The document analyzes the theme and subthemes of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The main tragic theme is Macbeth's downfall after committing regicide to fulfill a prophecy of becoming king. Key subthemes include greediness as Macbeth's and Lady Macbeth's lust for the throne drives their evil plans, and betrayal as Macbeth betrays both his king Duncan and friend Banquo in his pursuit of power. The analysis concludes that the drama serves as a reflection on how ambition can destroy if allowed to overwhelm one's moral compass.

1. THEME AND SUB THEMES IN
MACBETH BY WILLIAM
SHAKESPEARE
Fradita Kasturi R

2. Abstract
This writing is an analysis of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The purpose
of this writing is to analyze the theme and sub themes of the drama. The writer
uses theory of theme and close reading method. The writer finds that the drama
has tragic theme and some sub themes. In conclusion, the using of tragic theme
and other sub themes in this drama is to deliver the massage from the author to
the audiences or the readers.
Keywords: William Shakespeare, Macbeth, theme, tragic drama, tragedy

3. Introduction
Drama is one of the genres in literature. Drama is a composition in prose or verse
presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story involving conflict or contrast of
character, especially one intended to be acted on the stage.
Tragedy drama is a play dealing with tragic and having an unhappy ending,
especially one concerning the downfall of the main character. Tragic drama was first
developed in 5th century Greece. The characteristics of tragedy drama are: there are,
tragic hero, tragic irony, tragic action, tragic flow and tragic rhythm. One of the most
known tragedy drama is Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is also one of the
shorter tragedies.

4. Summary of Macbeth
Macbeth is King Duncan’s brave general. After finishing his job, Macbeth and his friend, Banquo,
encounter with three witches who tell them prophecies. The witches tell Macbeth that he will be given the
title of Thane of the Cawdor by King Duncan and he will be a king of Scotland, while his friend, Banquo is
being told that he will not be a king but his heirs will be.
One of the prophecies becomes true and Macbeth comes to believe the prophecy. He tells his wife,
Lady Macbeth, about the prophecy which leads Lady Macbeth become greedy. Macbeth kills King Duncan to
make the prophecy becomes true, he even kills Banquo and plans to kill Banquo’s son in order to maintain
his throne, because the prophecy told that Banquo’s heirs will be a king. Macbeth afraid that his throne will
be snatched from him. He rules his kingdom in fear, no one of the civilian can live in peace. Macbeth cannot
live in peace, his wife becomes crazy and kill herself. Macbeth life is in misery, in the end he is killed.

5. Biography of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born on 23rd April 1564
in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.
He did not attend university due to financial debt.
He married Anne Hathaway in 1582 and had
three children, Susanna, Hamnet and Juliet. He
wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets. His well-known
plays are Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, Romeo and
Juliet, King Lear and A Mid Summer’s Night
Dream. Shakespeare died in 1616, aged 52. It is
not clear how he died.

6. Discussion
Theme of Macbeth
The main theme of this drama is tragic theme. Macbeth covered his hands to get
and maintain his position, his throne that he had stolen. He became delusional and he
lost his wife, and being fooled by his prophecy.
Sub Themes
 Greediness
The drama is about the greediness of Macbeth and his wife over the throne, to
be King of the kingdom. They are a noble family, with a title, Thane of Glamis. They
become greedier after the witches told Macbeth and Banquo a prophecy. Macbeth
tells his wife and the evil-bloody plan to aim the throne come to their mind. They
will do anything to get the throne.

7. Sub Themes
 Betrayal
The betrayal of Macbeth to his king, King Duncan, and his friend, Banquo. He betrays
King Duncan who had believed him and never be suspicious to him, he betrays King
Duncan after he heard about the king’s plan to give the throne to his first son, Malcolm.
He believed to the prophecy that being told by the witches that he would be a king, but
with the king’s plan, he thinks that it would be the obstacle for his path to the throne. So,
he kills King Duncan. He also kills his friend, Banquo, because of his fear and the prophecy
from the witches that Banquo will be the father of kings which means that Banquo’s sons
will inherit the title of king, while Macbeth himself does not have any son to give the
throne. So he kills Banquo and tries to kill Banquo’s son, Fleance, but he fails.

8. Conclusion
 This drama can be a good reflection for nowadays situation. Many people
are blinded by wealth and position which lead them to the greediness.
They do everything to get what they want and they do not bother to think
whether it is right or wrong.
 This drama tells us many things to be learned. We can have an ambition
but don’t let the ambition blind you. An ambition can makes you stronger
but if you let the ambition overwhelms it can destroy you without merci
and drive you crazy.