Thematic Chaos: Macbeth's Guide to Not Being a Good Person
In Macbeth, this theme explores the destructive effects of unchecked aspirations, as characters strive for power at any cost.
What is ambition?
Two-faced, evil and super manipulative and a little obsessed with a "damned spot"
Who is Lady Macbeth
Definition: the act of talking to oneself; a poem, discourse, or utterance of a character in a drama that has the form of a monologue or gives the illusion of being a series of unspoken reflections
What is a Soliloquy
This conflict plays out as Banquo's ghost haunts Macbeth, representing the moral consequences of Macbeth’s actions and the psychological breakdown that follows his rise to power.
What is Macbeth's internal guilt and conscience?
Shakespeare created this head witch as a nod to the Goddess of Witchcraft in Greek Mythology
Who is Hecate
This theme in Macbeth is exemplified through the witches’ prophecies and the characters’ belief in fate, yet their choices ultimately shape their destinies.
What is Fate vs Free Will
Macbeth's friend, honorable man, who met is untimely demise due to Macbeth's reign of terror- luckily his son escaped
Who is Banquo
What is a dagger
This external conflict arises when Macbeth faces opposition from the forces led by two allies, who seek to overthrow his tyrannical rule.
What is the battle between Macbeth and Malcolm with Macduff?
The witches deliver three tricky prophecies to Macbeth: Beware of Macduff, No man born of woman can harm you, and ...
What is "You will not be overthrown until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill"
The recurring motif of this theme in Macbeth is often symbolized by blood, reflecting sinfulness, violence, and the psychological consequences of murder.
What is guilt?
Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland are all title this infamous man holds
Who is Macbeth
1 Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and I fear
Thou played’st most foully for ’t. Yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
5 But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them—
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine—
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
10 And set me up in hope? But hush, no more.
Who is Banquo
This conflict within Lady Macbeth emerges after encouraging her husband to murder King Duncan.
What is internal struggle with guilt and paranoia?
The witches symbolize...
What are mysterious forces that influence human fate and destiny
This theme is portrayed by the recurring imagery of light and darkness, with darkness often symbolizing evil, concealment, and the moral decay in Macbeth's world.
What is appearance vs. reality?
This man was "from his mother’s womb, Untimely ripped. "
Who is Macduff
What was the purpose of Macbeth's soliloquy in Act V?
1 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,
5 And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
10 Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
What is "to show how Macbeth is finally realizing his obsession with ambition and power has brought nothing but death"
In this pivotal moment, Lady Macbeth challenges her husband's courage and manhood, questioning his masculinity to goad him into committing murder and seizing power.
What is the external conflict between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
Shakespeare uses the witches and the caldron as an...
This theme is central to Macbeth’s rise and fall, as he betrays his king and friend, Duncan, and is later betrayed by those who once supported him, such as his servants and allies.
This man states "Be this the whetstone of your sword. Let grief Convert to anger. Blunt not the heart; enrage it." when deciding it's time to overthrow and kill Macbeth.
Who is Malcolm
Act it out!
Perform a dramatic reading of Macbeth's famous dagger soliloquy for the class!
Teacher decides if points are awarded
This external conflict is marked by the tension between Macbeth and his former ally whom Macbeth sees as a threat to his newly acquired power, leading to his murder.
What is the conflict between Macbeth and Banquo?
Banquo and Macbeth both refer to the witches as...
What are "The Weird Sisters"