Macbeth Act V Summary Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key characters, quotes, literary devices, and plot elements from Act V of Macbeth based on the lecture summary.

Lady Macbeth's Sleepwalking Episode

An illness observed by a doctor and a gentlewoman where Lady Macbeth gets out of bed asleep, writes and seals a paper, and repeatedly acts out washing her hands.

"Out, damned spot!"

The famous exclamation uttered by Lady Macbeth while sleepwalking as she tries to rub away an imaginary bloodstain from her hands.

Thane of Fife

The title held by Macduff, whose wife Lady Macbeth mentions while sleepwalking, demonstrating her knowledge of the massacre of Macduff's family.

Menteith, Caithness, Angus, and Lennox

The Scottish noblemen who lead their soldiers to join Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff near Birnam Wood to fight against Macbeth.

Birnam Wood

The forest near Macbeth's castle from which Malcolm orders every soldier to carry a cut branch to disguise the true size of their army.

Dunsinane

The castle where Macbeth fortifies himself, desperately holding on to the witches' prophecies that he is safe.

Giant's robe on a dwarf

A simile used by the Scottish noblemen to describe how the royal title does not fit Macbeth, who stole it and is obeyed only out of fear.

Seyton

The officer who checks on the cry of women inside the castle and brings Macbeth the news that Lady Macbeth is dead.

"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow"

The famous soliloquy spoken by Macbeth after learning of Lady Macbeth's death, expressing a hopeless view of life as a walking shadow and a story told by an idiot.

Young Siward

The son of Siward who bravely confronts Macbeth, calls him a tyrant, and is killed in combat because he was born of a woman.

Caesarean Section

The method of Macduff's birth, which fulfills the prophecy's double meaning by revealing he was not literally "born of woman."

Earls

The title promised by Malcolm to his loyal nobles and relatives, marking the first time this noble title is used in Scotland.

Scone

The location where Malcolm invites everyone to attend his coronation as the lawful new king of Scotland.