William Shakespeare wrote the tragedy “Macbeth” in 1606. In “Macbeth” a Scottish man named Duncan, was the King of Scotland. Macbeth a very determined character in the beginning wanted Duncan dead so he could have power and be King. Macbeth quickly turned into a very untrustworthy man throughout the tragedy. Because of this, Macbeth ended up getting killed in the end. In Macbeth there were many themes developed throughout the whole tragedy. One theme that stood out the most was betrayal. Betrayal was brought out mainly through Macbeth: When The Thane of Cawdor “that most disloyal traitor” of Scotland betrays Scotland and fights on the side of Norway, Macbeth betrayed his King Duncan and killed him, and Banquo was betrayed and killed by Macbeth.
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The Thane of Cawdor was the first example of betrayal because they fought for another side instead of fighting on their own. “Assisted by that most disloyal traitor, the Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict…” (I-II-52-53). It is ironic when he is captured and executed, his title is given to Macbeth. This also foreshadows future events when Macbeth himself will turn against his King, Duncan, who put an “absolute trust” (I-IV-15) in Macbeth.
The other example of betrayal in Macbeth is Macbeth plotting Duncan’s death. The prophecies ironically tell Macbeth to kill Macduff and that there is an army coming from England. Eventually, Macduff kills Macbeth and the prophecies come true. These prophecies stimulate Macbeth’s ambition in becoming the king and arouse the idea of betrayal. However, the idea of murdering King Duncan arouses from Lady Macbeth. “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly. If the assassination could trammel up the consequence, and catch with his surcease success; …”
The Thane of Cawdor was the first example of betrayal because they fought for another side instead of fighting on their own. “Assisted by that most disloyal traitor, the Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict…” (I-II-52-53). It is ironic when he is captured and executed, his title is given to Macbeth. This also foreshadows future events when Macbeth himself will turn against his King, Duncan, who put an “absolute trust” (I-IV-15) in Macbeth.
The other example of betrayal in Macbeth is Macbeth plotting Duncan’s death. The prophecies ironically tell Macbeth to kill Macduff and that there is an army coming from England. Eventually, Macduff kills Macbeth and the prophecies come true. These prophecies stimulate Macbeth’s ambition in becoming the king and arouse the idea of betrayal. However, the idea of murdering King Duncan arouses from Lady Macbeth. “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly. If the assassination could trammel up the consequence, and catch with his surcease success; …”