Macbeth by William Shakespeare - Flashcards

These flashcards cover key themes, characters, events, and literary techniques in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

What are the main themes of Macbeth?

Power, ambition, deceit, murder, fate, free will, gender roles, and the natural order.

Who propels Macbeth to murder King Duncan?

Lady Macbeth, his ambitious wife.

What do the Three Witches prophesy about Macbeth?

They predict he will become king of Scotland.

What significant action does Macbeth take after becoming king?

He arranges the murder of Banquo and his son, Fleance.

Who ultimately kills Macbeth?

Macduff.

What does Lady Macbeth famously say regarding her husband's nature?

She fears he is 'too full of the milk of human kindness'.

What literary technique is prevalent in Macbeth's soliloquies?

Psychological insight into the characters' thoughts and conflicts.

What is Macbeth's tragic flaw?

His ambition and hubris.

What does the motif of blood symbolize in Macbeth?

Guilt and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

What happens to Lady Macbeth as the play progresses?

She descends into madness due to guilt over the murders.

What event signals the disruption of the natural order in Scotland?

Duncan's murder.

How does Macbeth react to the witches' prophecies as he seeks power?

He initially contemplates and doubts them, but eventually puts them into action.

What is the significance of the image of sleeplessness in the play?

It reflects the guilt and psychological torment of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

What does Malcolm do at the end of the play?

He is crowned king of Scotland.

What is the dramatic irony in Duncan's visit to Macbeth's castle?

Duncan believes he is safe, while the audience knows Macbeth plans to murder him.

What does Macbeth mean by being 'barren and fruitless'?

He feels his reign is meaningless as he has no heirs.

How does the supernatural influence the events in Macbeth?

The Witches' prophecies set the plot in motion and influence Macbeth's actions.

What does Macbeth ultimately realize about the prophecies?

They were always true, leading to his downfall.

How are Malcolm and Macduff characterized in contrast to Macbeth?

They represent loyalty and honor versus Macbeth's tyranny.

What is the role of fate versus free will in Macbeth?

Fate sets the stage, but Macbeth's choices lead to his tragic end.

What does Lady Macbeth's descent into madness signify?

The consuming nature of guilt and the psychological effects of ambition.

What does Macbeth mean by 'tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow'?

His view of life as monotonous and ultimately meaningless.

What happens to the soldiers carrying branches from Birnam Wood?

They disguise themselves as Malcolm's army approaches Dunsinane.

What recurring symbol represents ambition and its consequences?

The dagger, symbolizing Macbeth's ambition and the act of murder.

How does Banquo's ghost affect Macbeth during the banquet?

It symbolizes Macbeth's guilt and the psychological fallout of his actions.

What is the overall moral of Macbeth?

Unchecked ambition and moral corruption lead to one's downfall.

What does Lady Macbeth ask to be 'unsexed'?

She wishes to be stripped of feminine weakness to pursue power.

What role does gender play in the dynamics between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

Their relationship subverts traditional gender roles, with Lady Macbeth being the more dominant figure.