Historical Context
Which playwright wrote the play Macbeth?
William Shakespeare
What role does the power of prophecy have on the plot?
Catalyst of Macbeth's ambition ; Central to the story
Guilt is a central emotion in the play. Compare how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth physically manifest their guilt.
Macbeth: Hallucinations, Increased Violence, Paranoia
Lady Macbeth: Sleepwalking, Nightmares, Paranoia
What genre is the play Macbeth?
Tragedy
How does the line “fair is foul, and foul is fair” set the tone for the rest of the play?
Establishes a tone of moral ambiguity, chaos, and deception, signaling that nothing in Macbeth is as it appears.
In what ways does power change Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
Makes them unstable, paranoid, and brings out the worst parts of them. Strips them of their humanity.
When was Macbeth written?
1606
How does Macbeth become king of Scotland?
Murdering King Duncan
What does this play suggest about the dangers of ambition and the importance of maintaining strong moral values?
Ambition without check allows a person to be consumed by evil and dark desires. Morals help people maintain their humanity.
Who was the ruler of England when Macbeth was written? How did they influence this particular play?
King James I ; Emphasis on the supernatural
What role does Lady Macbeth play in Duncan’s murder?
Creates the murder plan ; manipulates her husband into going through with the murder plot
Why does Macbeth continue to fight even when he knows he is doomed?
Pride, Warrior Mindset & Values
What poetic verse is Macbeth written in?
Iambic Pentameter
What is the significance of Birnam Wood moving toward Dunsinane?
Signals Macbeth's demise
Why does Macbeth hesitate to kill Duncan? (List at least three reasons)
1. Worried he will go to hell
2. Wants to maintain good reputation
3. Feels guilty betraying Duncan because he has done nothing to deserve betrayal
4. As his host, he feels the need to protect Duncan