Macbeth

Fair is foul, and foul is fair.

Good things will become bad, and bad things will become good. Things are not what they seem.

Look like th' innocent flower, but be the serpent under 't.

Telling Macbeth to look innocent on the outside but be deadly and deceitful on the inside.

Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires.

. He wants darkness to hide his wicked thoughts of killing the King.

Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?

Right after killing Duncan, he feels immense guilt and worries he can never wash away his crime.

Out, damned spot! Out, I say!

She is sleepwalking and hallucinating blood on her hands. Her guilt has driven her mad.

What is Macbeth's initial role in the story?

He starts as a brave soldier.

What drives Macbeth to pursue power?

Ambition and the Witches' prophecies.

What does Macbeth become as a result of his ambition?

A tyrant king and a mass murderer.

Lady Macbeth

Macbeth's ambitious wife.

Cruel and controlling at first

Persuades Macbeth to murder

Collapses from guilt at the end and dies.

Banquo

Macbeth's best friend and fellow general.

Also hears prophecies but stays loyal and moral.

Murdered by Macbeth; his ghost haunts the banquet.

Macduff

A loyal Scottish nobleman.

Discovers Duncan's body and immediately suspects Macbeth.

The hero who ultimately kills Macbeth in battle.

Ambition

The main theme. The play shows that uncontrolled ambition leads to corruption, guilt, and destruction.

Guilt

Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are destroyed by their own minds. Guilt shows up as hallucinations (ghosts, blood, sleeplessness).

Appearance vs. Reality

People pretend to be good but hide evil intentions (e.g., inviting Duncan over to murder him).