they good or evil? You can also compare and contrast other pairs of characters, such as Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff or Duncan and Malcolm.

Persuasive Essay About Macbeth

In a persuasive essay, your goal as the writer is to convince your reader to agree with your position on a given issue or question. Like an argumentative essay, you will want to use evidence from the play to support your claims.

When writing a persuasive essay about Macbeth, you can take a position on anything from whether or not Macbeth is a tragic hero to what motivates the characters in the play.

Unlike an argumentative essay on Macbeth, a persuasive essay about the play will need to be heavily opinionated to make a convincing argument. Be sure to take a clear and definitive stance on your chosen topic, and use specific evidence from the play to support your claims.

Narrative Essay About Macbeth

A narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story. In a narrative essay about Macbeth, you will be asked to recount and describe an event or series of events from the play. Your goal in a narrative essay is not to take a position or argue a point but simply to tell the story in an engaging and interesting way.

Formatting Citations for a Macbeth Essay

Since you will need to cite directly from the play to back up the arguments and comparisons drawn from the play, it’s essential to understand the correct formatting for quotations from Macbeth.

If you are asked to write in MLA formatting (standard at most educational institutions), each quotation will need to be ended with the speaker’s name in italics, followed by the act, scene number, and line number(s) in parentheses.

For example:

“…Creeps in this petty pace from day to day” ( Macbeth 5.5.17-28).

If the quoted text is more than one line, be sure to separate each verse with a forward slash as follows:

“To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day” ( Macbeth 5.5.17-28).

If the quoted text is part of a conversation, use block quotations by indenting each line of the quoted text 1″ from the left margin (hit the TAB button twice). Additionally, you’ll need to capitalize all of the letters in the name. End the quote with the plays name, act, and scene number as follows:

HAMLET. To be, or not to be–that is the question:

Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing end them… ( Hamlet 3.1.56-60)

You’ll notice that after the initial 1″ margin, each subsequent line will also need an additional indentation. If quoting dialogue from two or more people, each person should start with capital letters and an indented 1″ margin:

FIRST WITCH. When shall we three meet again?

In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

SECOND WITCH. When the hurlyburly’s done,

When the battle’s lost and won . ( Macbeth 1.1.1-4)

With the vast amount of information and things to discuss in the play Macbeth, it can be hard to narrow it all down to one topic. But, with this list of 30 Macbeth essay topics, you should have no trouble coming up with an essay to fit your needs.

  • How does Macbeth’s character change throughout the play?
  • Is Macbeth a tragic hero? Why or why not?
  • Who is most responsible for Macbeth’s downfall?
  • Discuss the role of gender in Macbeth.
  • Is ambition a positive or negative trait? Use examples from Macbeth to support your claim.
  • How does Shakespeare use the supernatural in Macbeth?
  • Discuss the role of fate in Macbeth.
  • Compare and contrast Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship.
  • Discuss the role of deception in Macbeth.
  • What motivates the characters in Macbeth?
  • Is violence ever justified? Use examples from Macbeth to support your claim.
  • Discuss the theme of ambition in Macbeth.
  • Compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth and Banquo.
  • Discuss the theme of power in Macbeth.
  • Discuss the theme of loyalty in Macbeth.
  • What is the significance of the witches in Macbeth?
  • How does Shakespeare use foreshadowing in Macbeth?
  • Discuss the role of greed in Macbeth.
  • What is the significance of Macbeth’s soliloquies?
  • Discuss the theme of betrayal in Macbeth.
  • Compare and contrast Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s attitudes toward power.
  • Discuss the theme of sanity vs. insanity in Macbeth.
  • Discuss the theme of appearance vs. reality in Macbeth.
  • How does Shakespeare use irony in Macbeth?
  • What is the significance of blood in Macbeth?
  • Discuss the theme of corruption in Macbeth.
  • What is the significance of nature vs. nurture in Macbeth?
  • Discuss the theme of good vs. evil in Macbeth.
  • What is the significance of the title “Macbeth”?

With these Macbeth essay topics, you should have no trouble coming up with an essay to fit your needs. Remember to cite all quotes and paraphrases from the play Macbeth and use MLA format.

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107 Macbeth Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on macbeth, ✍️ macbeth essay topics for college, 👍 good macbeth research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting macbeth research titles, ❓ essay questions for macbeth.

  • Humanism in “Macbeth” and “Romeo and Juliet”
  • William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Summary
  • Oedipus & Macbeth: Comparison
  • Narrative Point of View in “Stranger Things” and “Macbeth”
  • Leadership Styles and Macbeth’s Leadership
  • Power and Ambition in Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth”
  • Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo in Shakespeare’s Play
  • Blood Symbolism in “Macbeth” by Shakespeare The blood acts as a sign of guilt and murder, which Shakespeare employs to illustrate the personalities of Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth.
  • Legends of British Literature: Beowulf and Macbeth Both Beowulf and Macbeth are legendary men of British literature. Their adventures have been read, turned into theatrical plays and widely discussed by many generations of people
  • Role of Evil in Shakespeare’s Macbeth Prophecies in Shakespeare’s Macbeth play a significant role in advancing the themes of good and evil, treachery and loyalty, crime, and violence, which are common in the play.
  • Theme of Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Ambition is the elementary factor in the play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, the author has used Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to explore the concept of purpose in drama.
  • “Macbeth” by Shakespeare: Lady Macbeth Thesis Statement In Shakespeare’s play, “Macbeth”, Lady Macbeth is revealed as an ambitious woman, overwhelmed with her desire to become a queen.
  • Polanski’s and Kurzel’s Film Adaptations of Macbeth This paper explores two well-known film adaptations of Macbeth, Polanski’s Macbeth and the modern remake of Macbeth, directed by Justin Kurzel.
  • Fate in Beowulf and Shakespeare’s Macbeth In Beowulf and Macbeth, the main characters were significantly influenced by fate; but it was feasible for them to make decisions and obtain control over life’s happenings.
  • Literature: the Play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare Shakespeare perfectly reveals the aspects of human nature, imbuing his plays with a timeless universality. Macbeth is not an exception.
  • A Flow of Ambition in Shakespeare’s Macbeth In the work of the British writer, the readers face a flaw of ambition that controls the actions of the main character.
  • How Shakespeare Presents Macbeth as Being Influenced by His Lady Macbeth? Shakespeare portrays Macbeth as a lady who influences her husband’s decision-making negatively because she is stronger, ruthless, decisive, and ambitious.
  • Gender and Power in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” In Macbeth’s marriage, Lady Macbeth’s usurpation of the dominant role is often reflected in disruption because she controlled and dictated her husband’s actions.
  • Design of Act IV Scene I of Shakespeare’s Macbeth Play This paper presents the different performance designs that will be incorporated in Act IV, Scene 1 of Macbeth.
  • Symbolism in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare Macbeth is a symbol that any society should try to avoid. It signifies that if life is lead by ambition that would not be stopped by anything regardless of this hostility the world will be in danger.
  • Shakespeare’s Macbeth: Ambition Corrupts Good Morals This essay critically explores this theme by analyzing Macbeth’s character to exemplify how his uncontrolled desire for power leads him to success and, ultimately, destruction.
  • Two Scenes in “The Tragedy of Macbeth” by Shakespeare Comparing two scenes related to King Macbeth and his wife is a convenient way to interpret the work more thoroughly by analyzing repetitive motifs.
  • Responsibility in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare “Macbeth” is a play, one of the most famous tragedies by William Shakespeare. It is based on the true story of the Scottish king Macbeth and reveals an excessive lust for power.
  • Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet: Play Analysis Composed by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is a mental and shocking story of visually impaired aspiration. The second play or the adapted story of Romeo and Juliet is West Side Story.
  • “The Tragedy of Macbeth” by William Shakespeare “The Tragedy of Macbeth” by Shakespeare serves as a reflection of the relationship between the playwright and King James I, but, its implications stay relevant in the modern days.
  • The Strange, Dark World of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The story of the play “Macbeth” – a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in 1605 or 1606 and published in 1628.
  • Shakespeare’s Macbeth vs. Tolkiens’ Smeagol Macbeth is a relative of the king, in line for leadership. Smeagol is a cut-throat of dubious, possibly Halfling origins with none but himself and his purloined ring for company.
  • Analyzing the Woman’s Role in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Lady Macbeth: Relationship, Witchcraft, Power, and Ambition
  • Betrayal and Immoral Actions in “Macbeth”
  • Physical Appearance Versus True Personality Depicted in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Abnormal Behavior and Treatment: Lady Macbeth
  • Macbeth’s Conscience Throughout Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • Ambition, Death, and Power: Themes Found in the First Scene of “Macbeth” By Shakespeare
  • Darkness and the Agents of Chaos in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • “Macbeth” and Its Relevance in Today’s Society
  • Can One Feel Pity for Shakespeare’s Macbeth?
  • Political History and Corruption in “Macbeth”
  • Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely: Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Pol Pot
  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Before and After Murder
  • Comparing and Contrasting Macbeth’s and Hamlet’s Madness
  • Analyzing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s Relationship, and How It Mirrors the State of Scotland
  • Moral Decision-Making Within Macbeth’s Philosophy
  • Death and the Supernatural in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Blaming the Supernatural for the Downfall of Macbeth
  • Gender Roles Throughout the Play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Attitude Changes Throughout “Macbeth”
  • Macbeth and the Interplay Between Foresight and Fear
  • Disorder and the Chain of Being in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Parallels Between Macbeth and Satan in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Character Insights That Can Be Drawn From Lady Macbeth’s Soliloquies
  • Ambition and Its Negative Effects: “The Great Gatsby” and “Macbeth”
  • Power, Authority, and Corruption in “Macbeth”
  • Audience’s Feelings About Macbeth of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Dark Images and Imagery in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Macbeth and Highly Regarded Masculinity
  • Changing Relationship Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
  • “Hamlet” and “Macbeth”: Justifiable Homicide and Cold-Blooded Murder
  • Alternative Ending for “Macbeth”
  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth: The Reactions and Judgments of Each Other
  • Dramatic Contribution of Lady Macbeth to the Play as a Whole
  • Comparing Two Different Film Versions of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Lady Macbeth and Her Power to Manipulate Macbeth’s True Feelings
  • Banquo’s Power and Evil in “Macbeth”
  • Ambition and the Tragic Demise of Macbeth
  • Polanski and Freeston’s Interpretation of the Play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Equivocation and Double Meanings in “Macbeth”
  • Deception, Seduction, and Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Shakespeare’s Ideas and Attributes Towards Kingship in “Macbeth”
  • Common Themes and Character Traits in “Macbeth” and “Candide”
  • Macbeth and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Appearance vs. Reality: Macbeth
  • Evaluating Lady Macbeth’s Strong Desire for Power in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Blind Violence and Desire in “Macbeth”
  • Compromising Honor and Loyalty for Power and Manipulation in “Macbeth”
  • Analyzing the Witches Prophecies in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Evil and Gender Archetypes in “Macbeth”
  • Why Does Macbeth Refer to the Dagger as “Fatal Vision”?
  • Why Does Macbeth Believe He Has a Charmed Life?
  • What Moral Standards Did Macbeth Adhere To?
  • How Does Lady Macbeth Die?
  • Which Three Apparitions Do the Witches Show Macbeth?
  • What Happened in Inverness in the Play “Macbeth”?
  • Why Is Lady Macbeth’s Reading of the Letter in Prose?
  • How Did Shakespeare Link Symbolism and Mysticism in the Play “Macbeth”?
  • Why Did Macbeth Kill Macduff’s Family?
  • What Effect Does Lady Macbeth’s Death Have Upon Macbeth?
  • Why Does Macbeth Think the Witches Want to Help Him?
  • What Convinces Macbeth That the Witches’ Prophecy Is True?
  • Who Is the Main Villain or Villains of the Play “Macbeth”?
  • What Does Macbeth Feel When He First Hears the Witches’ Prophecies?
  • Where Is Macbeth’s Castle Located?
  • How Does Lady Macbeth Describe Macbeth’s Moral Character?
  • How Does the Play “Macbeth” See Female and Male Power?
  • Does Macduff Share in the Blame for the Death of His Wife and Children in the Play “Macbeth”?
  • Is Any Character of “Macbeth” Presented as a Model for Manhood?
  • What Are Macbeth’s First Words in the Play?
  • Why Does Macbeth Agree to Do What Lady Macbeth Wants?
  • How Does the Play “Macbeth” See Masculinity and Femininity and Their Relationship?
  • What Is the Moral of the Play “Macbeth”?
  • Does There Come a Time in the Play When Macbeth Acts on His Own?
  • Does the Play “Macbeth” Present a View of Society, History, or Political Power?
  • Does the Play “Macbeth” Have Any Heroes?
  • What Role Do “Nature” and “Unnatural” Play in “Macbeth”?
  • Is the Play “Macbeth” Relevant Today?
  • What Are the Three Prophecies the Witches Give Macbeth?
  • Why Are the Witches Referred to as the Weird Sisters in the Play “Macbeth”?

