Shakespeare wanted his audience to take an overriding message from Macbeth that political power should never be attained by deceit. Shakespeare wrote Macbeth at a time when the instability of the English and Scottish thrones—united under the person of King James I. He wanted, therefore, to remind his audience of the dangers of what can happen when a kingdom is obtained by duplicity and double-dealing. In keeping with the play's overriding moral and political message, the consequences of Macbeth's deceit are dire indeed. Once he's become ensconced upon the Scottish throne, the kingdom descends into a blood-soaked tyranny, with Macbeth lashing out at anyone he perceives as a threat to his power.

TS: The societal expectations surrounding gender roles in Macbeth can be used to deceive others by associating certain stereotypes with individuals, allowing them to manipulate their identities to fit these expectations.

• Lady Macbeth's femininity is presented as a complex interplay of ambition, manipulation, and psychological turmoil. Her character challenges traditional gender norms, using her femininity to mask her true intentions, ultimately leading to her tragic demise. This exploration of deception not only reveals her character's depth but also serves as a commentary on the societal expectations of women during Shakespeare's time.

TS: The supernatural is multifaced, as what’s “fair is foul”

TS: The moral corruption lead to treachery and betrayal.

TS: By creating a facade to cover the truth, it ultimately leads to self- deception.

https://www.enotes.com/topics/macbeth/themes#question-3134026

• Betrayal
• Lady Macbeth arc
• Relationship
• Self-deception
• Macbeth
• Macduff & Malcolm
• Tyrant / Scotland
• Supernatural