Studied by 18 people
Test is this Friday, 1/10
For whom was the play Macbeth first performed? What influence(s) might that have had on the play’s production?
It was performed for King James of Scotland and England. Since the play resembled the history of Scotland, this might have caused Macbeth to alter how he portrayed these characters as to not insult the king and his associates. (setting: 400-500 years prior to his ruling. Real-life Banquo was related to King James: Shakespeare depicted him in a positive light/no flaws)
What does the nature of Macdonwald’s death portray about Macbeth as a character?
Macdonwald’s death portrays Macbeth’s heroic character and his bravery in the beginning of the play. It can also foreshadow his inhuman nature because he killed him brutally (cut open from nose to chin).
Macbeth calls the day of the battle “foul and fair.” What does he mean by this? What literary technique does it represent?
this is a paradox—a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. It also is alliteration.
He is saying his actions are justified because he sees that killing people (bad actions of/for Macbeth) can get you promoted/make you king (Macbeth became king). They won the battle (good) but he saw a lot of dead (foul).
What news does Macbeth receive from Ross after the witches vanish? Why is the Thane of Cawdor title available, although the man who previously had it still lives?
Macbeth receives the news that he will be titled the new Thane of Cawdor. Although someone already has that title, it will be given to Macbeth because the one who previously had it will be removed from his land and is going to be sentenced to death for being a traitor. (Ross’ apearance meant new delivered information)
What (or whom) does Macbeth call “a step on which he must fall down or else o'er leap”? Why?
He is referring to Malcolm, the heir to the throne, as this. Macbeth’s two options are either giving up the throne to Malcolm or preventing Malcolm from returning and claiming the throne.
What does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband, after she has read his letter?
She fears that her husband is not “manly” enough to have the strength to follow through and fulfill the witches' prophecy by killing Duncan. She’s afraid he is too kind and holy to do so.
One of the most chilling soliloquies by Lady Macbeth occurs in Act1, Scene 5. Figure out those lines. Who is she speaking to? What is she saying? How does this speech characterize her?
She is speaking to no one but instead aloud (to the audience). In her speech, she clearly states that she is willing to do whatever it takes to convince her husband to move forward. She focuses on different assumptions about gender roles and the capabilities [of a man] she believes she is being deprived of because she is a woman. She is characterized by her directness and what she’s capable of. Lady Macbeth is bold and powerful through her words “Unsex me here.”
What does Lady Macbeth mean in her lines: “look like th’ innocent flower/but be the serpent under ‘t.”?
She is saying this to Macbeth, and she means that he needs to appear to be innocent (have a poker face) to hide his (their) evil plans within himself (keep it all a secret).
In Act 1, Scene 6, explain the dramatic irony of Lady Macbeth’s exchange with Duncan.
Duncan is nothing but appreciative and respectful to Lady Macbeth. He even compliments her; she returns to compliment him. Macbeth is respected by Duncan, revealing the dramatic irony that only we as the audience/readers know the Macbeths’ real thoughts about killing Duncan despite their mutual feelings of trust and respect.
Carefully read Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7. What is he saying, overall? What points does he make about Duncan? Especially, explain the meaning of this line: “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition.”
Macbeth is talking about his lack of motivation (he doesn’t wanna actually do it) to killing Duncan. He recognizes that Duncan has done nothing wrong, and Duncan has shown nothing but respect to Macbeth. He says in this line that the only thing driving him at that moment is his ambition. In a way, Macbeth is trying to talk himself out of the murder because Duncan has honored him and has given him the Thane of Cawdor title.
What does Macbeth appear to have resolved, as expressed in Act 1, Scene 7, line 31, and what is the reason he gives his wife?
Macbeth seems to be standing up to his wife and seems to have convinced himself that killing Duncan is not the best course of action. He tells his wife that he is honored by the way that the King trusts him and doesn’t want to ruin that.
What argument does Lady Macbeth make in Act 1, Scene 7?
