Shakespeare's Macbeth (1611) is a play that explores the ideas of justice and natural order and is a cautionary tale of the consequences of allowing ambition and hubristic desires to overcome one loyalty and moral compass. This statement is aligned with my interpretation of the play in that the characters and ideas do resonate due to their portrayal of human concerns. Although it is inspired and shaped by Elizabethan ideals such as the natural order and superstition, it ultimately transcends these and becomes a depiction of human concerns that are forever universal and relevant in human society. Through the play we resonate the ideas it portrays through Macbeth who blinded by his hubris and pride, murders the right and divinely ordained king and the natural order is only restored after he has been killed.

Through the play's portrayal of Macbeth's ruthless lust for power, this text shows the human concern of the consequences of disregarding all other feelings and counsel, being a slave to one's ambition. Macbeth initially pursues his goals of power through righteous means but he encounters the witches and the first seeds of ambition are planted. He is plagued with thoughts of killing Duncan, “My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical shakes my single state of man”. Shakespeare uses imagery of even the mere thought of murder is enough to “shake” his state of being. This shows how significant his ambition is and how it threatens to alter him. Though initially hesitant, the idea of regicide becomes a more and more viable action in Macbeth's mind. At the coronation, Macbeth finally gives in and becomes a slave to his ambition “stars, hide your fires let light not see my black and deep desires”. Macbeth personifies the stars and light to not shine because his desire to murder Duncan would be so damning if it were revealed; this further invokes the symbols of star being associated with heaven and so cements that what Macbeth is doing is contrary to divine nature: evil. The use of colour imagery in “black and deep desires” shows how Macbeth recognises that his desires are sinister but despite this, he continues to pursue his path of ambition. Therefore Macbeth acts as a light to illuminate the repercussions of following ones “black and deep desires”.

Macbeth transcends the Elizabethan ideals from which it was conceived and becomes a universal exploration of human concerns relevant to modern and all societies. This can be seen though its depiction of natural order and manipulation. The characterisation of Lady Macbeth as the contriver is used to show the consequences of disrupting the traditional gender roles and manipulation. She nurtures the seeds of ambition in Macbeth and coaxes him to commit regicide. She blatantly plots to manipulate Macbeth;”that I may pour my spirits in thine ear and chastise with the valour of mine tongue”. Shakespeare uses metaphorical language to portray the imposition of the Lady Macbeth's will upon her husband. The ear symbolises the head which is the control centre of the body; by pouring her “spirits” into his ear, she subverts his volition and subsequently him. Lady Macbeth's descent into insanity and eventually suicide portrays how the play serves as a warning that this kind of behaviour is to be reviled and fled from. The monarchy claims to be divinely appointed and therefore a part of the natural order. Through Macbeth's unrightful acquisition of the throne, the natural order is upturned and therefore the destructive events that occur are attributed to the upturning of the natural order. Shortly after Macbeth upturns the natural order bu taking the throne, his own noblemen abandon him“Alas, poor country! Almost afraid to know itself, it cannot be called our mother, but our grave”. The nobleman Ross says this in response to all the horrific events befalling Scotland under the reign of Macbeth and alludes to how nothing can be right until the natural order is returned. Thus the inevitable conclusion of the play is Macbeth's death and the restoration of order. Macbeth explores natural order and manipulation through demonstrating the ramifications of them and is relevant to modern societies.

Shakespeare's Macbeth is a truly universal play that resonates with all audiences because of its thorough exploration of themes concerning all humans. The haunting tale of Macbeth serves as a word of caution and seeks to warn audiences of the ramifications of pursuing selfish gain instead of justice and righteousness. It depicts the Elizabethan view on natural order that of the male before the female and the divine right of the king.