131 Macbeth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Writing an essay on Shakespearean tragedies may be tricky for some students. There are a lot of ideas to put in your paper, and that may puzzle you. That’s why we’ve prepared a short guide on how to write Macbeth essay.

Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare based on the true story of Scottish king Macbeth. The play tells us about a Scottish general who heard a prophecy from a trio of witches and decided to bring predictions to fulfillment. This is a drama about the jeopardy of excessive lust for power and betrayal of friends.

Some researchers state that William Shakespeare adopted the plot from Holinshed’s Chronicles, a popular history of England, while others argue that the plot of the play was borrowed from George Buchanan. Before you start your Macbeth essay, you should do thorough research on facts and fiction around the play.

To give you ideas on how and what to write in your essay, check the tips below:

1. Check our Macbeth essay samples to acquire knowledge on characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, Banquo, Malcolm, Macduff, Three Witches, and others. Each character is unique, and it’s quite easy to write a paper on each of them. Make a meticulous analysis of each of them, if you decide to write an essay on Macbeth characters. Use dialogues and monologues as supporting arguments to your ideas.
2. In your Macbeth essay introduction provide readers with the thesis statement and a summary you’re going to discuss in the paper. Specify what exactly you will depict or analyze. Sometimes, you may need to write the intro after you finish the body and already have done an in-depth analysis of text and critique materials.
3. When writing body paragraphs, describe the essay topic in detail. Start each section with a short statement, provide a supporting quote, explain it, and make a conclusion. You can always analyze IvyPanda Macbeth essay titles to learn various points of view on each character and event.
4. In the Macbeth essay conclusion, reiterate a topic and your analysis. You should not only summarize the information you’ve gathered and analyzed in the paper body. You have to get back to the intro and provide clear and extensive answers on the questions you raised. Try not to leave any further questions for your readers. Here’s the secret: some professors read the conclusion first. So make it persuasive and give a complete portion of information.

You may be wondering how to use essay examples that you may find on our website. It is super easy. First of all, look through the titles to get some topic ideas.

Then, look through the sample and learn how to create your outline. Think about what you can write in your essay. Check the bibliography: there you can find useful sources for the research.

Indeed, any paper on Shakespeare’s play may concern a variety of topics. So check out our Macbeth essay examples and think of the topics which you can choose.