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StudyCorgi. (2022, December 30). 107 Macbeth Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/macbeth-essay-topics/

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Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "107 Macbeth Essay Topics." December 30, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/macbeth-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "107 Macbeth Essay Topics." December 30, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/macbeth-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Macbeth were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 26, 2023 .

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good essay titles for macbeth

Most Interesting Macbeth Topics to Write about

  • The Aspirations and Bad Decision in Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare
  • Evaluating Macbeth’s Ethics Throughout Shakespeare’s Play Macbeth
  • Manslaughter and Supremacy in William Shakespeare’s Play Macbeth
  • Dishonest Desire in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Utilization of Metaphysics to Form Thrill in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Mental Oppression of William Shakespeare’s Hero in Macbeth
  • Obligation for Plotting to Slaughter Duncan in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • What Theatrical Practises Does Shakespeare Apply to Form a Sense That Macbeth Is Not in Control of His Own Judgements and Actions
  • A Research of Heaving with Misconduct and Obscurity in the Play Macbeth by Shakespeare
  • The Implementation of Symbolism in Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare
  • Witches, Supernatural, and Evil in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • The Feast Segment of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth Composition
  • Examining Macbeth’s Fragile Personality in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Determination Often Results in Voracity as Depicted in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Psychoanalytical Assessment of Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Feminism As The Dynamic Activity Of The Play In Macbeth By William Shakespeare
  • William Shakespeare Influences the Spectators Through Macbeth
  • Thrill and the Metaphysics in the Play, Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the Sharing of Accountability
  • Macbeth’s Catastrophic Demise in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • The Categorisation of Macbeth in Connection with the Improvement of Scotland in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • Role Retraction in William Shakespeare’s Drama Macbeth
  • William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the Slayer and His Villain Like Empress
  • Metaphysical Forces Create a Thrilling Environment in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • The Conventional Tragic Protagonist Physical characteristics of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Sophocles’ Oedipus
  • A Research of Macbeth as a Casualty of Situations in Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare
  • Supremacy, Aspiration and Treachery in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the Disruption of Lady Macbeth

Good Research Topics about Macbeth

  • Unrestrained Aspiration in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • The Art of Concession and the Political, Spiritual and Social Matters Revealed in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and Macbeth
  • Equivalence Amongst Macbeth And Satan In Macbeth By William Shakespeare
  • The Methods in Which Shakespeare Depicts an Atmosphere of Immorality In Macbeth
  • A Research of Lady Macbeth’s Personality in Macbeth by Shakespeare
  • The Blood Symbolism in Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare
  • Macbeth’s Symbolism of Aspiration in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • The Enticement of Wicked in Shakespeare’s Macbeth Essay – Literary Research
  • The Reasons for Macbeth’s Demise in William Shakespeare’s Play Macbeth: The Manipulations of His Spouse, Voracity, and Remorse
  • Conventional Identities Of Women In Macbeth By Shakespeare
  • Representation and Visions in the Play, Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • The Prejudiced Realism to the Audience in the Play, Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • The Treachery of Human Nature in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • Handling of Gender Interference in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Macbeth
  • Importance of Act Four Scene One in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Functions of Women in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • Repetitive Identities in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • Resemblances Amongst the Philosophies from Machiavelli’s The Prince and the Characters from Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • The Aristotelian Morals of a Catastrophic Protagonist in The Tragedy of Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare
  • Brawls of the Moral Standards In Macbeth By William Shakespeare
  • The Clash Amongst Morality and Immorality in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • The Definition of Sleep in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • Connection Amongst Spouses in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • A Musical Research of Macbeth, a Performance by William Shakespeare

Macbeth Essay Questions

  • What was Depicted by Macbeth’s Character, Words, and Actions in His Character?
  • Identifying the Women in Shakespeare’s Macbeth?
  • The Misuse and Abuse of Power in “Macbeth”?
  • The Importance of Period and Setting in “Macbeth”?
  • Why is William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” defined as a Cynical Play?
  • How Aspirations and Wicked Choices Play a Part in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • By Means of What Does Macbeth Transform From a War Hero Into an Evil Murderer?
  • Did the Trio of Witches Propel Macbeth to Murder Duncan?
  • What are the Approaches Concerning Gender Can Be Seen in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • The Role of Metaphysics Play in Macbeth?
  • Was Macbeth to be Blamed for His Downfall?
  • Was Lady Macbeth Defined as Moral or Immoral by Shakespeare?
  • Can One Sense Sympathy for Shakespeare’s Macbeth?
  • What Theatrical Methods Used in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • The Transformation of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s Relationship Throughout the Play?
  • Macbeth’s Opinion About Good and Evil
  • Does Shakespeare Introduce Lady Macbeth as Demon-Like?
  • Macbeth’s Ability to Influence
  • The Transformation of Macbeth From “Nobel Macbeth” to “A Bloody Butcher”?
  • The Opinion of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” About Kingship?
  • Was Macbeth Sufferings Pre-destined?
  • What Are the Personality Attributes of Lady Macbeth?
  • Does Macbeth Have Free Choice?
  • What Are the Effects of the Witches’ Foresights on Macbeth’s Engagements?
  • How Are the Subjects of façade and Actuality Introduced in Macbeth?
  • How the Characters were Depicted as Disturbed in “Macbeth”?
  • Was Macbeth Believed to be the Tragic Protagonist of the Play?
  • The Transformation of Macbeth and Witches Change?
  • What Are the Dissimilarities and Resemblances Amongst “Medea” and “Macbeth” Plays?
  • What Influences Made Macbeth to Kill Duncan?

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The play examines the corrupting power of ambition. Whose ambition functions as the driving force of the narrative , Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? Why?

How do gender expectations and perceptions intersect with violence in the play? To what extent do characters play into or fight against gender roles?

The weather is an ever-present force in Macbeth. How does the weather reflect the emotional state of the characters? Of the trajectory of the play?

