Macbeth
The Evil Spirits
Macbeth sees something at the feast. What is it?
Banquo's Ghost
The motif of blood is present throughout. Which theme does this represent?
Who says this:
'Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under't.'
Lady Macbeth
What is the name for the dreadful act of killing a king that Macbeth commits?
regicide
What happens to Lady Macbeth in Act 5 Scene 1?
She sleepwalks, after being driven mad by guilt. She ultimately commits suicide after being unable to wash the 'blood' from her hands.
What are the 3 prophecies that Macbeth is given at the beginning of the play?
1. He is Thane of Glamis
2. He will be Thane of Cawdor
3. He will become King
What theme does this piece of evidence refer to?
'I dream'd last night of the three weïrd sisters'
The Supernatural
What does this quote mean?
'All the perfumes of / Arabia will not sweeten this little hand'
Lady Macbeth remarks that she will never be able to get rid of the scent of the blood. She will never get rid of her guilt.
His ambition turns out to be insatiable. He cannot be satisfied and becomes increasingly more power-hungry.
How does Lady Macbeth subvert the gender stereotypes of the Jacobean era?
She manipulates Macbeth.
She comes up with the evil plan to kill Duncan.
What is Macduff's reaction when he finds out that Macbeth has killed his family?
He is devastated and cannot believe Macbeth would kill his wife and children all in one go.
He accepts that he will be depressed by the information for some time.
He agrees to take revenge on Macbeth.
What theme describes everything not being as it seems.
Appearances vs Reality
What does this quote mean?
'Beware Macduff / None of woman born shall harm Macbeth / Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnham Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him'
These are the apparitions that The Witches show Macbeth. He needs to be careful of Macduff, he won't be harmed by anyone born of a women and he is safe until the forest moves towards his castle.
How does Macbeth feel after learning about Lady Macbeth's suicide?
How is Lady Macbeth presented at the banquet scene, when Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost?
She takes control of the situation, by telling Macbeth he is embarrassing himself. She makes excuses for Macbeth's strange behaviour.
What is the significance of the Porter in Macbeth?
He acts as comedic relief, after the killing of Duncan. He discusses the castle in relation to Hell and guarding the gates of Hell.
What theme is linked to this piece of evidence?
'While it was smiling in my face, / Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums / And dash'd the brains out'
Violence
What does this quote mean?
'Blood will have blood'
Macbeth has accepted that his bad deeds will only lead to more evil tyranny.
At what point in the play does this change?
At the start of the play, they are friends and fellow soldiers.
Macbeth becomes jealous of Banquo's lineage and ultimately plans to kill him. Banquo also becomes suspicious that Macbeth is playing 'foully' for his status as King.
How does Lady Macbeth link to the theme of power?
She takes control of situations that Macbeth crumbles in.
She is seen as powerful in their relationship.
She persuades Macbeth to go through with regicide.
Why do the Witches appear only in Act 1 and then disappear until Act 4?
Macbeth commits many acts of murder despite no further influence from the Witches. It shows how his initial ambition has taken over and he is not reliant on their prophecies to continue his reign of tyranny.
What theme links to this piece of evidence?
'Out, damned spot! Out, I say'
Madness
What does this quote mean?
'My hands are of your colour, but I shame / To wear a heart so white'
Lady Macbeth says she is also guilty of the crimes but she would be ashamed to accept this or show her true feelings. She is telling Macbeth that he is a coward.