Theme
Name 4 significant themes within Macbeth
(G)
Dagger, Fate/Destiny & Freewill, Appearance vs Reality, Ambition & Greed, Hands & Water, Gender, Supernatural/Moral Order/Pathetic Fallacy, Clothing, Guilt, Sleep, Blood
How does Macduff feel after his family is murdered?
(N)
Macduff does not feel sad but instead feels angry and decides he wants to fight for Scotland
What was Macbeth’s initial reaction to the death of Lady Macbeth?
(K)
When hearing about Lady Macbeth’s murder, Macbeth was very heartbroken. He decided that without Lady Macbeth, life wasn’t worth living, so he decided to go to a war he knew he wouldn’t survive so he could at least go out fighting. "It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and furry, signifying nothing."
Where did we see Hallucinations in Acts,3,4 and 5 of Macbeth?
(N)
Macbeth hallucinates Banquo’s ghost sitting in a chair at a feast, reminding him that he killed his best friend. Lady Macbeth also commits suicide because of the powerful visions. She sleepwalks and believes that her hands are covered in blood and no matter what she does to clean them it doesn't work.
Give one example of appearance vs reality
(K)
There are many examples of appearance vs reality throughout the play. For example, In act IV scene III, Macduff and Malcolm are talking about going to war against Macbeth and Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty by making himself sound like a bad prospect of a king.
What does the appearance of Banquo’s ghost do to Macbeth?
(N)
Banquo's ghost appears to Macbeth and no one else can see it. This makes Macbeth look crazy and sick and many people start to question the sanity of the new King.
Why may the murders be so willing to help Macbeth? (III, 1)
(G)
They want to get back at Banquo, they wanted to get “in” with the King and they wanted money
What does sleep symbolize in the play Macbeth and who gets their sleep tormented with in Act 5.
(K)
In the play sleep is considered for the “innocent” and the act of sleep being disturbed suggests you have sinned or are guilty about an act one has committed. Lady Macbeth experiences disturbed sleep in Act 5 due to her sleepwalking while murmuring episodes.
In Act III, Scene 5, how does Hecate portray the theme of Supernatural?
(G)
Hecate predicts where Macbeth will be, she makes evil spells, powers and potions.
What happens in the last scene of the play?
(N)
Malcolm is explaining and thanking everyone who fought on his side. He names the thanes and kinsmen, the first earls of Scotland. He wants the people that fled due to Macbeth's actions to come back and promises to do things right. He invites everyone to come watch him be crowned king of Scotland.
Who is Hecate and what is her significance?
(N)
Hecate is a witch seen in act Act 3 scene 5. She is the head witch and is 'in charge' of the other witches. She seems to be the most powerful witch.
What do the three Apparitions represent and what where they of?
(G)
The first apparition is of an armed head. The Second apparition is a bloody child. The third apparition is of a child crowned with a tree in his hands.
What themes and literary devices does this quote use? “Foul whisp'rings are abroad. Unnatural deeds Do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets. More needs she the divine than the physician. God, God forgive us all! Look after her, Remove from her the means of all annoyance, And still keep eyes upon her. So, good night. My mind she has mated, and amazed my sight. I think, but dare not speak.” (V, 1, 49-56)
(G)
Themes: Sleep and Guilt
Literary Devices: Foreshadowing
What role does Lady Macbeth play in the advancement of the plot in Act 5 of Macbeth?
(K)
Lady Macbeth is seen sleepwalking, This scene leaves the audience with anticipation that she is very guilty and will do something irrational as her mental health and sleep is depleting. Her death is significant to the final scene of Macbeth as he is now more compliant to the idea of surrender and death so he may reconcile with Lady Macbeth the one he loves.
Who is the speaker and why is this piece important?
“She should have died hereafter; There would have been a time for such a word. 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!...”
(N)
Macbeth is speaking to Seyton. Seyton has just explained that Lady Macbeth has committed suicide. Macbeth explains that she would have eventually died anyways because everyone dies. The idea of the candle shows how quickly your life can end.
What are some examples of the symbol/motif “Blood” in Acts 3,4 or 5?
(G)
In Act 4, scene 3, Macduff speaks to Malcolm about Macbeth’s violent and terror-centred rule. He says “Bleed, bleed poor country!”
Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and talking and she says “Out damned spot! Out, I say!.. Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him.”