Who said it? 💬
"Out, damned spot, out, I say!"
Lady Macbeth (Act 5, scene 1)
In Act 3, scene 4, what causes Lady Macbeth to dismiss the guests from the banquet?
The ghost of Banquo appears to him, and he alarms the guests with strange outbursts. Lady Macbeth sends them away out of fear that Macbeth will say something incriminating.
In Act 1, scene 3, why does Banquo warn Macbeth about ‘the instrument of darkness’?
Banquo warns Macbeth because people like the witches win people over by telling them of good, unimportant things, only to deceive them. Banquo’s comment is also an example of foreshadowing; the positive prophecies the witches gave conceal Macbeth’s terrible fate.
In Act 1 scene 5, how does Lady Macbeth’s words echo the words of the Witches?
Lady Macbeth greets Macbeth by saying “Great Glamis! Worthy Cawdor/Greater than both, by the all-hail hereafter!” She echoes the Third Witch, who says, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!” (Act I, Scene III)
In Act 2, scene 4, why is MacDuff’s choice to return home significant?
This is seen as a display of opposition. He is declaring himself Macbeth’s enemy by not going to the ceremony.
"By the pricking of my thumb,
Something wicked this way comes.
Open, locks,
Whoever knocks."
The Second Witch (Act 4, scene 1)
In Act 2, scene 1, why does Macbeth lie to Banquo about not thinking about the witches?
Macbeth does not want to raise any suspicions, especially because Duncan will be dead soon. If Banquo knows that Macbeth has been thinking about the prophecies, he will suspect him as the one who murdered Duncan.
In Act 2, scene 2 when Lady Macbeth goes into King Duncan’s room why does she not commit the murder when she is in the room?
The sleeping Duncan resembles her father, which stops her from killing him.
In Act 2, scene 2, what do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s bloody hands symbolize?
Macbeth’s bloody hands symbolize his realization of not just the evidence of the murder committed but also the guilt on their conscience. Lady Macbeth lacks the recognition of the deeper meaning of their bloody hands. Macbeth doubts that any water will clean their hands, whereas Lady Macbeth is a direct contrast “a little water clears us of this deed”
How does Macbeth react to Duncan naming Malcom Prince of Cumberland in Act 1, scene 4?
Malcom now becomes an obstacle and lies in Macbeth’s way to become King. He reveals that he is willing to do anything-including murder- to pursue his ambition.
"Is this 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 (Act 2, scene 1)
In Act 4, scene 5, what news does Ross bring to MacDuff?
Ross tells MacDuff that Macbeth has murdered his family. (His wife and children)
In Act 3, scene 3, who is killed during the ambush, and who escapes?
The murderers are able to kill Banquo, but Fleance is able to escape because the murderers’ lights go out and they lose track of him.
In Act 3, scene 4, what theme is revealed through Lady Macbeth’s line about sleep?
Lady Macbeth describes sleep as the preserving spice of life. It is a direct call back to Macbeth’s like in Act II, Scene II after the murder of Duncan. Sleep is a characterization of a restorative aspect of life.
Why is Banquo the only person that Macbeth fears?
Banquo is seen as a threat to Macbeth's good fortune. Banquo is not only very brave but also very wise as well. He has a natural kingly nature which alarms Macbeth.
"O treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly,fly!
Thou mayst revenge-O slave!"
Banquo (Act 3, scene 3)
In Act 5, scene 1, what strange behaviour does Lady Macbeth display that worries the Gentlewoman?
The Gentlewoman have reported that Lady Macbeth has been sleepwalking and writing letters in her sleep.
What does Macduff vow to do after hearing about his family’s death?
He vows to kill Macbeth himself.
What does Lady Macbeth’s “damned spot” symbolize in Act 5 scene 1?
It symbolizes her guilt and inability to cleanse her conscience.
How would you describe Macbeth’s behaviour when he meets the withes again in Act 4 scene 1?
Macbeth is very demanding and overconfident. He orders them to answer him. He also threatens the Witches with a curse if they refuse to answer his questions.
"Hail king! for so thou art. Behold where stands
Th' usurper's cursèd head. The time is free.
I see thee compassed with thy kingdom's pearl,
That speak my salutation in their minds,
Whose voices I desire aloud with mine.
Hail, King of Scotland!"
Macduff (Act 5, scene 8)
In Act 1, scene 3, what news does Ross bring to Banquo and Macbeth as they are discussing the prophecies?
Ross lets them know that Macbeth is the new Than of Cawdor
How is natural order restored at the end of the play?
Macbeth is killed, MacDuff becomes King, and order replaces chaos.
What does Ross say about ambition leading to murder?
Ross describes ambition as profitless and something that will eat up one’s life.
How does Lady Macbeth's behavior in Act 5 contrast with her earlier actions?
By Act 5, she is haunted by guilt and no longer controlling and ruthless.