Main themes
Ambition-Shakespeare wants us to understand that uncontrolled and unchecked ambition can be devastating to society.
Kingship-he wants us to know that the king is appointed by God as stated by the Divine Right of Kings so going against the king was going against God.
Loyalty-loyalty to the king unites a society so is important to maintain social order. Nobles must particularly be loyal.
Guilt-a God-fearing society in the Jacobean era believed that forgiveness could only be given through repentance if you were guilty otherwise it would cause immense psychological burdens to bear.
Evil-it should be seen as a dangerous concept which should not be meddled with although the darkest evil resides in the souls of people who welcome it into their lives, allowing it to decide their actions.
Manliness-a man or especially a nobleman had to be brave and honourable however Shakespeare challenges these expectations so that we see manliness as including grief and love.
Femininity-women have power too but at the time the expectations for a woman was to bear children and listen to her husband. Shakespeare argues that these expectations are limiting and damaging to women.
The Supernatural-this should not be used as an excuse for our evil actions- he wants us to see ourselves as in control of our own actions. Using it as a scapegoat causes people to become immoral and dismiss the evil in their souls.
Violence-violence breeds violence. It desensitises people to horrific acts. At the time in Scotland, people encouraged violence and Shakespeare wants us to move away from this way of thinking. He wants a society built on order and civil behaviour.
Appearance- people are not always what they seem-one's inner self or true soul could be evil so what you see on the outside is not trustworthy.
Consequences-your actions will always have consequences, whether they are rewarded or punished in earth or in the afterlife.