What does imperial theme refer to in Macbeth?

In Macbeth, the imperial theme refers to the pursuit of power and the consequences that come with it. The play tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish general who is driven by his ambition to become king. Initially loyal to King Duncan, Macbeth is persuaded by his wife, Lady Macbeth, to kill the king and take the throne.

After becoming king, Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid and ruthless. He starts to hallucinate and fears that his power will be taken away from him. The imperial theme shows the devastating effects that the pursuit of power can have on an individual, especially when it leads to violence and cruelty.

The imperial theme is also connected to the idea of divine right. Divine right was the belief that monarchs were chosen by God to rule over their subjects. In the play, Duncan is portrayed as a benevolent and just ruler, while Macbeth is seen as a tyrant. This suggests that Macbeth has violated the natural order of things by killing Duncan and seizing the throne, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

The imperial theme is important in understanding the deeper implications of Macbeth's actions. It highlights the corrupting power of ambition and shows how greed, guilt, and paranoia can consume those who seek to gain or maintain power.