Themes in Macbeth While reading the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare I found four basic themes. First, The detrimental force humans have on nature. Second, the impact of manhood. Third, the different ways Shakespeare used masks. And finally, the theme created by light versus dark. "Thunder and lightning." This is the description of the scene before Act I, Scene I. The thunder and lightning represent disturbances in nature. Most people do not think of a great day being filled with thunder and lightning. So thunder and lightning surrounds the witches. Also, the first witch asks about the meeting with Macbeth, "In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" The m