Download Motifs in Macbeth

Why use a motif?
• It allows us to see the main points and
themes
• Helps us understand what the author is
expressing
• Helps us interpret the work more
accurately
How is theme presented?
• Often, stories suggest a theme through the
details of:
o
o
o
o
Characters
Plot
Setting
Point of view
• Themes of most literature have to do with
emotions and experiences that make us
human—fear, courage, loss, love, etc.
Motif
Motifs in Macbeth
Review: What is a theme?
• An idea, message, or lesson incorporated
throughout a literary work..
• Themes are often related to the author’s
purpose for writing
Examples of themes in
Macbeth
1. Unchecked ambition and greed can lead to corruption
2. The Relationship Between Cruelty and Masculinity
3. The Difference Between Kingship and Tyranny
What is a motif?
• Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, or
literary devices that can help to develop
the text’s major themes
• A motif may be:
– a literary element used repeatedly in one text
– two contrasting elements in a work (good
and evil)
– a literary element used over time in various
texts, providing a useful example of a cultural
"constant"
So how is Theme different
from Motif?
Motifs are things that reoccur in the
story, but they do not give a message.
They provide hints to the messages.
Example: Good and evil, light and dark,
blood, rain
Themes are the big ideas and the
message of the story.
Motifs help you find the “big idea.”
This motif is a contrast of good (fair)
and bad (foul).
This motif is a paradox! (opposite
words)
o the weather is foul but the day has
brought success to Macbeth.
o Witches are evil (foul) but they bring
good news (fair)
o the battle has been won but life has
been lost.
The shedding of innocent blood runs throughout
the play.
Example:
This motif begins with the entrance of the “bloody
man,” the captain who tells of Macbeth’s bravery
in Act I, Scene 2.
• The play starts off with war
• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are
guilty of murder
• The witches start the play with 3
prophecies.
1. Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor
2. Macbeth will be King
3. Banquo will be father of kings
• The witches then show more
prophecies towards the end of the
play
• Darkness is the prevalent
atmosphere in the entire play.
o Almost all the scenes take place at
night or in a dark place.
o The murder of King Duncan takes
place at night.
Hallucinations are things that you hear,
see, feel, taste, or smell, but it’s not
really there.
oAfter Macbeth kills Duncan he “sees”
a floating dagger.
oAfter Banquo is killed, he “sees”
Banquo’s ghost
oLady Macbeth constantly “sees”
blood on her hands
• Supernatural- forces beyond scientific
explanation or nature.
Shakespeare incorporates the supernatural
throughout the play:
o the first scene where the witches appear
o the next appearance and sudden
disappearance of the witches
o the dagger that appears to Macbeth seems
to be of supernatural origin
Sleep is one of the most consistent motifs in
the play:
o Duncan and servants are asleep when the
crimes are committed.
o Macbeth’s guilt makes him hear “Macbeth
has murdered sleep.”
o After Macbeth kills King Duncan, he says
“Macbeth shall sleep no more.”
Motifs in Macbeth
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Fair and Foul
Blood
Violence
Prophecy
Light and Dark
Hallucinations
Supernatural
Sleep and Sleeplessness