What is the main subject of Macbeth?

The Corrupting Power of Unchecked Ambition The main theme of Macbeth —the destruction wrought when ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints—finds its most powerful expression in the play’s two main characters.

Does Fleance say anything in Macbeth?

His last words to his son are, “O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! / Thou mayst revenge. O slave!” In 11th century Scotland, upholding the honor of one’s clan, or family, was of primary importance, especially for the first-born male.

What does the prophecy symbolize in Macbeth?

The witches’ first prophecy is what causes Macbeth to think that he could be king to begin with. There is no indication that he had that ambition before they spoke to him. The witches demonstrate that they can tell the future by predicting that he will become Thane of Cawdor, which immediately takes place.

What are the three prophecies in Macbeth?

After a battle in Scotland, Macbeth and his friend Banquo meet three witches, who make three prophecies – Macbeth will be a thane, Macbeth will be king and Banquo’s sons will be kings.

How is time a theme in Macbeth?

Basically, the idea is that time literally comes to a halt when Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the throne. All of the events that take place between the murder and the final battle seem to happen out of time, almost in some sort of alternate reality, in some witch-land outside of history.

What happens to Fleance at the end of Macbeth?

Although Banquo is murdered, Fleance escapes. The witches’ prophecy that the royal family would continue through the line of Banquo is therefore confirmed as possible. Fleance is not mentioned again in the play. Malcolm, the eldest son of Duncan, becomes King.

How does the prophecies affect Macbeth?

The prophecies later become motivating factors for Macbeth to pursue his “fate” and to murder others that interfere. Once he kills King Duncan and is crowned the King of Scotland, and can easily commit other atrocities.

Which prophecy does not come true in Macbeth?

Which prophecy does not come true during the course of the play? Banquo’s sons will be kings.

What did Fleance do in Act 2 of Macbeth?

In Act II, he arrives at Macbeth’s castle with Banquo and serves as his father’s squire (attendant). After that, Macbeth mentions him briefly to Banquo. We do not see him again until Act III when Banquo cries for Fleance to flee the three murderers. Lennox later expresses his relief that Fleance is alive and in hiding.

Why does Macbeth have to kill Banquo and Fleance?

Now that the first part of the witches’ prophecy has come true, Macbeth feels that he must kill his friend Banquo and the young Fleance in order to prevent the second part from becoming realized. But, as Fleance’s survival suggests, there can be no escape from the witches’ prophecies.

What happens in Act 1 Scene 7 of Macbeth?

But, as Fleance’s survival suggests, there can be no escape from the witches’ prophecies. Macbeth and his wife seem to have traded roles. As he talks to the murderers, Macbeth adopts the same rhetoric that Lady Macbeth used to convince him to murder in Act 1, scene 7.

Why did Lennox want to kill Fleance in Macbeth?

Lennox knows that Fleance would have been killed as well if he had stayed or was found. After Macbeth receives the witches’ prophecy that he would become king, he immediately begins to plot on how to take the throne and keep it. The promise given to Banquo that his descendants will also be king lingers over Macbeth.