The Bard
Characters
Quotes
Themes
Plot
100
In approximately which century did Shakespeare live?
16th–17th centuries
100
What title does Macbeth receive after the witches' first prophecy comes true?
Thane of Cawdor
100
When does Macbeth say this famous line?
"Is this a dagger which I see before me? The handle toward my hand? Come. Let me clutch thee."
Before he murders King Duncan
100
Which theme is shown by Macbeth's desire to become king?
Ambition.
100
What do Malcolm’s soldiers carry when they attack Macbeth’s castle?
Branches from Birnam Wood
200
What was the name of the town where Shakespeare was born?
Stratford-upon-Avon
200
Who kills Macbeth and how?
Macduff beheads him.
200
Finish Lady Macbeth's line!
"All the perfumes of Arabia couldn't..."
"All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" - Lady Macbeth
200
Give an example from the play of the theme illusion vs. reality.
Teacher to judge example, some common answers are:
- The witches' prophecies
- Lady Macbeth pretending to be innocent
- Macbeth pretending to be loyal to Duncan
- Banquo's ghost
- The imaginary dagger
200
Why do Malcolm and Donalbain leave Scotland after Duncan's murder?
They fear they will be blamed or killed.
300
What was the name of the theatre most famously associated with Shakespeare's plays in London?
The Globe
300
Which ghost visits Macbeth?
Banquo's ghost.
300
Which famous Macbeth line is often associated with witches, spells and Halloween?
“Double, double toil and trouble.”
or
“By the pricking of my thumbs, / Something wicked this way comes.”
300
Which theme asks whether Macbeth's actions are controlled by the witches' prophecies or by his own choices?
Fate vs. Free will.
300
Why does Macbeth initially hesitate to murder Duncan?
Duncan is his king, relative and guest, and Macbeth knows murder is wrong.
“He's here in double trust:
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself.”
400
What was Shakespeare's profession besides being a playwright?
Actor
400
Who escapes when Banquo is murdered? (name)
Fleance, Banquo's son
400
Define at least two of these three Shakespearean words. Bonus points for all three.
1. Prithee
2. Hark
3. Anon
1. Prithee = Please / I ask you
2. Hark = Listen / Pay attention
3. Anon = Soon/ Shortly
400
Which theme is strongly connected to the three witches and their predictions?
Fate vs Free will.
400
What does Macduff reveal about himself that makes Macbeth realise the witches' prophecy can be defeated?
He was not naturally 'born', but was delivered by Caesarean section.
“Macduff was from his mother's womb / Untimely ripped.”
500
Shakespeare wrote plays in three main categories. What were they?
Comedies, tragedies and histories
500
Who does Macbeth order to be murdered after visiting the witches for a second time?
Macduff's family
500
What is the difference between these lines from Lady Macbeth/ What is it showing us?
"What's done is done."
"What's done cannot be undone."
Points for this question will depend on how well you answer.
“What’s done is done.” → Lady Macbeth initially tries to dismiss the past. She believes they should move on and not worry about Duncan's murder.
“What’s done cannot be undone.” → Later, she realises that their actions cannot be reversed. This shows her guilt, regret and psychological deterioration.
The first sounds accepting and almost dismissive, while the second acknowledges that their actions have permanent consequences.
500
What theme are these quotes portraying?
- “Macbeth does murder sleep.”
- “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”
- “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?”
Guilt.
500
What three prophecies does Macbeth learn from the second meeting with the witches?
1. Macduff
“Beware Macduff;
Beware the Thane of Fife.”
2. Birnam Wood
“Macbeth shall never vanquished be until
Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill
Shall come against him.”
3. Macbeth's safety
“Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn
The power of man, for none of woman born
Shall harm Macbeth.”