Terms
When a reader or audience is made aware of important information that is unknown to a story’s characters
Dramatic Irony
A character who is not inherently bad but who makes a bad decision as the result of a flaw in his or her character
Tragic hero
Why does Lady Macbeth not kill Duncan herself?
He resembled her father.
Name the 3 prophecies the witches gave in Act 1.
Macbeth will be named Thane of Cawdor.
Macbeth will be king.
Banquo's sons will be kings.
Name Duncan's two sons.
Malcolm and Donalbain
A brief disclosure made by one actor in the presence of other actors who, by convention, are thought not to hear him
Aside
The major turning point for a protagonist that determines the future of the main character.
Crisis
How does Macbeth respond to the death of his wife?
She would have died anyway. It was an inconvenient time. Life is short and meaningless.
What was the first apparition in Act IV and what did it say?
An armed head
"Beware Macduff"
Which of Duncan's sons was named the Prince of Cumberland?
Malcolm
A recurring or emerging idea that provides coherence as it embodies and emphasizes a work’s message
Theme
A profound but often universal problem an individual has in his perspective or character
Tragic flaw
Name 2 of the 5 reasons Macbeth second-guesses the plan to kill Duncan.
Macbeth is his kinsman and subject. Macbeth is his house guest. The risk of judgment on earth. The risk of judgment in the life to come. Duncan is a good and virtuous king.
What was the 2nd apparition in Act IV and what did it say?
A bloody child
None of woman born shall harm Macbeth
Who did Duncan name the Thane of Cawdor?
Macbeth
Collections of repeated elements (objects, images, descriptions) that support a theme
Motif
The event that introduces the conflict and sets it in motion.
Inciting incident
Name the 2 main points of Macbeth's "Tomorrow" speech.
Life is short. Life is meaningless.
What was the 3rd apparition in Act IV and what did it say?
a child crowned with a tree in his hand
Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnan wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him.
What did each son do when Duncan was murdered?
They fled Scotland (Donalbain to Ireland and Malcolm to England).
The mood or emotion pervading a work that helps shape readers’ expectations
Atmosphere
What was the major influence of Renaissance tragedy as a form?
Greek tragedies. Aristotle.
Name 2 reasons Macbeth fears Banquo and decides to kill him.
There's royalty in his nature. Macbeth is jealous of his valor. Macbeth's crown is fruitless because Banquo's sons will be kings.
After the 3 apparitions, the witches say "Show his eyes and grieve his heart; Come like shadows, so depart". Then what?
A procession of kings led by the ghost of Banquo.
What 3 reasons did Malcolm give Macduff for why he (Malcolm) could not be king?
He is too lustful.
He is too greedy (avarice).
He lacks all the virtues desired in a king.