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  • Literature Notes
  • Major Themes
  • Macbeth at a Glance
  • Play Summary
  • About Macbeth
  • Character List
  • Summary and Analysis
  • Act I: Scene 1
  • Act I: Scene 2
  • Act I: Scene 3
  • Act I: Scene 4
  • Act I: Scene 5
  • Act I: Scene 6
  • Act I: Scene 7
  • Act II: Scene 1
  • Act II: Scene 2
  • Act II: Scene 3
  • Act II: Scene 4
  • Act III: Scene 1
  • Act III: Scene 2
  • Act III: Scene 3
  • Act III: Scene 4
  • Act III: Scene 5
  • Act III: Scene 6
  • Act IV: Scene 1
  • Act IV: Scene 2
  • Act IV: Scene 3
  • Act V: Scene 1
  • Act V: Scene 2
  • Act V: Scene 3
  • Act V: Scene 4
  • Act V: Scene 5
  • Act V: Scene 6
  • Act V: Scene 7
  • Act V: Scene 8
  • Act V: Scene 9
  • Character Analysis
  • Lady Macbeth
  • Character Map
  • William Shakespeare Biography
  • Critical Essays
  • Major Symbols and Motifs
  • Macbeth on the Stage
  • Famous Quotes
  • Film Versions
  • Full Glossary
  • Essay Questions
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  • Cite this Literature Note

Critical Essays Major Themes

The Fall of Man

The ancient Greek notion of tragedy concerned the fall of a great man, such as a king, from a position of superiority to a position of humility on account of his ambitious pride, or hubris . To the Greeks, such arrogance in human behavior was punishable by terrible vengeance. The tragic hero was to be pitied in his fallen plight but not necessarily forgiven: Greek tragedy frequently has a bleak outcome. Christian drama, on the other hand, always offers a ray of hope; hence, Macbeth ends with the coronation of Malcolm , a new leader who exhibits all the correct virtues for a king.

Macbeth exhibits elements that reflect the greatest Christian tragedy of all: the Fall of Man. In the Genesis story, it is the weakness of Adam, persuaded by his wife (who has in turn been seduced by the devil) which leads him to the proud assumption that he can "play God." But both stories offer room for hope: Christ will come to save mankind precisely because mankind has made the wrong choice through his own free will. In Christian terms, although Macbeth has acted tyrannically, criminally, and sinfully, he is not entirely beyond redemption in heaven.

Fortune, Fate, and Free Will

Fortune is another word for chance. The ancient view of human affairs frequently referred to the "Wheel of Fortune," according to which human life was something of a lottery. One could rise to the top of the wheel and enjoy the benefits of superiority, but only for a while. With an unpredictable swing up or down, one could equally easily crash to the base of the wheel.

Fate, on the other hand, is fixed. In a fatalistic universe, the length and outcome of one's life (destiny) is predetermined by external forces. In Macbeth, the Witches represent this influence. The play makes an important distinction: Fate may dictate what will be, but how that destiny comes about is a matter of chance (and, in a Christian world such as Macbeth's) of man's own choice or free will.

Although Macbeth is told he will become king, he is not told how to achieve the position of king: that much is up to him. We cannot blame him for becoming king (it is his Destiny), but we can blame him for the way in which he chooses to get there (by his own free will).

Kingship and Natural Order

Macbeth is set in a society in which the notion of honor to one's word and loyalty to one's superiors is absolute. At the top of this hierarchy is the king, God's representative on Earth. Other relationships also depend on loyalty: comradeship in warfare, hospitality of host towards guest, and the loyalty between husband and wife. In this play, all these basic societal relationships are perverted or broken. Lady Macbeth's domination over her husband, Macbeth's treacherous act of regicide, and his destruction of comradely and family bonds, all go against the natural order of things.

The medieval and renaissance view of the world saw a relationship between order on earth, the so-called microcosm , and order on the larger scale of the universe, or macrocosm. Thus, when Lennox and the Old Man talk of the terrifying alteration in the natural order of the universe — tempests, earthquakes, darkness at noon, and so on — these are all reflections of the breakage of the natural order that Macbeth has brought about in his own microcosmic world.

Disruption of Nature

Violent disruptions in nature — tempests, earthquakes, darkness at noon, and so on — parallel the unnatural and disruptive death of the monarch Duncan.

The medieval and renaissance view of the world saw a relationship between order on earth, the so-called microcosm, and order on the larger scale of the universe, or macrocosm. Thus, when Lennox and the Old Man talk of the terrifying alteration in the natural order of the universe (nature), these are all reflections of the breakage of the natural order that Macbeth has brought about in his own microcosmic world (society).

Many critics see the parallel between Duncan's death and disorder in nature as an affirmation of the divine right theory of kingship. As we witness in the play, Macbeth's murder of Duncan and his continued tyranny extends the disorder of the entire country.

Gender Roles

Lady Macbeth is the focus of much of the exploration of gender roles in the play. As Lady Macbeth propels her husband toward committing Duncan's murder, she indicates that she must take on masculine characteristics. Her most famous speech — located in Act I, Scene 5 — addresses this issue.

Clearly, gender is out of its traditional order. This disruption of gender roles is also presented through Lady Macbeth's usurpation of the dominate role in the Macbeth's marriage; on many occasions, she rules her husband and dictates his actions.

Reason Versus Passion

During their debates over which course of action to take, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth use different persuasive strategies. Their differences can easily be seen as part of a thematic study of gender roles. However, in truth, the difference in ways Macbeth and Lady Macbeth rationalize their actions is essential to understanding the subtle nuances of the play as a whole.

Macbeth is very rational, contemplating the consequences and implications of his actions. He recognizes the political, ethical, and religious reason why he should not commit regicide. In addition to jeopardizing his afterlife, Macbeth notes that regicide is a violation of Duncan's "double trust" that stems from Macbeth's bonds as a kinsman and as a subject.

On the other hand, Lady Macbeth has a more passionate way of examining the pros and cons of killing Duncan. She is motivated by her feelings and uses emotional arguments to persuade her husband to commit the evil act.

Previous William Shakespeare Biography

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Become a Writer Today

20 Essays About Macbeth – Exploring A Tragic Play Through Written Words

Is Macbeth a tragic hero? Here are 20 essays about Macbeth that can help you explore this and other questions.

Macbeth, a play by William Shakespeare initially performed in the early 1600s, explores the decline of the character Macbeth as his ambition drives him mad. As Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy, literary critics and school students often discuss this play.

In the story, Macbeth is given a prophecy from three witches that he is destined to become King of Scotland. His wife overhears, and she joins him on a quest to make this happen that ends in several murders.

Like all of Shakespeare’s works, this play lends itself well to interesting essay topics. If you need to write one, these ideas for essays about Macbeth will get you started. You might also be interested in these essay topics about Macbeth .

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .

1. Explore Macbeth’s Mental Deterioration

2. discuss what mental health problems macbeth had, 3. explore gender roles in macbeth, 4. determine macbeth’s tragic flaw, 5. decide if the witches in macbeth are real, 6. compare and contrast macduff, banquo, and macbeth, 7. discuss the role of blood in macbeth, 8. determine how macbeth’s ambition led to his downfall, 9. decide whether macbeth is a moral play, 10. which macbeth betrayal is worse, 11. what motivated macbeth’s actions, 12. compare and contrast macbeth and banquo’s behaviors after hearing the prophecy, 13. sleep as a theme in macbeth, 14. who is responsible for macbeth becoming king of scotland, 15. how macbeth’s ambition and paranoia intertwine, 16. does macbeth have free will, or is he serving fate.

  • 17. What Is the Main Root of Evil in Shakespeare’s Play, Macbeth?

18. Who Really Pushed Macbeth to Murder?

19. are malcolm, macduff, or banquo necessary characters in the play, 20. how do you feel about macbeth at the end of the play.

Essays About Macbeth

The character of Macbeth goes through a significant mental health crisis throughout the play. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth seems like a mentally healthy and stable individual. As the story unfolds and his greed for power increases, his mental health declines.

This essay could discuss what caused the mental health decline in the play’s main character, or it could simply explore the progression. There are many ways to take this essay idea and expand it into an intricate piece. A closer look at Macbeth’s mind reveals several fascinating scenarios.

Mental health is a theme of the play Macbeth . Today, more knowledge about mental health conditions and their effects makes it possible to explore these themes more deeply. An engaging Macbeth essay idea would be to examine what mental health concerns he possibly had.

This essay idea requires a little bit of research outside of the play itself. You will need to research potential mental health conditions that line up with Macbeth’s character development. However, it can be an exciting way to explore the character more in-depth.

Gender roles in the Shakesperean world are interesting to explore when contrasting them to modern ideas about gender and the role of women in society. Lady Macbeth begins to take on masculine characteristics in this play as she pushes Macbeth towards Duncan’s murder and takes the dominant role in the marriage.

Lady Macbeth actually asks the spirits to take away her gender at one point in the play. The weird sisters also disrupt the traditional gender roles of Shakespeare’s time. They even boast beards, which further indicates this disparity.

The realities of human nature mean that people have inborn character traits that make life more challenging for them. A tragic flaw is a character’s defect that eventually leads to their downfall. Since Macbeth is a Shakespearean tragedy, the main character has a tragic flaw that is the eventual cause of his demise.

What is Macbeth’s tragic flaw? Answering this question can lead to a detailed essay. Your conclusion may be different from someone else’s conclusion. Within the article, you can explore the proof that your idea about Macbeth’s tragic flaw is the right one.

The weird sisters in Macbeth are some of the unique characters in the play. Yet because many of the themes are about ghosts and dreams, the reader is left to wonder whether or not these witches are real.

This topic could create an exciting essay. The writer would look at different aspects of the play to determine whether Shakespeare is alluding to the witches’ reality or leaving them as a figment of Macbeth’s imagination, using the essay to discuss the potential proofs.

This essay topic gives the writer the chance to show the similarities and differences between these three characters. Throughout doing so, the writer can argue whether one of the characters is the story’s true villain. The differences and similarities would provide a significant amount of writing material.

With this topic, the writer could compare and contrast all three or pick just two, depending on the length of the essay. The writer should look at character qualities and the players’ actions within the story.

