Subjects
Careers
Maths
Biology
Chemistry
English Lang.
History
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Infection and response
Responding to change (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
Inter-war germany
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
The cold war
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
23
0
Sophia + Charlotte
01/07/2023
English Literature
Macbeth analysis
Shakespeare's "Macbeth" explores the destructive nature of unchecked ambition through the tragic fall of its titular character. The play vividly portrays Macbeth's transformation from a valiant warrior to a tyrannical ruler, driven by his "vaulting ambition". This descent into madness and bloodshed serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of excessive ambition and the consequences of disrupting the natural order.
01/07/2023
2418
Shakespeare introduces Macbeth as a respected and valiant warrior, highly esteemed by King Duncan and his peers. The play opens with Macbeth being praised for his bravery in battle, earning him the titles of Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor.
Quote: "Brave Macbeth" and "Valiant cousin, worthy gentleman"
These initial descriptions establish Macbeth's heroic status, making his subsequent fall all the more tragic. However, the seeds of his ambition are quickly sown when he encounters the "weird sisters" who prophesy his rise to kingship.
Highlight: The witches' prophecy acts as a catalyst for Macbeth's latent ambition, setting the stage for his moral decline.
Shakespeare portrays Macbeth's internal struggle as he grapples with his ambition and loyalty. In Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth acknowledges the lack of justification for killing Duncan, stating:
Quote: "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition."
This soliloquy reveals Macbeth's self-awareness and the conflict between his ambition and his sense of morality. Shakespeare paints a vivid picture of a man at war with himself, torn between his desire for power and his understanding of right and wrong.
Definition: Vaulting ambition refers to an overwhelming desire to achieve something, often regardless of the consequences or ethical considerations.
After Macbeth carries out the murder of King Duncan, Shakespeare immediately demonstrates the devastating effects of his actions. The once eloquent and composed warrior becomes a frightened and rambling figure, unable to face the enormity of his deed.
Quote: "Macbeth shall sleep no more"
Shakespeare uses sleep as a powerful symbol for peace of mind and a clear conscience. By having Macbeth believe he has "murdered sleep," the playwright effectively shows how ambition has destroyed Macbeth's inner peace and moral compass.
The play continues to depict Macbeth's descent into tyranny and further bloodshed. Shakespeare uses vivid imagery to illustrate the escalating consequences of Macbeth's ambition:
Quote: "I am in blood stepped in so far, that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er."
This metaphor of wading through a river of blood powerfully conveys the idea that Macbeth has reached a point of no return. His ambition has led him to commit such heinous acts that he feels compelled to continue down his dark path, as redemption seems impossible.
Highlight: Shakespeare demonstrates how unchecked ambition can lead to a spiral of violence and moral decay, from which there seems to be no escape.
Average app rating
Pupils love Knowunity
In education app charts in 17 countries
Students have uploaded notes
iOS User
Philip, iOS User
Lena, iOS user
Shakespeare's "Macbeth" explores the destructive nature of unchecked ambition through the tragic fall of its titular character. The play vividly portrays Macbeth's transformation from a valiant warrior to a tyrannical ruler, driven by his "vaulting ambition". This descent into
... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Shakespeare introduces Macbeth as a respected and valiant warrior, highly esteemed by King Duncan and his peers. The play opens with Macbeth being praised for his bravery in battle, earning him the titles of Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor.
Quote: "Brave Macbeth" and "Valiant cousin, worthy gentleman"
These initial descriptions establish Macbeth's heroic status, making his subsequent fall all the more tragic. However, the seeds of his ambition are quickly sown when he encounters the "weird sisters" who prophesy his rise to kingship.
Highlight: The witches' prophecy acts as a catalyst for Macbeth's latent ambition, setting the stage for his moral decline.
Shakespeare portrays Macbeth's internal struggle as he grapples with his ambition and loyalty. In Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth acknowledges the lack of justification for killing Duncan, stating:
Quote: "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition."
This soliloquy reveals Macbeth's self-awareness and the conflict between his ambition and his sense of morality. Shakespeare paints a vivid picture of a man at war with himself, torn between his desire for power and his understanding of right and wrong.
Definition: Vaulting ambition refers to an overwhelming desire to achieve something, often regardless of the consequences or ethical considerations.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
After Macbeth carries out the murder of King Duncan, Shakespeare immediately demonstrates the devastating effects of his actions. The once eloquent and composed warrior becomes a frightened and rambling figure, unable to face the enormity of his deed.
Quote: "Macbeth shall sleep no more"
Shakespeare uses sleep as a powerful symbol for peace of mind and a clear conscience. By having Macbeth believe he has "murdered sleep," the playwright effectively shows how ambition has destroyed Macbeth's inner peace and moral compass.
The play continues to depict Macbeth's descent into tyranny and further bloodshed. Shakespeare uses vivid imagery to illustrate the escalating consequences of Macbeth's ambition:
Quote: "I am in blood stepped in so far, that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er."
This metaphor of wading through a river of blood powerfully conveys the idea that Macbeth has reached a point of no return. His ambition has led him to commit such heinous acts that he feels compelled to continue down his dark path, as redemption seems impossible.
Highlight: Shakespeare demonstrates how unchecked ambition can lead to a spiral of violence and moral decay, from which there seems to be no escape.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Shakespeare's "Macbeth" presents a powerful exploration of ambition and its destructive consequences. The play follows the titular character's transformation from a respected general to a tyrannical king, driven by his overwhelming desire for power.
Key points:
Highlight: Shakespeare uses Macbeth's tragic fall to demonstrate how unchecked ambition can lead to self-destruction and chaos.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