She is talking to her husband’s reluctance to carry through with the murder. She asks whether his desire to carry out the witch’s prophecy was fake or if he just lost his courage. She is trying to humiliate Macbeth in saying this. She also questions his character and questions his love for her, and his masculinity. By calling him a coward she insults his character and is trying to get him to rethink his decision. (a cat in the old addage wanted to get the fish but couldn’t get its paw wet. Lady Macbeth was calling him a chicken)
Why does Macbeth say to his wife, “Bring forth men-children only; for they undaunted mettle should compose nothing but males”? What does that mean? What does it imply?
He knows that his wife is strong and bold. He suggests that her personality has all the characteristics of a brave man. He is also suggesting that he is acting as less of a man because he is allowing his wife to act with more “masculinity” than himself. (She’s a girl and shouldn’t do any “manly” actions)
What has Macbeth resolved to do once his wife has finished convincing him? Explain the last line of the scene (1.7). How is it universal? How does it set up dramatic irony for the next act?
Macbeth decides that he will follow through with the original plan to murder Duncan. Now, he and Lady Macbeth must act natural and secretive. "False face must hide what the false heart doth know." Macbeth must put on a fake face and pretend to look normal to cover up his true emotions for killing his king. This is universal because many times in life people must pretend everything is okay, when on the inside they are struggling with something in their lives. It sets up the dramatic irony for the next act because it touches upon having everything be secretive and having the secrets just grow and grow till it is impossible to hide how you really feel.
What reason does Lady Macbeth provide for not having killed Duncan while she was in the room?
She uses the excuse that Duncan resembled her father too much. She backed out of killing him.
How is Macbeth's mind affected by the murder of Duncan? What is his wife’s response?
Macbeth feels extreme guilt and pain over the murder of Duncan; it affects him both physically and emotionally. At first, Lady Macbeth does not seem to feel the same emotions and encourages her husband to just forget about it (Wash your hands. “What’s done is done”).
What excuse does Macbeth give for killing the men who were “on watch” in Duncan’s chamber? Why did he really do it?
Macbeth claims that it was his grief and anger that caused him to kill the guards. He kills them to cover up his tracks so that there were no witnesses to his crime. (first step to his “ruthlessness” and killing them without even thinking)
How do Malcolm and Donalbain react to the murder of their father? Why?
Malcolm and Donalbain are extremely shocked and upset at the death of their father. They realize their lives could also be at risk and decide to flee to England and Ireland to avoid this risk. However, it just makes them look suspicious for running away.
An old man tells Ross about a “mousing owl” that killed a falcon and about Duncan's horses turning wild and eating each other. What might be the point of this speech?
The point of this conversation/speech is to add emphasis to all the supernatural things that occurred the night Duncan was killed. (Nature rebelling against the unnatural (unplanned) death of Duncan/the King)
Banquo speaks lines 1-10 before any other actor is on stage. What is he saying?
Banquo is suspicious that Macbeth killed Duncan for the throne, questioning and thinking Macbeth really did it. Wondering about his prophecies by the Wyrd Sisters, if his bloodline will become occupants of the throne. Banquo wonders if it will happen because Macbeth's prophecies are true, even if he cheated by murdering the King.
Why does Macbeth ask Banquo so many apparently casual questions about where he is riding? Why should Macbeth be worried about Banquo?
Macbeth plans to kill Banquo and Fleance (his son), so he needs to know Banquo's plans and where he is going so, he can hire murderers to go there. Macbeth's ambition tells him to worry about Banquo because the witches tell him he will be a father of kings, and Banquo was the only person present to hear Macbeth’s prophecy.
What do you make of the mysterious “third murderer”?
The third murderer can be anyone who knows Macbeth. Macbeth could be the third murderer as well but it's more likely not because he was at the party. Macbeth's servant? The third Witch? Was it because Macbeth didn’t trust the other two murderer?
How does Lady Macbeth react when her husband sees (or believes he sees) Banquo's ghost?
Lady Macbeth reacts with surprise and tries to cover up for her husband by lying and saying its like trauma from his childhood and it has happened before.