Essays About Macbeth: Discuss the role of blood in Macbeth

Throughout the play, blood serves as a symbol of guilt . For example, Macbeth says: “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” He feels the blood will never be off his hands, indicating his guilt’s depth.

Lady Macbeth says, “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!. Who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him.” As she tries to remove a bloodstain no one else can see, it is clear she also feels tremendous guilt for her crimes.

Explore the role of blood in the play and discuss how it symbolizes guilt in your essay. 

Many literary critics believe that Macbeth’s ambition was his tragic flaw. His ambition makes him repeatedly kill because he must continue killing to cover up his past murders. All of this drive to be the king of Scotland makes him lose control.

The downfall of his unbridled ambition is shown when he murders Macduff’s wife and children. This part of the play shows that Macbeth has lost all control over his dream, and this action is what causes many to call it his tragic flaw.

A moral play is one where justice is served in the end. Macbeth loses his life, which could indicate justice served for the murder of Duncan. However, others may argue that there is very little morality throughout the play.

Can a play about murder and unbridled ambition indeed be a moral play? This is the question you must try to answer through this essay. It has no right or wrong answer, so spend some time considering it.

In the play, Macbeth betrays two people. First, he crosses King Duncan by plotting and executing his murder. Second, he betrays his friend Manquo by killing his family.

This essay will discuss which of these two betrayals is considered worse. Is it worse to betray a monarch, or is it worse to betray someone close to you? The answer will be based on your opinion, and you can use the essay to explain and defend your choice.

Macbeth’s actions in the play stem from a deeper motivation, but you need to figure out how to express just what that is. Is he motivated by his ambition primarily, or does the fear of the supernatural spur him to action?

Take a look at the clues in the play to determine your answer to this crucial question, then craft an essay that proves your choice. You may discover a motivator that few have written on. Use it well, and you can compose an engaging article on this topic.

Both Macbeth and Banquo’s behaviors change after hearing the witches’ prophecy. You can create an essay that compares these responses and contrasts them. Take some time to study them before you begin writing.

This type of character analysis and contrast works well for an essay. It shows your critical thinking abilities. With this essay topic, you can also explore the negative and positive changes the characters experience throughout Shakespeare’s play.

In Macbeth , the main character spends a lot of time asleep and having dreams. This fact means that sleep is a central theme of the play, and that idea can create an exciting essay topic option.

Why do you think Shakespeare relies on sleep so much in his story? Is there a parallel between the decline in mental health and the increase in the sleep of the main character? This essay idea can go quite far as you delve into the topic.

As the play nears its climax, Macbeth moves from being the thane of Cawdor to the King of Scotland due to his betrayal and murder, but who is responsible? Is Lady Macbeth the responsible party, or do the witches have a role to play? Is the responsibility all on Macbeth himself?

The story of the tragic hero can have quite a few responsible parties. You may come to a different conclusion than another writer. If you can clearly defend your choice, you have a solid essay idea on your hands.

Towards the end of Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth’s ambition and paranoia become so entwined that it is hard to tell one from the other. This progression could make for an interesting essay topic. You could explore the progression, then show how his obsession made it impossible to enjoy his role as king.

To make this essay topic work, you will want to look at the fact that the sad end of the play shows Macbeth without the potential to produce an heir and thus no hope for a future legacy. His ambition and paranoia mixing in this way eventually led to his downfall.

Because of the witches’ prophecy, one could argue that Macbeth lacks free will in the play and instead is simply following the fate prophesied to him. On the other hand, you could also argue that everyone has free will, regardless of what some weird sisters say.

Once you decide your stand on this question, take a close look at the play to determine the proofs that show whether or not Macbeth has free will. Then expound on your findings in your essay.

17. What Is the Main Root of Evil in Shakespeare’s Play,  Macbeth ?

Is the desire for power what causes the evil in the play, or is it Macbeth’s ambition? Is it the underlying forces of evil from the weird sisters or something else? Study the play and determine what you think the root of evil is.

Once you choose, make a case for your choice. Show proof from the play that backs your choice. While there are many causes for the tragedy, you should be able to build a case for one central underlying cause.

There are two characters in the play that push Macbeth to embrace his ambition and pursue it to the point of murder. First, the three witches make the prophecy that gets him thinking about murder.

However, a closer study of the play shows that his wife, more so than the weird sisters, causes him to cross that ethical line and become a murderer. So in your essay, you could easily argue that Lady Macbeth, not the three witches, led to his demise.

As you consider the play’s plot, consider whether any of these three characters could be left out without changing the meaning or direction of the story. You may find that one or more is an unnecessary character.

After discovering who the unnecessary character is in the play, you can discuss it in your essay. Expound on why the character does not bring anything of value to the storyline and how you feel the play could move along better without them.

A final essay topic about Macbeth is a more personal one. Discuss how you feel towards the main character when the play is over. Do you have compassion for his mental illness and overall plight, or are you disgusted by his actions?

Because this is an opinion piece, be careful to explain why you feel the way you do. Expound on your attitude using examples from the play to make this an effective essay.

When studying a piece of literature , understanding what makes up a story can help you discuss and analyze it more effectively. Read our article on  literary elements .

good essay titles for macbeth

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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180 Quality Macbeth Essay Topics To Score High

macbeth essay topics

Writing a research paper on Shakespeare’s Macbeth requires a lot of hard work. Students must first choose a great topic that is manageable while also presenting a clear position on an arguable question. It should also adhere to the professor’s exact requirements whether it be a page count or a word count.

This can be difficult for all students but especially so for ENL students. We have put together a list of great Macbeth essay topics to help with the selection process.

Best Macbeth Essay Topics

This set of Macbeth essay topics covers a wide variety of areas suitable to diverse interests. At the college and university level, students should always conduct ample research to ensure they have accurate information from reliable sources and create custom college papers :

  • To what extent does the supernatural influence Macbeth’s actions?
  • How are the insanities of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth different from one another?
  • Which of Lady Macbeth’s numerous wishes come true throughout the play?
  • Are Macduff and Malcolm villains or heroes?
  • How does Shakespeare utilize Malcolm, King Duncan, and Macbeth to represent kinship in the play?
  • How does Macbeth’s behavior toward Lady Macbeth change after King Duncan’s health?
  • Is Macbeth more of a heroic character or a loathsome character?
  • How do ambitions lead Lady Macbeth to act a specific way?
  • How does Macduff attempt to influence Malcolm’s actions?
  • What are the major contributions to Macbeth’s downfall?
  • What does blood symbolize for Macbeth and his wife?
  • How does Shakespeare use offstage events to advance the plot?
  • What actions do Macduff and Malcolm throughout Macbeth?
  • How do Macbeth and Banquo’s responses to the early prophecies differ?
  • How does Shakespeare characterize the witches?
  • Are Macduff and Banquo heroic figures?
  • How does Shakespeare explore the theme of the destruction of order in the play?
  • What role does kinship play in Macbeth?
  • How are Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo different from one another?
  • What role does ambition play in the lives of Macbeth and Malcolm?
  • How are Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo similar to one another?
  • What role do visions and hallucinations play in the development of Macbeth’s character?
  • Do you agree with the view that Macbeth is fighting a lost battle against forces beyond his control?
  • How does Macbeth’s speech in Act V capture the major themes of the play?
  • How does our attitude about Macbeth change throughout the play?
  • Is justice served at the end of the play?
  • How does Banquo’s reaction to the witches’ prediction reveal his true character?
  • Is Lady Macbeth’s presence necessary after King Duncan’s death?
  • Does Macbeth deserve his demise at the end of the play?
  • What is the thematic significance of the witches?
  • What role do the witches play in driving the action of the play?
  • Are the characters Banquo, Malcolm, Macduff, and Lady Macduff necessary to the play?
  • What does Coleridge’s comment about the witches’ power suggest?
  • How does Shakespeare use suspense to keep audiences invested in the play?
  • What are King Duncan’s most important contributions to the play?
  • How does Macbeth know what is real and what is imagined?
  • How effective is Shakespeare’s use of imagery in the play?
  • Why does Shakespeare use the technique of elision in the play?
  • How do Macbeth’s greed and dishonesty lead to his insanity?
  • Is Macbeth the play’s most villainous character?
  • What role does blood play immediately following King Duncan’s murder?
  • Can Lady Macbeth be blamed for influencing Macbeth’s motivation to kill King Duncan?
  • Who has the greatest responsibility for the murder of King Duncan?
  • Is Macbeth a victim of his own character choices?
  • What role do children play in Macbeth?