🏆 Best Macbeth Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

1. Dramatic Irony in Macbeth Essay
   Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to amuse the audience and to show the level of deception developed by the main character. The porter gives a clear picture of what is about to happen.
2. Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
   The betrayer, Macbeth betrays the King, friend and other subjects in the kingdom. However when Macbeth is told he has just been chosen as the Thane of Cawdor, scenes of the possibilities of him as […]
3. The Use of Hands as a Motif in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
   The play presents readers with the world of royalty and the well-knit state; the world of Duncan, his two sons, Banquo, Macbeth and the whole of Scotland and England.
4. William Shakespeare: Hamlet and Macbeth
   It is important to examine the role that the setting plays in Hamlet and Macbeth in relation to the tragic flaw and developments of the plot.
5. Supernatural Elements of Act I and II in Macbeth
   In the play, the supernatural things are central to the plot of the play as they provide a basis for action as Shakespeare meant them to fit in putting the play together.
6. Macbeth & Frankenstein: Compare & Contrast
   In the being of the play, we assume that Macbeth is akin to the king, a loyal soldier, and a person “full of the milk of human kindness”.
7. The Downfall of Macbeth
   Nonetheless, he goes on to murder the king and his character takes a turn for the worst as he kills the chamberlains who would give witness of the king’s death and he claims he killed […]
8. Unchecked Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
   However, in Act 1, scenes 1 to 4, the audience is introduced to Macbeth’s increasing fear and the developing desire to be the king. It appears that the desire to be the king overrides his […]
9. British Literature: Beowulf vs. Macbeth
   They are as follows: the presentation of the heroes, the consideration of the ethical themes, and the final stages of the plays the latter help to draw some ethical conclusions based on the peculiarity of […]
10. Character Analysis of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
    The unplanned overnight stay of King Duncan and his entourage at Macbeth’s castle precipitates Macbeth’s first fateful decision: to murder King Duncan and clear the way for the witches’ prophecy to come true.
11. Omens in The “Macbeth” Play by William Shakespeare
    The supernatural was an aspect of the plot structure used to add tension and drama to the occurrences and situations and manifested in various ways. To conclude, the owl and raven were utilized as omens […]
12. The “Macbeth” Film by Rupert Goold
    While Shakespeare’s play happened in the 11th century in Scotland, the movie’s design is more similar to the events of the 20th century. Corresponding to the era of the first half of the 20th century, […]
13. Emotions and Outward Actions in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
    In this regard, in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the relationship of inward emotions and outward actions is relevant in fully conveying the interplay of themes in this tragedy.
14. Shakespeare Tragedies: Macbeth and King Lear
    At the beginning of the play, he decides to abdicate his throne and divide his kingdom among his three daughters. This choice eventually undermines the ethical integrity of this character, and he murders murder to […]
15. Concept of Power in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
    While The government is the system that makes laws and ensures that they are followed, it is the person who wields power who is responsible for the equality and impartiality of its enforcement.
16. Macbeth and Hamlet Characters Comparison
    The queens in Hamlet and Macbeth play a pivotal role in the life of the heroes of the play. She is portrayed as a mother who, in her awareness of Hamlet’s crisis, feels guilty and […]
17. Comparison of the Opening Scene of Macbeth by Orson Welles and The Tragedy of Macbeth by Roman Polanski
    The opening scene of The Tragedy of Macbeth starts with the words “fair is foul and foul is fair” that Polanski takes from the end of the Shakespeare’s scene.
18. Literary Character Analysis of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
    The very reason that made me write about this character was how he is depicted as a hero in the opening pages of the play, and only to learn how weak he is from his […]
19. Shakespearean Macbeth as a Tragic Hero
    In addition to fighting for his king, Macbeth is quickly and well rewarded for his efforts as King Duncan makes him the new Thane of Cawdor in addition to his already holding the title of […]
20. A Life Lesson from Shakespeare’s Macbeth Play vs. Beowulf Poem
    In Macbeth, the consequences of ambition are seen through the pain and suffering of Macbeth, his wife, and the people of Scotland.
21. Analyzing the Adaptation of the Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
    Furthermore, the names of all the characters in both films are the same except for a little twist in the spelling of names like Mcbeth and Mcduff.
22. Macbeth Versions Comparison Film Analysis
    The use of classic settings in the design of the play helps in portraying the role that gangsters play in the original play of Macbeth and helps present it in the modern world.
23. Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus”
    The idea of a person being in the center of the action and trying to overcome some problems connected with doom, fate and some other supernatural forces become peculiar to this kind of art.
24. The Life and Work of William Shakespeare: His Contribution to the Contemporary Theater
    In addition, the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare continue to set the standard for the study of the English language in its dramatic context in institutes of higher learning and performance training.

