Macbeth Unit Test 2

Act 3-5

If Banquo is sure of Macbeth’s guilt, why doesn’t he rise up against him?

He’s cautious and wants to stay safe for his son; Macbeth is too powerful.

What valuable information does the reader gain from Banquo?

He suspects Macbeth gained the crown unfairly.

Why does Macbeth fear Banquo?

Banquo is noble, wise, loyal, and his sons are prophesied to be kings.

Macbeth works hard to convince the murderers to kill Banquo. What does this show about his state of mind? What imagery stands out?

He’s paranoid, manipulative, and violent. Animal and predator imagery show his growing cruelty.

How have Macbeth’s speeches to the murderers changed from before?

He is colder, more commanding, and no longer hesitates to kill.

Identify phrases showing Macbeth’s fear and guilt. Why can’t he sleep? What does the darkness symbolize?

He speaks of “scorpions” in his mind; sleeplessness shows guilt; darkness symbolizes evil taking over him.

Compare Lady Macbeth’s speech to Macbeth’s. What is the horror of the similarity?

Both are filled with fear—they’re becoming consumed by the same darkness.

What seems to be Macbeth’s main problem as king?

He feels unsafe and threatened by everyone.

Why is Lady Macbeth upset when Macbeth tells her to “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under”?

That was originally her advice—Macbeth now thinks like her, disturbing her.

What does “Be innocent of the knowledge…deed” reveal about their relationship now?

He is shutting her out of his plans; he’s becoming more independent and dangerous.

Why is Macbeth’s final speech a perfect closing for this scene?

It shows he’s fully committed to evil and won’t turn back.

How is suspense and horror created?

The darkness, ambush, sudden violence, and confusion.

What comments suggest the third murderer might be Macbeth?

He knows the plan perfectly and appears unexpectedly.

Why must Fleance die too? What is significant about his escape?

To stop the prophecy. His escape ensures the prophecy can still come true.

Why is this scene the turning point of the play?

Macbeth loses control—his plan fails, and his downfall begins.

How are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s actions similar to Act II scene iii? (In scene 3)

They panic, lie, and try to cover up chaos.

What is Macbeth’s reaction to the murderer’s report?

Relief that Banquo is dead; fear when he hears Fleance escaped.

Comment on the irony of the ghost appearing at the banquet.

At a celebration of “peace,” Macbeth is haunted by guilt.

Describe Lady Macbeth’s attempts to save the situation.

She excuses Macbeth’s behavior, dismisses the guests, and tries to cover his panic.

Why is the ghost’s second appearance more powerful? Are the lords suspicious? How do we see Macbeth’s guilt and cracks in the marriage?

Macbeth breaks down worse; lords see he’s unstable; Macbeth is overwhelmed; Lady Macbeth can’t control him anymore.

How has Macbeth changed since Act I?

From brave hero to paranoid killer.

What plans does Macbeth determine at the end? (Act 3 scene 5)

To visit the witches again and kill anyone who threatens him.

Compare the mood of this scene with Act III scene iv.

Calm gossip vs. chaos at the banquet.

What is Lennox’s opinion of Macbeth? Examples?

He hints Macbeth is a tyrant and murderer through sarcasm.

Why do we need info about Malcolm and Macduff now?

They are rising as forces against Macbeth.

What is the general state of Scotland?

Misery, fear,

What are the witches doing? What does this show?

Making a potion—shows they are evil and manipulative.

Identify the three apparitions and warnings, and Macbeth’s reactions.

Helmeted head — beware Macduff.
Bloody child — no man born of woman can harm him.
Crowned child — fear nothing until Birnam Wood moves.
Macbeth becomes overconfident except about Macduff.

Why is Macbeth doomed? How has he deteriorated?

He trusts the witches blindly and becomes more violent.

What creates tension at the scene’s beginning? (act 4 scene 1)

Lady Macduff and her son are helpless; danger is coming.

Why did Macduff leave his family?

He went to find help for Scotland, not realizing the risk.

