characters
Who is Macbeth
What is being ambitious, haunted, ruthless and tragic.
Who says “Is this a dagger which I see before me”?
Could it be Macbeth hallucinating before Duncan’s murder?
How is ambition portrayed in Macbeth?
Could unchecked ambition lead to ruin?
What triggers Macbeth’s murderous ambition?
Could the witches’ prophecy plant corruption?
How does the setting create mood?
Could gloomy castles breed fear and madness?
Who is banquo
what is being loyal, noble, watchful, and doomed.
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”?
Is she trying to wash away her guilt over the bloodshed?
What role does guilt play?
Might guilt unravel even the strongest minds?
Why does Macbeth kill Duncan?
Might power tempt even the loyal heart?
Why is the weather often stormy?
Might thunder reflect chaos and evil rising?
Compare Macbeth and Banquo
How can Macbeth be succumbs to ambition and murder for power, while Banquo remains honorable yet falls victim to prophecy.
When Macbeth says “Life’s but a walking shadow,” what is he reflecting on?
Is he lamenting the meaningless and fleeting nature of life after Lady Macbeth’s death?
How is fate versus free will explored?
Do choices matter if fate decides?
What causes Macbeth’s downfall?
Could guilt and paranoia destroy a king?
What role does the battlefield play?
Is war the birthplace of ambition’s curse?
How is Lady Macbeth shown
Could she be the driving force behind Macbeth’s darkest deeds?
Who warns “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater”?
Might that be one of the witches speaking of Banquo’s fate?
What does the play suggest about power?
Can power corrupt those who seek it?
Why is Banquo murdered by Macbeth?
Is fear of prophecy Macbeth’s undoing?
How does Inverness Castle shape events?
Could its walls conceal murder and guilt?
How did Macbeth die
Was Macbeth slain by Macduff fulfilling fate?
What does Macbeth mean by “I am in blood / Stepp’d in so far”?
Is he admitting that he’s gone too deep into murder to turn back?
How is the supernatural used thematically?
Could witches twist reality and destiny?
How does Macbeth’s reign end?
Was justice served by Macduff’s blade?
Why are the witches’ scenes isolated?
Might eerie landscapes mirror supernatural influence?