Untitled Flashcards Set

Key Events in Act 5 (Scene-by-Scene Breakdown)

Scene 1: Lady Macbeth’s Sleepwalking

• Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, revealing her overwhelming guilt.

• She obsessively rubs her hands, trying to wash off imaginary blood:

  • “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”

• A doctor and gentlewoman witness her confession of murder, realizing she is deeply troubled.

Scene 2: Scottish Rebels Plan Their Attack

• Scottish thanes (Menteith, Caithness, Lennox, and Angus) march against Macbeth.

• They call him a “tyrant” and hope Malcolm will restore order.

Scene 3: Macbeth’s False Confidence

• Macbeth dismisses reports of rebellion, believing in the witches’ prophecy:

  • No man born of woman can harm him.

  • He is safe unless Birnam Wood moves.

• He orders the doctor to cure Lady Macbeth’s mental illness, but his focus is on battle.

Scene 4: Birnam Wood Moves

• Malcolm and his soldiers cut branches from Birnam Wood to use as camouflage.

• This fulfills the witches’ prophecy—Birnam Wood is “moving” toward Dunsinane.

Scene 5: Lady Macbeth Dies & Macbeth’s Nihilism

• Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth’s death—likely suicide—but reacts coldly:

  • “She should have died hereafter.”

• He delivers his famous speech on the meaninglessness of life:

  • “Life’s but a walking shadow… a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

• He hears that Birnam Wood is moving, realizing the prophecy is coming true.

Scene 6: Malcolm’s Army Attacks

• Malcolm orders his soldiers to drop their branches and attack.

• Macbeth prepares for battle.

Scene 7: Macbeth’s Last Stand

• Macbeth kills Young Siward but remains defiant.

• Macduff searches for Macbeth, determined to kill him.

Scene 8: Macduff Kills Macbeth & Malcolm is King

• Macduff reveals he was born via C-section (“from his mother’s womb untimely ripped”), fulfilling the prophecy.

  • This means he was not technically born of woman—the prophecy is fulfilled.

• Macbeth refuses to surrender and is killed by Macduff.

• Macduff presents Macbeth’s severed head to Malcolm.

• Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland and promises to restore peace.

Major Themes in Act 5

1. Guilt & Conscience

   • Lady Macbeth’s guilt drives her to madness, leading to her breakdown and death.

2. Fate vs. Free Will

   • Macbeth thought he controlled his destiny, but the witches’ words were deceptive.

   • Macbeth chooses to believe in the witches, leading to his downfall.

3. Appearance vs. Reality

   • The witches’ prophecies were intentionally misleading, proving that appearances can be deceiving.

   • Macbeth was never truly invincible. He misunderstood their true meaning.

4. Leadership & Tyranny

   • Macbeth’s downfall contrasts with Malcolm’s promise of restoring peace.

   • Macbeth’s selfish, power-hungry rule contrasts with Malcolm’s promises of peace.

   • Macbeth ruled through fear, while Malcolm promises justice and order.

Key Quotes & Meanings

Important Vocabulary

1. Arbitrate – to settle a dispute

2. Perturbation – mental disturbance

3. Recoil – to shrink back in fear

4. Upbraid – to criticize sharply

5. Usurper – someone who takes power illegally

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice

1. What does Lady Macbeth do while sleepwalking?
   A) Recites Macbeth’s speech about life
   B) Tries to kill Malcolm
   C) Confesses her crimes and rubs her hands
   D) Screams and calls for Macbeth

2. What prophecy does Macbeth cling to before his final battle?
   A) That Banquo’s descendants will rule Scotland
   B) That he will never be defeated
   C) That no man born of woman can harm him
   D) That he will be saved by Lady Macbeth

3. How does Macbeth die?
   A) Macduff kills him in a duel
   B) He kills himself
   C) Malcolm orders his execution
   D) He is stabbed by Banquo’s ghost

Short Answer

1. Why does Macbeth believe he cannot be killed?

Macbeth believes he is invincible because of the witches’ prophecy that "no man of woman born shall harm Macbeth." He interprets this literally, if no human can defeat him.

2. How does Lady Macbeth’s mental state change in Act 5?

 In Act 5, Lady Macbeth becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia. She begins sleepwalking, obsessively rubbing her hands as if trying to wash away imagined bloodstains and eventually descends into madness.

3. What is the significance of Malcolm becoming king at the end?

Malcolm’s coronation represents the restoration of order in Scotland after Macbeth’s tyrannical rule. As Duncan’s rightful heir, he symbolizes legitimacy, justice, and the triumph of good over evil.