Macbeth Quizzes

Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, and his wife Lady Macbeth’s ruthless rise to power and their eventual downfall. The play is filled with intense psychological drama as the protagonists battle with their own conscience over right and wrong.The play begins when three witches prophesy that Macbeth will become King of Scotland. This prophecy, coupled with Lady Macbeth’s ambitious plan to use her husband’s newfound power for her own gain, sets off a series of events that leads to his ultimate demise. In order to achieve his goals, Macbeth commits heinous acts of murder and betrayal in order to gain and maintain control over Scotland. In doing so he alienates himself from those closest to him including many of his fellow nobles who have served him loyally for years prior. His guilt-ridden conscience eventually catches up with him resulting in an emotional breakdown which ultimately leads to his death at the hands of one whom he once regarded as family. Macbeth is an excellent example of the human struggle between ambition and morality as it explores themes such as loyalty versus ambition, power versus morality, and fate versus free will. By examining these themes through its characters’ actions, Shakespeare shows us how unchecked ambition can lead even good people down a dangerous path while also leaving them open to manipulation from those around them seeking their own gain or revenge.