Macbeth Project Ideas For College

No matter the length of a project, students should always carefully plan to research and organize their ideas to express clear and concise opinions. These essay topics for Macbeth can be researched online and at the library and make for great projects that will impress the reading audience:

  • Explain how Macbeth journal prompts have changed perspectives.
  • Describe how Shakespeare alters historical characters in the play.
  • Analyze the importance of introducing the Weird Sisters in Act 1.
  • Explore how prophecies are fulfilled throughout the play.
  • Examine Macbeth’s hallucinations and visions in the play.
  • Compare and contrast the insanities of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
  • Examine the importance of “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” in Act 1, Scene 1.
  • Explore supernatural events that happen after King Duncan’s murder.
  • Discuss the ways that Lady Macbeth tries to influence Macbeth.
  • Explore the role of blood imagery plays in the drama.
  • Examine and discuss the various roles the witches play in Macbeth.
  • Examine the nature of kinship as presented by King Duncan versus Macbeth.
  • Describe how Shakespeare explores the concept of self-victimization.
  • Compare and contrast the actions of Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff.
  • Compare and contrast Macbeth and Malcolm’s approaches towards the king’s murder.
  • Explore the role of ambition in the lives of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
  • Discuss the presence of half-truths and their use in advancing the plot.
  • Examine and discuss the concept of victimization.
  • Examine Banquo’s opinion of Macbeth before he is killed.
  • Explore attitudes such as admiration, sympathy, and disgust concerning Macbeth.
  • Discuss Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene in Act V.
  • Explore how Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff’s views on family.
  • Explore the reasons that lead Macbeth to fail.
  • Compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo.
  • Examine and discuss the different roles Macbeth plays in the drama.
  • Discuss the importance of Banquo as a dead character.
  • Examine how Shakespeare characterizes the fantastical and grotesque witches.
  • Examine and discuss the contributions King Duncan makes to the play.
  • Identify instances when Shakespeare uses elision.
  • Examine and discuss the theme of equivocation in the play.
  • Discuss crime and punishment in the play.
  • Explore the question of insanity as it relates to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
  • Examine and discuss the role kinship plays in Macbeth.
  • Explore the theme of morality in Macbeth.
  • Select two minor characters and examine their contributions to the play.
  • Examine and discuss Macbeth’s mental deterioration throughout the play.
  • Discuss the witches’ prediction and influence on Banquo’s actions.
  • Explore the reasons why Macbeth needs to have Banquo killed.
  • Examine what Shakespeare sets up in Act 1 that remains important throughout.
  • Identify the main literary devices in Macbeth.
  • Examine and discuss Macbeth’s speech after learns about his wife’s death.
  • Describe the role that the supernatural plays in Macbeth.
  • Examine how Shakespeare takes freedom altering the sources of his plays.
  • Describe the changes Macbeth undergoes from the start to the finish of the play.
  • Explain how Shakespeare uses Macbeth themes in other plays.

In Depth Macbeth Essay Topics

As students start to get the hang of thinking critically and researching sources for evidence and examples, they may want to challenge themselves with the following interesting Macbeth essay questions:

  • Is Macbeth a moral play or a historical interpretation?
  • How does Shakespeare use the imagery of disease in the play?
  • How does Macbeth portray evil as a perversion of human nature?
  • How does overthrowing Macbeth help “heal” Scotland?
  • How do the feelings of Macbeth change as he becomes eviler?
  • How does Shakespeare use imagery of light and darkness in Macbeth?
  • How does Macbeth have to go against his nature to kill King Duncan?
  • How did Shakespeare use real life to inspire the tragedy in the story?
  • What evidence do we have that Malcolm cares about his people?
  • Should Macbeth’s fate be considered a self-fulfilling prophecy?
  • How does Shakespeare deal with fate and destiny?
  • How has Macbeth become one of the most studied plays despite it being one of the shortest plays Shakespeare wrote?
  • How does Macbeth compare to Shakespeare’s other tragedies?
  • What do we learn about Macduff’s character after he learns of his wife and children’s deaths?
  • How do Macbeth’s rise and fall look similar to dictators of the 20th century?
  • What motivates Malcolm and Macduff to foil Macbeth’s reign?
  • What evidence is there to support the idea that Macduff and Malcolm save Scotland?
  • How did Macbeth’s fear of the witches influence his actions?
  • How effective is the fantasy element as a narrative technique?
  • What makes Lady Macbeth’s characterization so complicated?
  • How does Macbeth’s rise to power lead to self-destruction?
  • How do the witches in Macbeth communicate the future for the audience?
  • Can Macbeth’s actions be viewed as Machiavellian?
  • What role does Lady Macbeth’s pragmatic nature have in the play?
  • What impact does the betrayal of human nature have on Lady Macbeth?
  • How does Shakespeare withhold information throughout the play to maintain suspense?
  • How much does Shakespeare embellish the historical events Macbeth is based on?
  • How is Lady Macbeth’s path to darkness similar to that of her husband’s?
  • What is Shakespeare trying to say about unchecked power and its effects on men?
  • What are some modern Macbeth ideas that we see in politics today?
  • How does Macbeth’s inability to distinguish positive and negative uses of power lead to his demise?
  • To what extent do Macbeth’s soliloquies make him more sympathetic?
  • How does Shakespeare utilize the supernatural in Macbeth differently from other plays?
  • Can Macbeth’s abusive use of his power be viewed as an addiction?
  • How does blood imagery serve as means for Macbeth to reflect upon his actions?
  • How do the witches help the audience focus on the darker and more sinister aspects of Macbeth?
  • Should one hold Lady Macbeth guilty of King Duncan’s death?
  • How does Macbeth’s political ambition align with current examples of political greed?
  • How does Shakespeare present Macduff as a good man?
  • How do the witches shape Macbeth’s future by telling him their predictions?
  • How does Shakespeare deal with themes of power and corruption?
  • In what ways is Lady Macbeth even more bloodthirsty than her husband?
  • What does Shakespeare’s play show us about Scottish society in Macbeth’s time?
  • How does evil spread in Macbeth and across Scotland like a sickness?
  • What are some recent controversial Macbeth essay titles?

Interesting Macbeth Writing Prompts

If you need a good Macbeth essay topic, you might want to consider some of the ideas we have provided below. They cover a wide range of areas and can be modified to fit any type of assignment:

  • To what extent does the drama’s setting in Scotland help advance the plot?
  • How does Shakespeare create sympathy for Macbeth?
  • How does Shakespeare use figurative language differently in Macbeth?
  • Do you agree with the belief that Macbeth was mentally unstable from the start?
  • Which character in Macbeth deserves the greatest punishment?
  • How is the punishment of female rebellion presented in Macbeth?
  • What is the history surrounding calling Macbeth the “Scottish Play”?
  • Is Macbeth a moral play or a revenge play?
  • How can human nature in Macbeth be linked to that of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?
  • Can Lady Macbeth’s actions be seen as modern feminism?
  • Is Macbeth’s villainy too great that he could not be seen as a tragic hero?
  • Why did Shakespeare incorporate the three witches in the play?
  • What are Lady Macbeth’s strengths and weaknesses?
  • In what ways does Lady Macduff act as a foil to Lady Macbeth?
  • How does the sleepwalking scene realize a side of Lady Macbeth we learned about earlier?
  • Do you agree with the opinion that Banquo and Macduff are the same person?
  • What does the play reveal about Shakespeare’s knowledge of psychology?
  • How do contrasts create a recurring motif that appears throughout the play?
  • What contributions does King Duncan make to the development of the plot?
  • Does Shakespeare mean to suggest that love could lead to evil and self-destruction?
  • Can Macbeth be read as a psychological study of self-destructive behaviors?
  • How does the use of the supernatural affect the theatrical effect of the play?
  • How do the relationships between King Duncan’s generals foretell their disputes?
  • What insights into human nature does Shakespeare provide us in the play?
  • How are contrasts revealed in the play through symbolism and characterization?
  • How is the love between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth presented in the play?
  • How was Lady Macbeth involved with the murder of King Duncan?
  • How does Shakespeare get the audience to respond to Lady Macbeth’s character?
  • Is Macbeth a victim of the witches’ misleading prophecies?
  • How is the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth a factor in their demise?
  • How do Macbeth’s internal conflicts affect the progression of the play?
  • How does Banquo serve as a foil to Macbeth?
  • Are the minor characters in Macbeth as important as the major characters?
  • How did superstition build around the play’s name and performance?
  • What dramatic techniques does Shakespeare use to imply that Macbeth is not in control?
  • What happens when Macbeth’s unchecked ambition gets out of control?
  • How accurately have film versions of Macbeth portrayed his character?
  • How are rational and irrational actions portrayed in the play?
  • In what ways are Shakespeare’s King Lear and Macbeth different?
  • What purpose does the banquet scene play in Macbeth?
  • How does Shakespeare explore gender roles in Macbeth?
  • What character flaws do we learn about Macbeth in Act 1?
  • How does King Duncan respond differently to each of his generals?
  • How do the characters in the play resemble real-life historical figures?
  • How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s characters develop throughout the play?

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Simplified macbeth essay guide: summary, key themes, topics and examples.

By Evans Jan 07 2021

Have you ever been so excited about something that you threw reason out of the window? Maybe a palm reader tells you that you will marry your celebrity crush and you end a long term relationship to pave way for this celebrity crush? We have all been silly at some point in life, ambition making us forsake the voice of reason. This is basically what Macbeth is all about; a prophecy that ruins the life of a gallant soldier as he attempts to bite more than he can chew. Before we learn how to write a Macbeth essay, let's begin by looking at the summary and key themes in Macbeth

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Summary of Macbeth

Shakespeare's Macbeth starts with two Scotland generals, Macbeth and Banquo. The two are on their way after fighting two separate enemies. On the way, they meet with three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will be made thane and will later on become king of Scotland. They also tell Banquo that although he will never become king, he will sire a line of kings. When the first part of the prophecy is fulfilled, Macbeth is full of ambition that he does not see reason. He kills King Duncan and becomes the king in his place. Afraid of the rest of the prophecy coming true, Macbeth, instigated by his wife, kills Banquo, and his downfall begins. Macbeth will destroy anything and anyone to protect his power. He is so determined to ensure that the last part of the prophecy does not come true, which only leads to people hating his tyrannical rule and him facing an untimely death.

You might also like: Simplified Beowulf essay guide: Themes, Topics, and Examples

Macbeth key themes

'Ambition is a drug that makes its addicts potential madmen .' Before the prophecy, Macbeth seems okay with his life. However, the moment he learns that he can become much more, he loses all control and allows ambition to blind him. At first, he kills King Duncan against his better judgment. However, once he kills to clinch power, he can't seem to stop. He kills whoever tries to oppose him, and finally, he ends up dead.

Supernatural

The supernatural plays a massive role in Macbeth. Macbeth is thrown into a frenzy when the witches tell him that he will be made thane and that later on, he will become king of Scotland. When the first part happens on its own, Macbeth decides to give the prophecy a push and kills King Duncan. Later on, he will do anything to make sure that the rest of it doesn't come to pass.

