Characters
Who is Macbeth’s wife and partner in crime?
Lady Macbeth
What event starts the chain of murders in Macbeth?
The murder of King Duncan
Complete this quote: “Out, damned ___! Out, I say!”
"spot"
Name the technique in: “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?”
Hyperbole/Imagery
What theme is represented by Macbeth’s increasing paranoia?
Guilt
Which character tries to persuade Macbeth to appear innocent while secretly planning King Duncan’s murder, and what strategy does she suggest?
Lady Macbeth; she tells Macbeth to “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.”
During which event does Macbeth first begin to hallucinate, and what does he see?
Before murdering King Duncan, Macbeth hallucinates and sees a dagger leading him to Duncan’s chamber.
Select a quote from Macbeth that demonstrates the motif of blood. Explain how this motif is used throughout the play to reinforce the theme of guilt. Note: A motif is a recurring image, idea, or symbol in a literary work.
Teacher to judge
Example answer:
Quote: “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”
Explanation: The repeated references to blood throughout the play, such as Lady Macbeth’s fixation on washing imaginary blood from her hands, symbolise the characters’ overwhelming sense of guilt and the inescapable consequences of their violent actions.
What technique is used in the witches’ chant “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble,” and how does it contribute to the atmosphere of the play?
Alliteration and rhyme; these techniques create a rhythmic, hypnotic, and sinister atmosphere.
How does Macbeth’s reaction to the witches’ prophecies reveal the theme of fate versus free will?
Macbeth’s obsession with the prophecies leads him to take action to fulfil them, showing how belief in fate can drive characters to exercise free will in destructive ways.
Which character is told by the witches that he will father a line of kings, but not be king himself?
Banquo
After Duncan’s murder, which two characters flee Scotland and why?
Malcolm and Donalbain; they fear for their own lives and suspect they may be next.
Identify the speaker and significance of this quote: “There’s daggers in men’s smiles.”
Donalbain; it highlights the theme of betrayal and the danger lurking beneath friendly appearances after Duncan’s murder.
Identify two techniques in the line: “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t,” and explain how they enhance meaning.
Simile and symbolism; the simile compares a deceptive appearance to an innocent flower, while the serpent symbolises evil and treachery.
How does the theme of masculinity and its association with violence influence characters’ decisions in the play? Give an example.
Teacher to judge.
Example: Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth’s manhood to provoke him into killing Duncan; Macbeth equates violent acts with masculine strength.
Which character demonstrates loyalty to Scotland by refusing to attend Macbeth’s coronation and later tests Malcolm’s integrity in England?
Macduff
What event prompts Macbeth to start planning the murder of Banquo and Fleance, and why is this significant for his character’s development?
Macbeth learns from the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s descendants will inherit the throne. This prompts him to plan their murders, showing his growing paranoia and willingness to commit further violence to secure his power.
Interpret the meaning of the quote: “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.”
Macbeth does not want his evil intentions to be exposed; he wishes to conceal his ambition and thoughts of murder.
Find an example of paradox in the play and explain its effect on the audience.
Teacher to judge.
Example: Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Effect: Creates confusion and sets up the play’s theme of deceptive appearances.)
Discuss how the theme of supernatural influence challenges the characters’ sense of control over their own destinies.
Teacher to judge.
Example: The witches manipulate Macbeth and Banquo, causing them to doubt what is real and to make choices based on prophecy rather than free will.
Cite a quote that describes Lady Macbeth and her legacy?
Teacher to judge
"the fiend-like queen"
What specific event marks Macbeth’s point of no return, sealing his fate as a tyrant?
The ordered murder of Macduff’s wife and children.
Provide a quote that demonstrates Macbeth’s recognition of his own moral decline and explain its significance.
Teacher to judge.
Example: “I am in blood stepp’d in so far, that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er.” (Significance: Macbeth acknowledges he’s committed so much evil he cannot turn back.)
Explain how Shakespeare uses soliloquy in Macbeth to reveal character motivations, citing a specific example.
Teacher to judge
Example: Macbeth’s “Is this a dagger which I see before me…” soliloquy reveals his anxiety and temptation before killing Duncan.
Analyse how Shakespeare uses the motif of sleeplessness to reinforce themes of guilt and psychological torment. Provide evidence. Note: A motif is a recurring image, idea, or symbol in a literary work.
Teacher to judge.
Example: Macbeth hears “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep,” and Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, both showing how guilt destroys peace of mind.