Macbeth Evidence

Ambition

A strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.

Hamartia

A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero.

Bellona's bridegroom

A reference to Macbeth, symbolizing his association with war and violence.

Valour's minion

Another term for Macbeth, indicating his role as a servant to bravery and courage.

Driving ambition

A powerful motivation that pushes someone to pursue their goals, often at great cost.

Antithesis

A rhetorical device involving a contrast of ideas; here, Banquo's contrasting nature against Macbeth.

Instruments of darkness

A phrase referring to supernatural forces that deceive and mislead characters.

Borrowed robes

A metaphor representing the theme of illegitimate power and the disruption caused by ambition.

Pathetic fallacy

A literary device where human emotions are attributed to nature, often setting the mood.

Equivocation

The use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to mislead.

Motif of light and dark

A recurring theme contrasting good and evil; light represents purity, while darkness symbolizes evil.

Milk of human kindness

A phrase indicating compassion and empathy that Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to suppress.

Redefines masculinity

Shakespeare's exploration of masculinity that includes compassion and emotional depth.

Murder of Duncan

The act committed by Macbeth, which triggers his guilt and psychological turmoil.

Symbol of blood

Blood transitions from representing honor to symbolizing guilt and moral decay.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, used here to convey intense emotions.

Multitudinous seas incarnadine

A phrase emphasizing the overwhelming nature of Macbeth's guilt after committing murder.