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Why does Macbeth see a dagger?
Because he is about to kill Duncan and he is overcome by his ambition and guilt
What is the Great Chain of Being?
Great Chain of Being was the 'natural order of things' as established by God
What is the divine right of kings?
The Divine right of kings was the idea that Monarchs were appointed by God and ruled by his will
What does Lady Macbeth say she would do if she had promised to do so?
Pluck her infant from her breast and dash its brains accross the rocks
What reasons does Macbeth give for not going ahead with Duncan’s murder?
Duncan is a good man, he is afraid of the consequences, he feels guilty for betraying his trust
Lady Macbeth states 'unsex me here' - what does this mean?
Double Points: Why is this significant?
She wants the 'womanly'/'feminine' traits of kindness, compassion, and remorse removed from her.
Double points: it represents the reversal of gender roles and emphasises how she is a driving force in the conspiracy
What is the significance of light and darkness in the play?
Double Points: How does Macbeth call for darkness in Act 1 scene 4?
Darkness symbolises the evil nature of Macbeth's deeds/ambition. Light represents the 'good' characters who undo Macbeth
Double points: He commands the stars to hide
What does the phrase ‘look like the innocent flower/ But be the serpent under ‘t’ show us about Lady Macbeth?
It shows her manipulative nature and emphasises her driving role in the plot
What does the term ‘hamartia’ mean?
Double Points: What is Macbeth’s hamartia?
A hamartia is a tragic flaw that leads to the protagonist's downfall.
Double Points: Macbeth's Hamartia is his ambition
What techniques has Shakespeare used in the phrase ‘fair is foul, and foul is fair’?
Double points: what does this suggest?
Paradox, antithesis, Alliteration.
Double Points: This foreshadows the moral inversion of the play and hints at the protagonist (Macbeth) being the villain
What is the purpose of the Captain’s speech in Act I, Scene ii?
It establishes that Macbeth is seen as a heroic figure which contrasts his later actions
What are the three prophecies the witches give Banquo? How do these differ from Macbeth’s prophecies?
They prophesise that Banquo will be 'lesser than Macbeth put also greater' and that he will not be king but his heirs will be