Macbeth4

The Motif of Babies and Children Throughout Shakespeare’s literature similar themes reoccur frequently. One theme which is evident throughout Macbeth is the use of parental and child references. Shakespeare associates children and babies and parenthood within the play. Child references describe many things. One use may be seen when Duncan thanks Macbeth for his bravery in battle, Macbeth replies.“Your highness' part is to receive our duties and our duties are to your throne …

…to kill Macbeth because it matched the witch’s prophecy. This is another parental theme which has many references in the play. We also see that Shakespeare has decided to create many characters which are introduced as sons of Duncan. These characters include Malcom, Donalbain, and Lennox. Within this play the motif of babies, children, and parental acts are strong. Shakespeare uses them to show the warmth and also the coldheartedness of his characters’ personalities.