Let us talk about the themes in act 1 of
Macbeth scene by
scene:
Sc. I > Theme of
Fairness & Foulness: Witches' chiasmus--'Fair is foul, and foul is fair'
striking the key-note of the whole play, immediately underscores the co-existence
and interchangeability of Fair and Foul in the political world of Duncan's Scotland, and
more so, in the deeper moral world of
man.
Sc. II > The
Bleeding Sergeant Sc. further explores the theme of Fairness & Foulness. Macbeth
and Banquo, the two noble generals of King Duncan, represent Fairness, while the rebel,
Macdonwald, the treacherous Cawdor, and the infiltrating Norwegian King represent
Foulness. The Sc. also suggests the theme of Loyalty & Disloyalty, of Courage
& Heroism.
Sc. III >
Witches' proclamations on the heath and their impact on Macbeth highlight
the theme of Temptation, and also exposes through Macbeth's asides the theme of Moral
Vacillation.
Sc. IV >
Duncan's observation in respect of the treacherous Thane of Cawdor that there is no art
to read 'the mind's construction' on the face of a man, brings in the theme of
Appearance & Reality. Duncan trusted Cawdor so much, Cawdor betrayed him. The
King now confers the same title onto Macbeth in great trust, and Macbeth shall betray
him in the worst possible way. Thus the theme of Trust is introduced in the
play.
Sc. V > Lady
Macbeth, in her soliloquies, commits herself to evil to stand by the ambition of her
husband. Macbeth would be the King of Scotland as promised by the 'weird sisters'.
Shakespeare's play is a study in ambition, and the theme of Ambition is apparent in the
scene.
Sc. VI > As
Duncan, Banquo and others arrive at Macbeth's castle to stay for the night, the king
refers Lady Macbeth as the kind hostess. The theme of Hospitality and the most sinister
breach of the same are ironically referred to in this
scene.
Sc. VII > In his
long soliloquy, Macbeth refers to the themes of Trust(also the breach of it) and
Ambition( his 'vaulting ambition'). His self-divided personality also betrays the theme
of Fear, of being punished for his contemplated crime of Duncan's
murder.
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