What does Macbeth mean when he says, “We are yet but young in deed”?
They are young and have more deeds to commit in the future, they have more ahead of them. Like more murderers to get him to power and to protect them. (They’re not done with everything they need to do. Not able to sit back and relax just yet. More people to kill?)
Who or what is Hecate and what does she think of the witches' involvement with Macbeth?
Hecate is basically the goddess of witchcraft and boss of the other witches (head witch). She was angry that the witches told Macbeth his future, she is also upset they did it without her permission.
(Speaker? Context? Significance?) But ‘tis strange; / And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, / The instruments of darkness tell us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s/ In deepest consequence.
SPEAKER: Banquo
CONTEXT: He is trying to convince himself to just go ahead and kill Duncan
SIGNIFICANCE: He is trying to reason with himself saying that all of this could be over if he does the deed quickly. He then goes on to say that by doing violent acts he perpetuates them. He also acknowledges that what is driving him is ambition which can lead people into making rash decisions.
(Speaker? Context? Significance?) There’s no art / To find the mind’s construction in the face: / He was a gentleman on whom I built / An absolute trust.
SPEAKER: King Duncan
CONTEXT: Duncan is reflecting as he realizes he misjudged the Thane of Cawdor
SIGNIFICANCE: One cannot judge a person's true intentions or thoughts based solely on their appearance. King Duncan speaks this line, reflecting on the deceptive nature of human beings, one who appeared loyal but was actually a traitor.
(Speaker? Context? Significance?) Yet I do fear thy nature; / It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness / To catch the nearest way: thou wouldst be great; / Are not without ambition, but without / The illness should attend it.
SPEAKER: Lady Macbeth
CONTEXT: Lady Macbeth is expressing doubt about Macbeth’s ruthlessness. She acknowledges his ambition but fears he is too kind-hearted to do what is necessary to seize the throne.
SIGNIFICANCE: This reveals Lady Macbeth's ambition and her perception of her husband's character. It sets the stage for her manipulative role in pushing Macbeth to commit regicide.
(Speaker? Context? Significance?) What beast was’t then / That made you break this enterprise to me? / When you durst doit, then you were a man; / I have given suck, and know / How tender ‘tis to love the babe that milks me: / I would, while it was smiling in my face, / Have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums, / And dash’d the brains out, had I so sworn as you / Have done to this.
SPEAKER: Lady Macbeth
CONTEXT: Lady Macbeth scorns Macbeth for wavering in their plan to kill King Duncan. She contrasts her own hypothetical resolve with his hesitation, even using a shocking image of infanticide to underscore her commitment.
SIGNIFICANCE: This moment highlights Lady Macbeth's intense determination and her willingness to go to extreme lengths for power. It also shows how she manipulates Macbeth by questioning his masculinity.
(Speaker? Context? Significance?) False face must hide what the false heart doth know.
SPEAKER: Macbeth
CONTEXT: Macbeth acknowledges the need to appear innocent while concealing his murderous intentions.
SIGNIFICANCE: This reflects the theme of deception in the play and marks Macbeth’s growing resolve to commit the crime. It illustrates the moral disintegration required to pursue ambition.
(Speaker? Context? Significance?) These deeds must not be thought / After these ways; so it will make us mad.
SPEAKER: Lady Macbeth
CONTEXT: Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth not to dwell on the murder of Duncan, warning that such thoughts could drive them to madness.
SIGNIFICANCE: This foreshadows the mental unraveling that both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth eventually suffer as a result of their guilt and actions.
(Speaker? Context? Significance?) You do unbend your noble strength, to think / So brainsickly of things. / Go get some water, / And wash this filthy witness from you hand.
SPEAKER: Lady Macbeth
CONTEXT: Lady Macbeth chastises Macbeth for his emotional reaction to the murder and instructs him to clean the blood from his hands, both literally and metaphorically.
SIGNIFICANCE: This highlights Lady Macbeth's initial composure and practical approach compared to Macbeth's guilt. However, the blood imagery becomes a recurring symbol of guilt that cannot be easily washed away.
