Characters
After murdering to fulfill ambitions, he embarks on further atrocities with increasing ease.
Who is Macbeth?
Developed solely through the characters of the “witches”.
What is “supernatural“?
Focusing on Lady Macbeth's rise to power based solely on her "masculine qualities".
What is "gender criticism"?
Setting
What is Scotland?
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! (5.5.18–22)
Who is Macbeth?
The brave, noble general whose children, according to the witches’ prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne.
Who is Banquo?
The cause of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s hallucinations.
What is “guilt”?
Focusing on how King James I was the inspiration for Macbeth and Banquo for his lineage.
What is "historical criticism?"
Type of Drama
What is a tragedy?
I would, while [the babe] was smiling in my face,
Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums
And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you
Have done to this. (1.7.56–59)
Who is Lady Macbeth?
“Black and midnight hags” who drive the plot of the story.
Who are the three witches?
Developed by Macbeth‘s proactive accomplishments (good and bad).
What is “ambition“?
Focusing on Lady Macbeth's guilt and how that shaped her decent to madness.
What is "psychoanalytical criticism"?
Primary Conflict
What is man vs self?
“None of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth” (4.1.80–81)
“For he was from his mother's womb / Untimely ripped” (5.8.15–16).
Who are the witches?
Eventually falls victim to guilt and madness; their motivations are somewhat primal and sexual.
Who is Lady Macbeth?
Developed by Lady Macbeth’s manipulation of Macbeth and her questioning his manhood.
What is “masculinity”?
Focusing on the downfall of Scotland based on the hierarchy of leaders in Macbeth.
What is "socioeconomic criticism"?
Published Era
What is the Elizabethan Era?
“That, trusted home,
Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,
Besides the thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange.
And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s
In deepest consequence.” (1.3.56)
Who is Banquo?
A Scottish nobleman hostile to Macbeth’s kingship from the start.
Who is Macduff?
Developed by knowing ones future before it happens.
What is “fate”?
Focusing on Lady Macbeth's role as a woman of power during the Elizabethan Era and how this affected her control over Macbeth. (2 types of criticism)
What is "gender criticism" and "historical criticism"?
Tone
What is eerie/murderous?
“Tyrant, show thy face!
If thou beest slain, and with no stroke of mine,
My wife and children’s ghosts will haunt me still.
I cannot strike at wretched kerns, whose arms
Are hired to bear their staves.” (5.7)
Who is Macduff?