👍 Good Essay Topics on Macbeth

1. “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: Language and Tropes
   Typically, ‘the end of something means the onset of another.’ Using this as a viewpoint that provides a lead to what Macbeth is all about, the fact that ‘we will proceed no further in this […]
2. An Explication on Shakespeare’s Macbeth
   However, Macbeth’s wife is murdered and the news is broken to him, and he is drifted into a life of futility and remorsefulness.
3. Supernatural in “Macbeth” Play by Shakespeare
   The supernaturally manufactured predictions lure Macbeth and Banquo with the idea of power, leading Macbeth to plot the cruel murder of Duncan.
4. The Play “Macbeth” by Shakespeare and the Film “Maqbool” by Bhardwaj
   Bhardwaj’s Maqbool is a great example of how the weather sets the tone for the story, it is not the backdrop in the film, but an active force expressing the psychological state of the characters.
5. Themes in the Tragedy of Macbeth by Shakespeare
   The character of Macbeth is used by Shakespeare to illustrate a man who lacks the strength of moral fiber under the affection of guilt and ambition.
6. Shakespeare Literature: Prophecy and Macbeth Morality
   The divination made by the witches pushes Macbeth further into immorality as he is made to believe that he deserves the position of king. In addition, Macbeth abandons reason and morality so as to make […]
7. Philosophy of Literature: Shakespearean Tragedy
   In addition, it is also an indication of the facts that human beings are always nosy and ready to participate in other people’s issues.
8. Shelley’s Novel “Frankenstein,” Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth,” and Austen’s Novel “Persuasion”
   Upon analyzing the characters of Lady Macduff, the three witches, and Lady Macbeth, it is appropriate to conclude that the latter is the most powerful woman in Macbeth.
9. Shakespeare’s Macbeth Play vs. The Godfather Film
   The tragedy of Macbeth discloses the Scottish nobleman’s journey to become king, with the help of his wife, Lady Macbeth, and the repercussions resulting from the murder of the king.
10. The Tragedy of Macbeth by Shakespeare Reviewed
    One of the central plot points of this legendary work by William Shakespeare is the cowardly murder of King Duncan by Macbeth and his wife with a dagger while the ruler slept.
11. Jeffrey R. Wilson: Macbeth and Criminology
    The genre of tragedy used in Macbeth poses the question to the reader: who is responsible for committing a crime – the individual or the society?
12. Intro to Theatre: “Macbeth”
    Shakespeare’s theatrical performances are widespread all over the world and do not lose their relevance, both due to the problems raised by the playwright and the various interpretations of his works. One of such plays is the production of Macbeth directed by Bodinetz (2020) and created by the troupe of Digital Theater +. The performance […]
13. The Story of Macbeth by W. Sheakspeare: Relationship and Strengths Between Macbeth and His Wife
    Lady Macbeth reads a letter her husband had written about the witches’ prophecy and manipulates him to kill King Duncan and take over the kingdom.
14. Shakespeare and His View on Kingship: Macbeth, King Lear and Othello
    At the same time, it is beyond doubt in the basement Macbeth’s character is clean and as a soldier, he is true to his job and his king.
15. Representing the Heroic: Macbeth and Odysseus
    In Homer’s Odyssey, the noble nature of the hero is made clear in the way that his servants speak of him and strive to behave as he would expect.
16. Shakespear’s “Macbeth”: Main Character Change Analysis
    Macbeth is essentially the story of a character who lives his life in a state of confusion to the degree that the only constant in his life changes.
17. Chaucer’s ‘Miller’s Tale’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’
    Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale and in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to be more exact, we will find out how the notion of poetic justice is represented by examples of the main characters of the works mentioned.
18. Literary Elements in “Macbeth” Poem
    In addition, use of Symbolism imagery and symbolism creates a better picture in audience mind, concerning the themes that the play covers; such as where dark is used to represent evil.
19. King Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Play and History
    He proved to be a courageous man and ambitious because he wanted to become the king, and the only way he could do it was by killing the king.
20. Characters’ Traits in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
    As weird as it might sound, Lady Macbeth is very emotional; as a matter of fact, the crimes that she committed can be attributed to her emotionality rather than her greed, though the latter has […]
21. Macbeth: An Analysis of the Play by Shakespeare
    Macbeth’s treachery springs from his reliance to the witches who gave him prophecy that results in his endless creation of enemies.
22. Oedipus King vs. Macbeth: Drama Comparison
    The concept reflects the foundation of the decent authority through showing the tendencies of power both in the ancient times and in the period of Renaissance.
23. Drama Macbeth: Shakespeare’s Play and Wells’ Film
    However, the play communicates the meaning of the text in a better way as compared to the film by Orson Wells.
24. Macbeth by Shakespeare and Oedipus by Sophocles Comparison
    In Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth, we have the three witches who greet him and inform him that he is to become the “Thane of Cawdor,” the title that he will receive that evening, […]
25. Power and Evocation of Horror: The Macbeth Witches’ Chant
    Among them are the rhymes, the rhythm of the words, the interpolation of a chorus, the increasing complexity of the lines as the poem progresses, and the vivid and horrifying imagery.