Guilt plays quite a significant theme in Macbeth. Macbeth feels guilty for killing King Duncan and Banquo. He chooses to deal with that guilt by killing more people, which makes it worse. Macbeth is not the only one being eaten up by guilt. Lady Macbeth slowly loses her sanity after encouraging her husband to kill against his better judgment. She begins sleepwalking, believing that the king's blood is in her hands and there is nothing she can do to wash it off. She does not get a way out of the guilt that is slowly costing her sanity.

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good essay titles for macbeth

How to write a Macbeth essay

There's nothing as sweet as getting lost in one of Shakespeare's tragic drama. Macbeth is an interesting play to read. However, reading it for school might not be as fun since it involves a lot more than just reading a beautiful story for its beauty. You have to read it, understand it, and analyze it for whatever essay you are supposed to write. Lucky for you, you do not need to worry about that. Paperperhour.com has a team of the best writers who excel in writing literary essays. You do not have to worry about failing in your Macbeth assignment with the right writer.

Macbeth essay topics

There are so many topics that one can write about when it comes to Macbeth. In some cases, the professor will provide you with a given topic and ask you to write a Macbeth essay on it. However, you might be required to choose the essay topic for yourself in some cases. You do not need to worry about how to go about it in such a case. Paper per hour  has provided a list of Macbeth essay topics that you can choose from.

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Critical essay topics for Macbeth

  • Macbeth is the villain of the play. discuss 
  • Discuss the influence that the witches have on Macbeth.
  • What is the role of the women in Macbeth? How does society treat women?
  • Is Lady Macbeth responsible for bringing Macbeth to power or for ruining him?
  • What do Macbeth's visions symbolize?

Analysis essay topics for Macbeth Essay

  • Analyze the prophecies given by the witches. Do all the prophecies come to pass?
  • What are the roles of Macduff and Malcolm?
  • Analyze contributions of two minor characters
  • The role of light and darkness in the play
  • Development of Macbeth as a character in the play
  • Analyze Banquo's reaction to the witches' prophecy
  • Look at the lies, and the half-lies told in the play and their significance.
  • Analyze Macbeth as a tragedy drama

Comparative essay topics for Macbeth

  • Compare and contrast Macbeth and Banquo. Are there any similarities between them? What sets them apart? Can we easily dismiss Macbeth as the villain of the play?
  • How do Macbeth and Banquo react to the news of the prophecy? How does the prophecy bring out their true selves?
  • Compare between Macbeth, the main character, and Vladimir Putin. How are they similar? What differences do they have?

Controversial essay topics on Macbeth

  • Describe the seven sin in Macbeth
  • How does Macbeth fit in the Greek mythology?
  • Who is responsible for the death of Macbeth?
  • Who would make the best king for Scotland?

Why you should let paper per hour write the Macbeth essay for you

Getting the right essay topic is the first step to answering a Macbeth question. However, if you are not yet sure of what to write about, worry not; our experts are here to help you out. You do not need to struggle with a Macbeth essay while we have experts whose joy comes from working on such essays . With paper per hour, you are assured of:

High-quality essay

A good Macbeth essay writer knows how to analyze the play, answer the question correctly, and write the paper in a flawless manner. With us, quality is assured.

Working with experts

With paper per hour, you get to work with experts in that particular field. In this case, you will have a chance to work with a writer who specializes in tragic drama. You can never get it wrong working with an expert.

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good essay titles for macbeth

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by William Shakespeare

Macbeth essay questions.

Macbeth is often cited as a famous example of what the American sociologist Robert Merton called a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Discuss how the mechanism of the witches’ prophecy works in terms of its self-fulfillment.

Suggested Answer

The question may be approached by examining the psychology behind Macbeth’s character and his relationship with Lady Macbeth (e.g. his easily-tempted character becomes his fate). It may also be fruitful to perform a close reading of the passage around Banquo’s famous lines “If you can look into the seeds of time / And say which grain will grow and which will not, / Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear / Your favours nor your hate” (1.3.55-59). An ambitious essay might also consider a comparison to Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex or another play containing a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Imagine a staging of Macbeth. Who would play the third murderer who appears unannounced? Who would play the anonymous messenger who warns Lady Macduff about her imminent doom? Why?

Consider current and past productions of Macbeth. There is a certain logic to staging Macbeth as the third murderer, for example, and Ross as the messenger. How would a different staging change the dynamics of the play?

Some critics have considered the porter scene out of place in an otherwise cruel and compact play. Does it really provide comic really relief? How do you imagine the scene to be staged?

Suggest Answer

Compare and contrast a lighter, comic staging to a darker, hellish staging. Here, the issue is simply tone, as the text supports either interpretation. If the porter's comic relief is properly juxtaposed against the violent circumstances, he comes across more as pitiable than a discordant jester.

Macbeth is the one to express doubts over murdering Duncan but it is Lady Macbeth on whom the burden of crime takes its toll. How do the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth develop differently over the course of the play?

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth can be considered to have switched characters, in a broad sense, over the course of the play. Lady Macbeth goes from proclaiming “unsex me here” to “All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand” (I v 39; V i 42-43), Macbeth becomes more resolute and tyrannical as the play progresses. And yet Lady Macbeth also shows a morsel of humanity early on in the play. After she has intoxicated Duncan’s two guards, she remarks: “I laid their daggers ready; / He could not miss’em. Had he [Duncan] not resembled / My father as he slept, I had done’t” (2.2.11-13). The question lies in the judgment of whether a coherent psychological picture underlies the two characters, or whether they serve to illustrate some more or less formulaic “meaning.”

Perform a close reading of Macbeth’s soliloquy beginning “She should have died hereafter” and ending “It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing” (5.5.7-27). Why does Macbeth believe that Lady Macbeth should have died on a future date? What does he think lies in the future? What does this say about his character?

There are many possible interpretations of the passage—in particular of his comment about Lady Macbeth’s death. One answer will draw on Macbeth’s lines immediately preceding the soliloquy in question. In the past, he claims, a sound such as Lady Macbeth’s shriek of death would have shocked him deeply, but at present he has become unmoved and apathetic. Macbeth still seems to believe that the future holds peace for his reign. At the same time, he seems to have already accepted Lady Macbeth’s death as inevitable. What does this calm acceptance say about how his character has changed?

What is the significance of Macbeth’s vision of the dagger and of Banquo’s ghost in the play?

Macbeth’s visions seem to be indicative of his guilty conscience. At the same time, they also seem to interact with the supernatural order that the witches have brought about - the three apparitions and their specific prophecies. It would also be interesting to consider different stagings of such visions.

Discuss the exchange between Malcolm and Macduff in Act V Scene iii. Is Malcolm really testing Macduff—and if so, why does he do it? What is the dramatic significance of the testing?

The scene immediately proceeds the murder of Lady Macduff and Macduff’s son. Given the dramatic irony that Macduff has yet to hear the news, the scene seems to heighten the sense of cruelty that pervades the play. It may also be worthwhile to consider a counterfactual alternative: what would have happened if Macduff had responded differently? Could he have responded differently?

Discuss the dramatic conclusion of Macbeth. The resolution to the problems presented by the later prophecies relies on a play of words. Macduff was not technically “born” of a woman, so to speak, and Birnam Wood only “comes” to Dunsinane Hill in a manner of speaking. For a play as grave as Macbeth , does not such a resolution seem strangely lacking in gravity?

The resolution of the play may attest to the power of words. The plot of the play—in all its terrible events of regicide and murders—are after all driven by nothing but a few words uttered by three weird sisters. These same words, of course, are powerful enough to overthrow a kingdom twice.

Why can Macbeth not bring himself to pronounce one “Amen” when Duncan’s guards say “God bless us” on their deathbeds (2.2.26-27)? Does this paint a coherent psychological picture? If not, what dramatic purpose does the scene serve?

Although Macbeth does not always act rationally, he is by no means an unintelligent character. On the contrary, his famous soliloquy beginning “She should have died hereafter” in Act V Scene v is testament to his perceptive worldview—if not his poetic sensibility. His inability to pronounce “Amen” may attest to the fact that he finds such a pronouncement overwhelmingly hypocritical.

The account of Duncan and Macbeth differs significantly between Macbeth and its primary source, Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland . Compare the two accounts and discuss the effects of Shakespeare’s changes.

In Holinshed's account, Macbeth is a ruthless and valiant leader who rules competently after killing Duncan, whereas Duncan is portrayed as a young and soft-willed man. Shakespeare draws out certain aspects of the two characters in order to create a stronger sense of polarity. Whereas Duncan is made out to be a venerable and kindly older king, Macbeth is transformed into an indecisive and troubled young man who cannot possibly rule well.

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Macbeth Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Macbeth is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The third which says that Banquo's sons shall be kings, Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!

Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3 questions

What is significant about the first words that Macbeth speaks in the play?

A motif or recurring idea in the play is equivocation. There is the balance of the dark and the light, the good and the bad. Macbeth's first line reflects this. It...

What news took the wind out of Macbeth's invincibility?

Macbeth rethinks his invincibility when MacDuff tells him that he was torn from his mother's womb.

