Word Definitions
Treason
"There the grown serpent lies. The worm that's fled / Hath nature that in time will venom breed, / No teeth for th' present"
Now that Banquo is dead, his fleeting son is the only problem. Although he is innocent right now, he will eventually become an issue.
"Thou played'st most foully for 't"
Banquo
What is the definition of man vs. self conflict? How is Macbeth having this conflict?
A conflict where a person is against themselves (their morals or thoughts). Also known as internal. Macbeth is at war with his own ambitions and better judgement. He goes against everything he originally believes in to become king.
Tragedy
Tragic hero suffers a great fall. They usually take part in his or her own fall.
Treachery
Betrayal of a person
"Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, / No son of mine succeeding"
After Macbeth finishes out his rule, his royal blood will end with him.
"'Tis safer to be that which we destroy / Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy."
Lady Macbeth
If a character says "I do to spite the world" and you consider them to be vengeful, what literary element is that an example of?
Indirect characterization
Aside
Words are spoken by an actor directly to the audience, but not “heard” by all of the other characters on stage during a play.
Security
Over confidence
"Better be with the dead, / Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, / Than on the toture of the mind to lie"
It is better to be dead than to deal with the guilt of murdering the king.
"And I, the mistress of your charms, / The close contriver of all harms, / Was never called to bear my part"
Hecate
How has Macbeth experienced a man vs. supernatural conflict?
Macbeth is constantly trying to race his fate to become king.
Refers to the contrast between what a character knows and what the reader or audience knows.
Dramatic irony
Hecate
Goddess of witchcraft.
"My lord is often thus / And hath been from his youth."
Macbeth used to act like this all of the time when he was younger.
"Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill."
Macbeth
What is the definition of verbal irony?
Verbal irony is when a speaker or writer says one thing but actually means the opposite.
The names or list of characters in the beginning of the play
Dramatis Personae
Tyrant
A cruel and oppressive ruler
"Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers / With strange invention"
They are filling their listeners with lies even though they killed their father.
"For from broad words, and 'cause he / failed / His presence at the tyrant's feast, I hear / Macduff lives in disgrace."
Lennox
What is the mood of Act 3?
Ambitious, guilty, tense, fearful
Verbal sparring
Stichomythia