Whs Gcse Literature Guide: Macbeth (WH Smith Literature Guide)

Shakespeare's Macbeth is a gripping tragedy that explores ambition, fate, and guilt. When Scottish nobleman Macbeth encounters three witches who prophesy that he will become king, he’s consumed by ambition. Encouraged by his equally ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan to seize the throne. However, guilt and paranoia quickly unravel their sanity. Macbeth becomes a tyrant, committing more murders to protect his power, while Lady Macbeth is haunted by guilt. Their downfall is inevitable, as forces of justice close in. This WH Smith GCSE Literature Guide breaks down key themes, characters, quotes, and context to help students understand and analyze the play with confidence.