Study Guide for Macbeth

Macbeth study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About Macbeth
  • Macbeth Summary
  • Macbeth Video
  • Character List

Essays for Macbeth

Macbeth essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

  • Serpentine Imagery in Shakespeare's Macbeth
  • Macbeth's Evolution
  • Jumping the Life to Come
  • Deceptive Appearances in Macbeth
  • Unity in Shakespeare's Tragedies

Lesson Plan for Macbeth

  • About the Author
  • Study Objectives
  • Common Core Standards
  • Introduction to Macbeth
  • Relationship to Other Books
  • Bringing in Technology
  • Notes to the Teacher
  • Related Links
  • Macbeth Bibliography

E-Text of Macbeth

Macbeth e-text contains the full text of Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

  • Persons Represented
  • Act I, Scene I
  • Act I, Scene II
  • Act I, Scene III
  • Act I, Scene IV

Wikipedia Entries for Macbeth

  • Introduction
  • Sources for the play
  • Date and text

good essay titles for macbeth

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Plays — Macbeth Ambition

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Essays on Macbeth Ambition

Hook examples for macbeth ambition essays, anecdotal hook.

Picture a man driven to the brink of madness by his insatiable ambition, a descent into darkness fueled by power. This is the tragic tale of Macbeth.

Question Hook

What happens when ambition blinds one to the consequences of their actions? Macbeth's journey from a valiant warrior to a ruthless tyrant poses this thought-provoking question.

Quotation Hook

"I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none." — Macbeth. Explore the depths of ambition through the words of Shakespeare's iconic character.

Statistical or Factual Hook

Ambition is a central theme in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," a tragedy first performed in 1606. Its exploration of ambition's consequences remains relevant to this day.

Definition Hook

What defines the ambition that leads to greatness or destruction? "Macbeth" serves as a literary mirror reflecting the complexities of this human trait.

Rhetorical Question Hook

Can ambition be both a driving force and a destructive obsession? The story of Macbeth and his unrelenting ambition provides a compelling answer.

Historical Hook

Step into the world of medieval Scotland, where ambition for power and titles was a constant struggle. Explore the historical context that influenced Shakespeare's play.

Contrast Hook

Contrast the noble aspirations of Macbeth at the beginning of the play with the ruthless ambition that consumes him. The transformation is a testament to the play's exploration of ambition.

Narrative Hook

Embark on Macbeth's journey from a loyal subject to a paranoid ruler. His narrative is a cautionary tale of ambition's perilous path.

Shocking Statement Hook

Prepare to witness a descent into madness and moral decay as Macbeth's ambition spirals out of control. The consequences are as shocking as they are tragic.

Lady Macbeth’s Ambition: a Deconstruction

Blind ambition in macbeth, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

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Lady Macbeth: The Destructive Nature of Unchecked Ambition

An analysis of ambition in macbeth by william shakespeare, macbeth theme: the role of ambitions in poem, the influence of ambitions in macbeth, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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The Basic Elements of Ambition and Evil in The Story of Macbeth by William Shakespeare

The dangers of ambition in william shakespeare's macbeth, how ambition drives macbeth into downfall in shakespeare’s play, ambition and power in shakespeare’s macbeth, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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The Effects of Uncontrolled Ambition in Shakespeare's Macbeth

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William Shakespeare

"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’ other." With this phrase, Macbeth makes it clear that he is aware of the power of ambition, which can make people rush and make mistakes. He clearly states his lack of motivation and does not deny the fact that now he is driven only by ambition.

The main theme of Macbeth is the destruction that occurs in a person because of his ambition. Ambition makes the protagonist overstep moral principles, which ultimately makes him even more paranoid and anxious.

1. LOWRANCE, B. (2012). “MODERN ECSTASY”: “MACBETH” AND THE MEANING OF THE POLITICAL. ELH, 79(4), 823–849. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/23356185) 2. Zambrano, A. L. (1974). Throne of Blood": Kurosawa's" Macbeth. Literature/Film Quarterly, 2(3), 262-274. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/43795658) 3. Smidt, K. (1969). Two aspects of ambition in Elizabethan tragedy: Doctor Faustas and Macbeth. English Studies, 50(1-6), 235-248. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00138386908597335?journalCode=nest20) 4. Carlisle, C. J. (1983). Helen Faucit's Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare Studies, 16, 205. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/f32bc8310f2789df4e15d81ed2db2a4b/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1819311) 5. McPherson, H. (2000). Masculinity, Femininity, and the Tragic Sublime: Reinventing Lady Macbeth. Studies in Eighteenth-Century Culture, 29(1), 299-333. (https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/article/267252/summary) 6. Draper, J. W. (1941). Lady Macbeth. Psychoanalytic Review, 28(4), 479-486. (https://pep-web.org/browse/document/PSAR.028.0479A) 7. Williams, E. W. (1973). In Defense of Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare Quarterly, 24(2), 221-223. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/2868860) 8. Alfar, C. L. (1998). 'Blood will have blood:'Power, Performance, and Lady Macbeth's Gender Trouble. Jx: A Journal in Culture and Criticism, 2(2), 179-207. (https://hcommons.org/deposits/item/mla:931/) 9. Reyes, C., & Kenny, A. (2020). Shakespeare's Violent Women: A Feminist Analysis Of Lady Macbeth. UC Riverside Undergraduate Research Journal, 14(1). (https://escholarship.org/uc/item/43v335x5) 10. Gerwig, G. W. (2002). Lady Macbeth. Shakespearean Criticism, 69. (https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CH1420046125&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=08839123&p=LitRC&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E194c4eda)

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good essay titles for macbeth

good essay titles for macbeth

Macbeth Essays

There are loads of ways you can approach writing an essay, but the two i favour are detailed below., the key thing to remember is that an essay should focus on the three aos:, ao1: plot and character development; ao2: language and technique; ao3: context, strategy 1 : extract / rest of play, the first strategy basically splits the essay into 3 paragraphs., the first paragraph focuses on the extract, the second focuses on the rest of the play, the third focuses on context. essentially, it's one ao per paragraph, for a really neatly organised essay., strategy 2 : a structured essay with an argument, this strategy allows you to get a much higher marks as it's structured to form an argument about the whole text. although you might think that's harder - and it's probably going to score more highly - i'd argue that it's actually easier to master. mainly because you do most of the work before the day of the exam., to see some examples of these, click on the links below:, lady macbeth as a powerful woman, macbeth as a heroic character, the key to this style is remembering this: you're going to get a question about a theme, and the extract will definitely relate to the theme., the strategy here is planning out your essays before the exam, knowing that the extract will fit into them somehow., below are some structured essays i've put together., macbeth and gender.

75 Macbeth Essay Topics

Published by Denis on April 21, 2021 April 21, 2021

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is an all-time popular English classic tragedy spawning contemporary iterations in theater and film. This tragedy by the great English playwright is an introspection of fundamental human relationships and the roles of base desires in influencing these relationships. Writing Macbeth essay topics is an exercise in looking at human flaws.

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How to write a Macbeth essay

Read and understand the play’s plot, character, and stage setting. What motivates the characters, and what are the circumstances of that period? Getting a good insight into different characters explains their motivations and actions.

In order to write a winning Macbeth essay, you must have an outline before you get started. Well, this applies to all other essay types and must not be left out when working on this essay. The outline should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction of a Macbeth essay, you should clearly state why you have picked a specific topic. In the introduction, you are also required to make a statement of what you intend to achieve with the essay.

The body should explain your ideas, and you need to work thoroughly on it. How you write your conclusion plays a vital role in the success of your essay. Ensure that your conclusion is short and precise.

Read this  Macbeth essay example  and use ideas from this essay sample to form the focus of your writing assignment. You can see what has not been explored adequately and what you can improve on with a good literature review. When writing, you can ask a peer to critique your work at several intervals to polish it.

If you are stuck with your Macbeth essay you can always request for “ do my english homework for me ” and you will get help online from a reputable service like Gudwriter.

Suggested topics for a Macbeth essay

  • An Opinion That Lady Macbeth Is Far Worse Than Macbeth in the Play Macbeth
  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth: The Reactions and Judgments of Each Other
  • An Analysis of the Scenes and the Changes of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
  • The Role of Witches in Macbeth
  • The Development of Macbeth’s Character
  • Lady Macbeth Character Analysis
  • The Theme of Guilt Horror and Macbeth
  • Differences and Similarities Between The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth
  • The theme of Appearance and Reality in Macbeth
  • Blood Symbolism in “Macbeth”
  • The Character Changes of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
  • An Analysis of Character Lady Macbeth in the Play Macbeth
  • Who Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is Most Responsible for Bloodshed in “Macbeth”
  • The Influence of Lady Macbeth on the Downfall of Macbeth
  • An Analysis of Macbeth Decisions in Macbeth
  • Lady Macbeth as a Catalyst in Lord Macbeth’s Evildoings in the Play “Macbeth”
  • An Analysis of Why Macbeth Is More Guilty Compared to Lady Macbeth
  • An Analysis of Macbeth Show on How Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Have to Go Against Their Natures
  • The Differences between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the Novel
  • An Opinion That Lady Macbeth Is Worse Than Macbeth in the Plat “Macbeth”
  • A Description of Lady Macbeth Being Far Worse Than Macbeth
  • An Analysis of the Relationship Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the Play “Macbeth”
  • A Description of Lady Macbeth Being Worse Than Macbeth
  • The Relationship Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth”
  • arts and humanities
  • An Opinion That Macbeth is Guiltier Than Lady Macbeth in the Play “Macbeth”
  • An Analysis of the Interesting Relationship Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
  • An Analysis of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, Referred To as Malcolm
  • Love: The Concepts of the Relationship Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
  • The Tragedy of Macbeth
  • An Analysis of the Tragic Heroism of Macbeth in a Play by William Shakespeare
  • The Changes That Occurred Through the Play “Macbeth”
  • A Role of Two Theories in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • An Analysis of the Character Lady Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare
  • The Character of the Tragic Hero in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • The Use of Comparison and Contrast in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • An Essay on the Downfall of Macbeth
  • Factors Contributing to the Degeneration of Macbeth’s Character
  • Macbeth as a Killer in the Play Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • A Virtuous Man Corrupted by Greed and Power in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • An Analysis of the Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare
  • The Changes in the Characters in the Play, Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • Comparing and Contrasting Shakespeare’s Characters in Macbeth
  • An Analysis of Contrast, Atmosphere, Language, Images, Symbols, and Dramatic Interpretations
  • A Literary Analysis of the Character Lady Macbeth in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • The Changes in Macbeth’s Character Throughout the Play
  • The Changes in the Emotions of Lady Macbeth in the Play “Macbeth”
  • The Control of Lady Macbeth Over Macbeth
  • An Analysis of Macbeth’s Blind Ambition Role From Good to Evil
  • An Analysis of Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • The Relation Between Lady Macbeth and Evil in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth “
  • An Argument That Macbeth Is Not a Victim of Fate
  • An Analysis of the Tragic Ending of an Ambitious, Courageous and Moral Coward Man’s Life in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • An Analysis of the Feeling Towards Macbeth and Reaction To the End of the Play Which Differ Amongst Readers
  • An Analysis of Macbeth A Tragic Hero Who Through No Fault of His Own Follows a Path of Evil
  • The Combination of the Influence of Witches and That of Lady Macbeth in the Tragedy “Macbeth”
  • An Analysis of the Victim, Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • A Comparison of Macbeth Family Members in Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare
  • An Analysis of the Changing Character of Macbeth As A Husband and King in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Contrasting Macbeth with Three Other Characters in Shakespeare’s Play
  • An Analysis of the Uncontrolled Ambition in the Downfall of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
  • An Analysis of the Theme of Ambition in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • An Analysis of Act I of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • The Many Supernatural Scenes in the Play “Macbeth”
  • The Portrayal of the Power of Evil in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Flaw of Ambition in William Shakespeare’s Play Macbeth
  • A Review of The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • Development of the Characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth by Shakespeare

