Macbeth: general information

Macbeth was written by who?

William Shakespear 

what three types of plays did he write?

Tragedies, comedies, and histories

Why is he considered the greatest writer of all time?

because of his portrayals of human nature and the universality of the themes

Macbeth is remembered for its portrayal of the protagonist in what way?

as a tragic hero

a protagonist with one major weakness or tragic flaw

a tragic hero

what was Macbeth's tragic flaw?

Ambition

where was Macbeth originally performed?

the globe theater

which theater was the first that actors owned shares?

the globe theater 

when was the globe built?

1599

how many times was it rebuilt?

two

the globe had what kind of design?

open air design 

a narrow balcony overlooking the stage

gallery

a dirt covered area open to the sky

yard

the part of the stage unseen by the audience 

tiring house 

platform for performances

stage

was the background picture that seperated the tiring house from the staging area

Frons scaenae

was on the second story above the front scaenae 

balcony 

above the trying house and staging area; used to store props

attic

What are the four main themes in Macbeth?

1. the corrupting power of unchecked ambition

2. abuse of power

3. violence and betrayal in political struggles

4. the relationship between cruelty and masculinity

Who was Macbeth's greatest influence?

the witches 

what title does Duncan give to Macbeth?

Thane of Cawdor

what are Macbeth's three titles?

1. thane of Glames (present title)

2. thane of Cawdor (new title)

3. king hereafter (future title)

who was the prince of Cumberland?

Malcolm 

Why does lady Macbeth have blood on her hands?

because she took the daggers from Macbeth to plant them on the guard

Who discovers the kings body?

Macduff

what is the second murder that takes place in the play?

the guards 

What are the three apparitions given to Macbeth?

1. armed head

2. bloody child

3. child with a tree

What are the three predictions to go along with that?

1. Beware of macduff

2. None of women born

3. till burnam forest moves

Near the end of the play what did Macbeth want to know?

If macduffs sons will rein 

who warns lady macduff to flee?

Ross

whose idea was it to cut down the trees?

Malcolm

What are the four metaphors macbeth uses to signify life?

1. Candle 

2. shadow 

3. poor player 

4. tale told by an idiot 

who is predicted to have his decendants rein?

Banquo

What was lady Macbeth's plan to murder Duncan?

get the guards drunk, stab the king, blame it on the guards

Who was able to escape Macbeth's murder attempt?

Fleance 

Who did not go to Macbeth's feast?

Macduff, the thane of fife

Who is heciate?

The goddess of evil and witchcraft

what do the witches hold up to Macbeth to show a line of decendents?

a mirror 

who tells macduff that his family is dead?

Ross