Random Facts
What title did Macbeth have before becoming king?
Thane of Cawdor
Why does Lady Macbeth fear Macbeth will fail to seize the throne?
She thinks he is too compassionate and would hesitate to do what is necessary to gain power
Did Lady Macbeth truly feel guilty after Duncan’s murder?
Yes, but her guilt grew over time
Who said “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee: I have thee not, and yet I see thee still."
Macbeth
What does the word valiant mean?
having or showing heroism or courage
How old was Duncan?
Around 50-60
Why does Macbeth kill Banquo?
Macbeth fears that Banquo’s descendants will take the throne, as foretold by the witches.
Why did Macbeth start to lose his sense of humanity?
Macbeth became increasingly ruthless, killing anyone who posed a threat to his power
Who said “Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand”?
Macbeth
What does the word equivocation mean?
intentional vagueness or ambiguity
How many Macbeth books have been sold?
10-15 million copies
Why does Macbeth not trust Macduff?
Macbeth fears that Macduff will overthrow him, as he is a threat to his power.
How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth’s decisions?
She manipulates him, pushing him to commit murder to seize power
Who said “By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes"?
Second Witch
What does the word dudgeon mean?
a feeling of intense righteous anger
What is Macbeth holding in his hand at 54:30 in the movie?
A Dagger
Why does Lady Macbeth lose her grip on reality?
Lady Macbeth's guilt over the murder of Duncan overwhelms her, leading to her mental breakdown
Why does Macbeth trust the witches' prophecies?
The witches tell Macbeth what he wants to hear, feeding his ambition and making him overconfident
Who said “Present fears are less than horrible imaginings”?
King Duncan
What does the word battlement mean?
a notched wall around the top of a castle for protection
How does Macbeth react when he hears that Macduff has fled to England?
He orders the slaughter of Macduff's family.
Why does Macbeth decide to attack Macduff’s castle and family?
Macbeth’s paranoia and insecurity push him to kill anyone he sees as a threat
How did Macbeth’s ambition affect his relationships?
Macbeth’s ambition led to isolation, distrust, and betrayal, including with his wife and his allies
Who said "Tongue nor heart, cannot conceive nor name thee!”
Macduff
What does the word sundry mean?
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds