Macbeth: GCSE English Literature Flashcards

Flashcards based on key themes, characters, and events from Shakespeare's Macbeth for GCSE English Literature revision.

What is the central theme of Macbeth according to the notes?

Ambition and its consequences.

Who are the three main characters highlighted in Macbeth?

Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Banquo.

What does Macbeth’s ambition ultimately lead to?

His downfall and death.

What form of literary work is Macbeth classified as?

A Shakespearean tragedy.

What is the name of the king that Macbeth assassinates?

King Duncan.

What prophecy do the witches give Macbeth?

That he will become King of Scotland.

What significant change occurs in Lady Macbeth’s character throughout the play?

She loses control and ultimately succumbs to guilt, leading to her suicide.

What does the Great Chain of Being represent in the context of Macbeth?

A social and moral order believed to be established by God.

How does Macbeth describe his ambition in Act I, Scene VII?

As 'vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself'.

What role do hallucinations play in the development of Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s characters?

They represent guilt and the psychological consequences of their actions.

What idea does Macbeth express about life in Act V, Scene V?

That it is 'a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing'.

What societal norms regarding gender does Lady Macbeth subvert?

She exhibits ambition and manipulates Macbeth, defying traditional expectations of women.

Who ultimately kills Macbeth?

Macduff.

What is the significance of the supernatural in Macbeth?

It serves as a catalyst for Macbeth's actions and represents temptation and evil.

How is Lady Macbeth’s character introduced in terms of her ambition?

She is portrayed as more ambitious than Macbeth and completely devoid of conscience at first.

What does Macbeth's hallucination of Banquo's ghost signify?

His deep guilt and the consequences of his violent actions.

How does Shakespeare use motifs in Macbeth?

Through symbols like blood, sleep, and light versus dark to convey themes.

What historical context influenced the writing of Macbeth?

The reign of James I and societal beliefs about witchcraft and the Divine Right of Kings.

How does Shakespeare portray the theme of appearance versus reality?

Characters often present a facade that hides their true intentions, like Lady Macbeth's deceptive nature.

What does the term 'hamartia' refer to in the context of Macbeth?

The tragic flaw, which in Macbeth's case is his ambition.

What is the result of Macbeth's usurpation of the throne?

Civil conflict and disorder in Scotland.