keywords for macbeth

Hamartia

A fatal flaw leading to a downfall of a character in a play, particularly the hero / heroine. Macbeth’s fatal flaw is his ambition.

Equivocation

Being deliberately vague or using complicated language to conceal truth

Soliloquy

The act of talking someone’s thoughts out loud, regardless of who is listening

Malevolent

Having / showing evil intentions, usually from supernatural

Regicide

The deliberate killing of a king (monarch)

Treason

The crime of betraying one’s country, especially by attempting to kill / overthrow the monarch or government

Manifest

To physically show a feeling via actions

Motif

A recurring idea in a piece of literature. More concrete than a theme (e.g. blood, sleep and light are motifs in Macbeth).

Tyrant

Someone who rules using fear, violence and intimidation