Macbeth Lecture Notes

Flashcards on Macbeth

Who is Macbeth at the start of the play?

A brave and loyal Scottish general, Thane of Glamis

What prophecy do the witches give Macbeth?

He will be Thane of Cawdor and then king

Who pushes Macbeth to kill King Duncan?

Lady Macbeth

Who becomes suspicious of Macbeth early in the play?

Banquo and Macduff

Why does Macbeth kill Banquo?

He fears Banquo's descendants will take the throne

Who escapes the murderers Macbeth sends?

Fleance, Banquo's son

What causes Lady Macbeth's downfall?

Guilt over the murders

How does Macbeth react to Lady Macbeth’s death?

With sadness, but he becomes numb and hopeless

What does the prophecy about "no man born of woman" mean?

Macbeth feels invincible, but it tricks him—Macduff was born by Caesarean

How does Macbeth die?

He is killed in battle by Macduff

Who becomes king at the end?

Malcolm, Duncan’s son

What is the purpose of the Porter scene?

Comic relief and symbolic reference to Macbeth's castle as "hell"

How does ambition affect Macbeth?

It drives him to murder and leads to his downfall

How is Lady Macbeth’s ambition shown?

She calls on spirits to "unsex" her and pushes Macbeth to act

What is Shakespeare’s message about ambition?

Unchecked ambition leads to destruction

How does power change Macbeth?

He becomes paranoid, cruel, and tyrannical

How does Macbeth maintain power?

Through fear, murder, and lies

What happens when power is not earned fairly?

It causes chaos, suffering, and eventual collapse

How do the witches influence Macbeth?

They tempt and mislead him with prophecies

What supernatural element shows Macbeth’s guilt?

Banquo’s ghost at the banquet

How does Shakespeare use the supernatural?

To show how dark forces tempt and trick humans

How does Macbeth betray Duncan?

He murders him while he is a guest in his home

Who remains loyal to Scotland?

Macduff and Malcolm

Why is loyalty important in the play?

Betrayal causes disorder; loyalty helps restore peace

What is the relationship like between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

Close and passionate at first, but breaks down over time

How does Lady Macbeth show love for Macbeth?

She wants him to succeed—even if it means murder

How does guilt affect their relationship?

It drives them apart and leads to isolation

How does Lady Macbeth challenge gender roles?

She rejects traditional femininity and asks to be "unsexed"

How is masculinity shown in the play?

As violent and aggressive—used to pressure Macbeth

What does the play suggest about gender expectations?

Rigid roles can be harmful and lead to tragic choices