Macbeth (Grades 9–1) York Notes

In this play apparent ‘fair’ is often ‘foul’ (I.1.9): hosts are murderers, women are not ‘gentle’ (II.3.80) and men are not ‘of woman born’ (IV.1.79).

Lady Macbeth wants her husband to be king. Macbeth admits his ‘Vaulting ambition’ (I.7.27) is the only cause he has for killing Duncan. Later he becomes tyrannical with his power.

In Duncan we see a king who is just and kind. Macbeth is the opposite, ruling through fear and terror.

In contrast to the protective mother role played by Macduff’s wife, Lady Macbeth demands that the spirits ‘unsex me here’ (I.5.39) and claims that she would brutally kill her own child.

After murdering Duncan, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both suffer the torment of guilt. Macbeth is unable to sleep and his wife takes her own life.