Darkness Is A Dangerous Theme In Macbeth

The play Macbeth is an excellent drama that touches on many themes regarding darkness, ambition, morals, and deception. “Darkness is Dangerous” is one theme that is addressed in Macbeth and contributes significantly to the plot and outcome of the story. Thunder and darkness follow the three witches from the very first scene as the witches meet. By prophesying to Macbeth and ultimately guiding him to his insanity and death, the witches prove to be dangerous conjuring up evil things in the dark. The theme of darkness is also portrayed through the evil deeds and murders that Macbeth commits. The murder of Macbeth’s first victim, Duncan, is done on an evil night, under the shadow of darkness, as well as the murder of Banquo. The characters in Macbeth experience firsthand how darkness is dangerous and can lead to evil deeds.
Another theme addressed in the play Macbeth is the theme of ambition and how, unchecked, it can lead to corruption. In the beginning of the play “brave Macbeth” is hailed by Duncan as a “valiant cousin!” and “worthy gentleman.” After his encounter with the witches, however, he realizes that “Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme.” This sparks an ambition in Macbeth which brings him to have “horrible imaginings: My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical.” Spurred on my Lady Macbeth’s
Macbeth himself is an example of a man who was easily manipulated by prophesy, ambition, and his wife all because he lacked a strong conviction. Lady Macbeth knows this and bids Macbeth to “Hie thee hither, That I may pour my spirits in thine ear; And chastise with the valour of my tongue All that impedes thee from the golden round” effectively expressing her desires to convince him to do what he knows is not right. In the end Lady Macbeth effectively manipulates Macbeth into murdering