What feelings appear between Lady Macduff and her son?

Love, humor, and fear.

Why does Shakespeare send a warning to Lady Macduff?

To increase suspense and dread.

Identify the equivocation in Lady Macduff’s speech.

She says her husband is not a traitor but fears he looks like one.

How do we view Macbeth at the end of the scene?

As a ruthless tyrant.

(Characteristics of a good ruler noted by Malcolm & Macduff.)

Honesty, justice, self-control, wisdom, loyalty, care for the people.

Why does Malcolm distrust Macduff? What is the test? How does it work?

He fears Macduff is a spy. He pretends to be unfit for kingship to see if Macduff supports Scotland over loyalty to Macbeth.

What vice makes Macduff finally break? Why?

Malcolm claiming he has no goodness—Macduff breaks because he loves Scotland.

Why did Malcolm give such a harsh test?

To ensure Macduff is loyal and safe to trust.

Why does the audience become tense when Ross appears?

We expect terrible news.

What is the dramatic power of the revelation to Macduff?

Shock, grief, rage; motivates him to kill Macbeth.

How does the Doctor–Gentlewoman conversation create suspense? Why won’t she repeat what she heard?

Hints of dark secrets; she fears accusing royalty.

Describe Lady Macbeth’s gestures in sleepwalking. Why does she do them?

Washing hands—reliving guilt.

What feelings does the reader have for Lady Macbeth now?

Pity and sorrow.

What is the bitter irony of her downfall?

She once wanted to be strong and ruthless but is destroyed by guilt.

What first words catch attention, and why?

“Revolt” and “disease”—Scotland is sick under Macbeth.

Clothing imagery?

Macbeth’s title doesn’t “fit” him anymore.

Medical imagery?

Scotland needs healing; Macbeth is the disease.

Why does Macbeth talk about Malcolm being “born of woman”? Why not Macduff?

The prophecy fools him; Macduff’s birth is different.

Why is Macbeth furious with the servant?

He’s frustrated, stressed, and feels mocked.

Describe the tone of Macbeth’s soliloquy. Why does the audience respect it?

Sad, reflective; he realizes what he’s lost.

Why does Macbeth talk about Malcolm being “born of woman”? Why not Macduff?

The prophecy fools him; Macduff’s birth is different.

Why is Macbeth furious with the servant?

He’s frustrated, stressed, and feels mocked.

Describe the tone of Macbeth’s soliloquy. Why does the audience respect it?

Sad, reflective; he realizes what he’s lost.

Why are Macbeth’s questions to the Doctor poignant?

He wants a cure for his wife and his kingdom—neither is possible.

Medicine imagery—difference between Macbeth and his enemies?

Macbeth sees healing as power; the others see it as moral restoration.

Why is the audience told about the equivocation before Macbeth experiences it?

So they recognize the prophecy’s trick and dramatic irony.

Macbeth’s reaction to his wife’s death?

He’s numb and detached opposite of Macduff

Interpret “She should have died hereafter.”

Either: “She would have died eventually” or “This isn’t a good time.”

Why do we pity Macbeth in “I have almost forgot the taste of fear”?

He realizes what he’s become.

What is the mood and idea of the “tomorrow” speech? What is the extended metaphor?

Life is meaningless—compared to a brief, pointless stage performance.

Macbeth’s reply to the moving Birnam Wood report—what does it show?

Shock, desperation, denial; he’s breaking mentally.

Why does Macbeth go fight? What do we feel about him?

He refuses to surrender; we respect his bravery despite his evil.

How do the witches’ prophecies come true?

Birnam Wood “moves,” and Macduff is not “born of woman.”

Why do we pity Macbeth? Why despise him?

Pity for his downfall; despise him for murder and tyranny.

What feelings are created by Malcolm’s final speech? Is his description of the Macbeths fair? How does his last word end the play well?

Hope for Scotland; yes, Macbeths are accurately called “dead butcher and his fiend-like queen.” Peace is restored.