📌 Most Interesting Macbeth Topics to Write About

1. The Ambitions and Immoral Decisions in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
2. Analyzing Macbeth’s Conscience Throughout Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
3. Murder and Power in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
4. Unprincipled Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
5. Use of Supernatural to Create Suspense in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
6. Psychological Victimization of William Shakespeare’s Protagonist in “Macbeth”
7. Responsibility for Planning to Kill Duncan in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
8. Dramatic Techniques to Create a Sense That Macbeth Is Not in Control of His Own Thoughts and Deeds
9. An Analysis of Jam-Packed With Malfeasance and Darkness in the Play “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
10. The Application of Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
11. Witches, Supernatural, and Evil in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
12. The Banquet Scene of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
13. Analyzing Macbeth’s Weak Character in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
14. Ambition Often Results in Greed as Portrayed in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
15. Psychoanalytical Criticism of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
16. Women as The Driving Action of the Play in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
17. William Shakespeare’s Manipulation of the Audience Through “Macbeth”
18. Suspense and the Supernatural in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
19. Sharing the Blame in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
20. Macbeth’s Tragic Downfall in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
21. The Characterization of Macbeth in Relation to the Development of Scotland in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
22. Role Reversal in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
23. The Butcher and His Fiend-Like Queen in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
24. Supernatural Forces Create a Suspense Atmosphere in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
25. The Archetypal Tragic Hero Characteristics of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus”
26. An Analysis of Macbeth as a Victim of Circumstances in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
27. Power, Ambition, and Treason in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
28. The Breakdown of Lady Macbeth in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”

👍 Good Research Topics about Macbeth

1. Unbridled Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
2. The Art of Appeasement and the Political, Religious, and Social Issues Reflected in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
3. Parallels Between Macbeth and Satan in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
4. Some of the Ways in Which Shakespeare Portrays an Atmosphere of Evil in “Macbeth”
5. An Analysis of Lady Macbeth’s Character in “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
6. The Blood Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
7. Macbeth’s Representation of Ambition in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
8. The Attract of Wicked in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
9. The Manipulations, Greed, and Guilt in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
10. Stereotypical Images of Women in “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
11. Symbolism and Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
12. Subjective Reality to the Viewer in the Play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
13. The Betrayal of Human Nature in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
14. Treatment of Gender Disruption in William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “Macbeth”
15. Significance of Act Four Scene One in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
16. Role of Women in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
17. Recurring Images in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
18. Similarities Between the Philosophies From Machiavelli’s “The Prince” and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
19. The Aristotelian Standards of a Tragic Hero in the Tragedy of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
20. Struggles of the Conscience in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
21. The Battle Between Good and Evil in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
22. Sleep and Its Meaning in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
23. Relationship Between Spouses in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
24. A Musical Analysis of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare

❓ Macbeth Essay Questions

1. What Did Macbeth’s Character, Words, and Actions Show About Changes in His Character?
2. Who Are the Women in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
3. When Power Falls Into the Wrong Hands in “Macbeth”?
4. Why Are the Period and Place Important in “Macbeth”?
5. What Makes William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” a Pessimistic Play?
6. How Ambitions and Immoral Decision Play a Part in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
7. How and Why Does Macbeth Turn a War Hero Into an Evil Murderer?
8. Did the Three Witches Push Macbeth to Kill Duncan?
9. What Are the Attitudes Towards Gender Can Be Seen in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
10. What Part Does the Supernatural Play in “Macbeth”?
11. Was Macbeth Responsible for His Downfall?
12. Does Shakespeare Present Lady Macbeth as Good or Evil?
13. Can One Feel Pity for Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
14. What Dramatic Techniques Are Used in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
15. How Did Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s Relationship Change Throughout the Play?
16. What Did Macbeth Say About Good and Evil?
17. Does Shakespeare Present Lady Macbeth as Fiend-Like?
18. Does Macbeth Have Power?
19. How Did Macbeth Turn From “Nobel Macbeth” to “A Bloody Butcher”?
20. What Does Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Have to Say About Kingship?
21. Did Macbeth Suffer From Fate?
22. What Are the Character Traits of Lady Macbeth?
23. Does Macbeth Have Free Will?
24. What Are the Influences of the Witches’ Prophecies on Macbeth’s Actions?
25. How Are the Themes of Appearance and Reality Presented in “Macbeth”?
26. How Are Characters Presented as Disturbed in “Macbeth”?
27. Was Macbeth Considered the Tragic Hero of the Play?
28. How Did Lady Macbeth and Witches Change?
29. What Are the Differences and Similarities Between “Medea” and “Macbeth” Plays?
30. What Factors Lead Macbeth to Kill Duncan?