Macbeth English GCSE annotations flashcards
What how does the Captain describe Macbeth in Act 1 scene 2?
"“Brave Macbeth”
“Valor’s minion”
What did Macbeth do in Act 1 scene 2?
Killed the “merciless Macdonwald”
“unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops”
and “fixed his head upon our battlements”
How did the Captains suggest Macbeth is a hero?
“with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution”
How do we know Macbeth is worthy of religious hail?
The Captain compares the battlefield to “Golgotha” which was where Christ was sacrificed, implying Macbeth is worthy of religious hail.
What does King Duncan reward Macbeth with after learning about the former Thane of Cawdor’s traitorous act?
Tells Ross “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won” (Macbeth is the new Thane of Cawdor")
What is the significance of “Enter Macbeth, with bloody daggers” in 2:2
This is the first appearance of blood on the stage, and it is after the regicide of King Duncan
How does Macbeth show his remorse after the regicide?
He says “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?
“My hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red”
How is Lady Macbeth’s reaction in contrast to Macbeth’s (and how is she shown as arguably more evil?)
She says (in contrast to Macbeth’s will all Neptune’s oceans) “A little water clears us of this deed.”
and she scolds him by calling him an “Infirm of purpose!” and telling him to give her the daggers, as he has failed the plan
How has Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s relationship changed from the start?
The regicide has divided them, as Macbeth has been overridden with guilt, leaving Lady Macbeth to pick up the pieces.
How is Macbeth shown an immoral villain and no longer a hero in 5:3?
Calls the servant a “lily-livered boy” with “linen cheeks” which symbolise the cowardice and purity of the servant, which shows the extent of Macbeth’s character development into a cruel and unloving person.
How does Macbeth still exhibit some heroic qualities in 5:3?
He says “I’ll fight till from my bones my flesh be hacked. Give me my armour”
This shows he still has his bravery and courage from his former self
Earlier in the scene he also recognises his actions will not go unpunished, and that this is the end for him. He confesses this by saying “I have lived long enough. My way of life is fall’n into the sere.”