How to pick a topic for a Macbeth essay

• Fresh insight topic – Is there a topic you feel raises a fresh perspective into the play’s characters? Human character flaws, for example, are limitless in exploration, and you can write on it. Peek into the numerous Macbeth-themed topics from our free to use essay topic generator .

• Build on other work – Pick on one of the familiar topics, e.g., analyze Lady Macbeth’s greed, and work on it. Add fresh material to enrich the present literature.

Learn how to write an exloratory essay in the best way possible.

Working on Shakespeare’s work is enjoyable and challenging; it is much written about that you must dig deep to present fresh details for Shakespeare fans. But writing on one of Macbeth essay topics will undoubtedly raise your appreciation for classic English literature.

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  1. 129 Macbeth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare based on the true story of Scottish king Macbeth. The play tells us about a Scottish general who heard a prophecy from a trio of witches and decided to bring predictions to fulfillment. This is a drama about the jeopardy of excessive lust for power and betrayal of friends.

  2. Macbeth: Suggested Essay Topics

    5. Is Macbeth a moral play? Is justice served at the end of the play? Defend your answer. 6. Discuss Shakespeare's use of the technique of elision, in which certain key events take place offstage. Why do you think he uses this technique? Suggestions for essay topics to use when you're writing about Macbeth.

  3. 30 Macbeth Essay Topics

    30 Macbeth Essay Topics. Most commonly assigned as required reading for high school and college students, Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. The play is set in medieval Scotland and chronicles the rise and fall of its eponymous protagonist, Macbeth, who murders his way to the throne but is ultimately undone by his ambition ...

  4. 107 Macbeth Essay Topics & Research Titles at StudyCorgi

    The Strange, Dark World of Shakespeare's "Macbeth". The story of the play "Macbeth" - a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in 1605 or 1606 and published in 1628. Shakespeare's Macbeth vs. Tolkiens' Smeagol. Macbeth is a relative of the king, in line for leadership.

  5. Macbeth Suggested Essay Topics

    Suggested Essay Topics. 1. Macbeth struggles with his conscience and the fear of eternal damnation if he murders Duncan. Lady Macbeth's conflict arises when Macbeth's courage begins to falter ...

  6. Macbeth : Essay Topics

    5) The sleepwalking scene in Act V is one of the most memorable in all of drama. Relate this scene to the overall play and examine what makes Lady Macbeth's revelation so provoking. 6) Choose two of the minor characters in Macbeth and examine how they contribute to the play's action. 7) The witches tell Banquo that he will be the father of ...

  7. Most Interesting Macbeth Essay Topics

    0. Spread the love. Most Interesting Macbeth Topics to Write about. The Aspirations and Bad Decision in Macbeth, a Play by William Shakespeare. Evaluating Macbeth's Ethics Throughout Shakespeare's Play Macbeth. Manslaughter and Supremacy in William Shakespeare's Play Macbeth. Dishonest Desire in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

  8. Macbeth Essay Topics

    Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

  9. Macbeth Critical Essays

    Macbeth's title 3. Macbeth to be made King 4. Banquo's sons to be Kings 5. Three Apparitions prophecies a. Beware of Macduff ... What is a good thesis for an essay on Macbeth by Shakespeare?

  10. Macbeth Essays

    The Captain tells the King that 'brave Macbeth' (1.2.16) met the traitor Macdonald with his sword drawn and killed him in a very horrible and gory manner. Thus our first description of Macbeth is ...

  11. Macbeth: Critical Essays

    Get free homework help on William Shakespeare's Macbeth: play summary, scene summary and analysis and original text, quotes, essays, character analysis, and filmography courtesy of CliffsNotes. In Macbeth , William Shakespeare's tragedy about power, ambition, deceit, and murder, the Three Witches foretell Macbeth's rise to King of Scotland but also prophesy that future kings will descend from ...

  12. 20 Essays About Macbeth

    1. Explore Macbeth's Mental Deterioration. The character of Macbeth goes through a significant mental health crisis throughout the play. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth seems like a mentally healthy and stable individual. As the story unfolds and his greed for power increases, his mental health declines.

  13. 180 Inspirational Macbeth Essay Topics

    Explore how prophecies are fulfilled throughout the play. Examine Macbeth's hallucinations and visions in the play. Compare and contrast the insanities of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Examine the importance of "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" in Act 1, Scene 1. Explore supernatural events that happen after King Duncan's murder.

  14. Simplified Macbeth Essay Guide: Summary, Key themes, Topics and

    Macbeth essay topics. There are so many topics that one can write about when it comes to Macbeth. In some cases, the professor will provide you with a given topic and ask you to write a Macbeth essay on it. ... A good Macbeth essay writer knows how to analyze the play, answer the question correctly, and write the paper in a flawless manner ...

  15. Themes in Macbeth Essay Topics

    Themes in Macbeth Essay Topics. Clio has taught education courses at the college level and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' is an important play filled with ...

  16. PDF Six Macbeth' essays by Wreake Valley students

    Level 5 essay Lady Macbeth is shown as forceful and bullies Macbeth here in act 1.7 when questioning him about his masculinity. This follows from when Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth to be ambitious when Macbeth writes her a letter and she reads it as a soliloquy in act 1.5.

  17. Macbeth Essay Questions

    1. Macbeth is often cited as a famous example of what the American sociologist Robert Merton called a "self-fulfilling prophecy." Discuss how the mechanism of the witches' prophecy works in terms of its self-fulfillment. Suggested Answer. The question may be approached by examining the psychology behind Macbeth's character and his relationship with Lady Macbeth (e.g. his easily-tempted ...

  18. What's a suitable title for an essay on characters' reaction to

    A good title for a Macbeth essay could be "Vaulting Ambition: The Tragedy of Overreach in Shakespeare's Macbeth ." In Act I, scene 7, lines 25-28, Macbeth reflects on his decision to kill Duncan ...

  19. AQA English Revision

    Revision Essay Titles. For your revision you should plan an essay based around each of the following questions. Remember that you can use quotes - or even entire paragraphs - in multiple questions, so be wise when you prepare. Also, bear in mind that you will have an extract on the day but for revision purposes you're best to plan without one ...

  20. Free Macbeth Ambition Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

    Blind Ambition in Macbeth. 1 page / 437 words. The theme of blind ambition plays a central role in the downfall of the protagonist, Macbeth. Throughout the play, Macbeth's ambition drives him to commit heinous acts in his quest for power and control. This blind ambition ultimately leads to his tragic demise.

  21. AQA English Revision

    Strategy 2: A structured essay with an argument. The key to this style is remembering this: You're going to get a question about a theme, and the extract will DEFINITELY relate to the theme. The strategy here is planning out your essays BEFORE the exam, knowing that the extract will fit into them somehow. Below are some structured essays I've ...

  22. 75 Macbeth Essay Topics

    Peek into the numerous Macbeth-themed topics from our free to use essay topic generator. • Build on other work - Pick on one of the familiar topics, e.g., analyze Lady Macbeth's greed, and work on it. Add fresh material to enrich the present literature. Learn how to write an exloratory essay in the best way possible.

  23. What is a good thesis for an essay on Macbeth by Shakespeare?

    For example, for an essay about Macbeth and his ambition, I might create this thesis statement: Macbeth, as the tragic hero of the play, is driven to his own demise by his tragic flaw -- ambition ...

  24. Is Macbeth A Hero Essay

    Is Macbeth A Hero Essay. 613 Words3 Pages. William Shakespeare wrote Macbeth some time in 1606-07. Set mainly in the 11th century, this tragedy is about a man named Macbeth. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth appears to be a good man, displaying traits that could be deemed heroic. Macbeth is said to be the play's protagonist, but is he a hero?

  25. Lady Macbeth's Ambition Research Paper

    Unlike Macbeth, whose ambition is fueled by a desire for kingship, Lady Macbeth's ambitions extend beyond mere titles. She craves control and influence, seeking to wield power directly rather than merely through her husband. Lady Macbeth's ambition is evident in her desire for greatness and her disdain for mediocrity.