Individual Learning Packet
Teaching Unit
Macbeth
by William Shakespeare
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Item No. 200601
Macbeth
Notes
Macbeth is the shortest of William Shakespeare’s tragedies and among his most popular
plays. The play is a classic Shakespearean tragedy, containing the typical elements of the
genre, which include a noble tragic hero who suffers a calamitous downfall as the result of
his own actions. The hero possesses a tragic flaw he does not understand, which contributes
to his downfall, and the tragic hero dies at the end of the play, Scholars believe the play was
composed around 1606, shortly after the crowning of King James I of England (also King
James VI of Scotland). Shakespeare loosely based the play on historical accounts of King
Macbeth of Scotland. The play flatters the antecedents of King James I, who was thought to be
a descendant of Banquo. The vision of eight kings that the Witches show Macbeth in Act IV
is generally thought to represent the Stuart line and was intended to be a compliment to King
James I.
All references come from the Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Classic Edition of
Macbeth, copyright 2005.
Macbeth
Objectives
By the end of this Unit, the student will be able to:
1.
trace the development of Macbeth’s character in the play. Identify how and why he
changes, his motivations, and salient personality features.
2.
trace the mental and emotional make-up of Lady Macbeth. Identify her actions,
motivations, and personality features.
3.
identify the ways Macbeth is a tragic hero. Discuss whether or not he has a tragic flaw,
and identify what it is if he has one.
4.
define dramatic irony and identify how it is used in the play.
5.
explain the meaning of “fair is foul, and foul is fair,” identify where this motif/theme
arises, and explain why it is important to the play.
6.
identify the various types of rulers that appear in the play, and contrast the
characteristics of the good or legitimate rulers with the evil, tyrannical rule of Macbeth.
7.
explain to what extent Macbeth is controlled by fate and to what extent he exercises his
own free will. Give examples of where this theme arises in the text, and explain why it is
important to play.
8.
analyze the importance of the Witches to the play, how they contribute to the overall
tone of the play, how they affect the plot, and what they symbolize.
9.
identify the ways various characters define masculinity and femininity. Explain how
those definitions affect each character’s actions and what definition of masculinity the
play seems to endorse.
10. analyze the important role of the weather in setting the tone of play and supporting
various themes.
11. understand the role of women in play. Explain how various female characters influence
Macbeth, and to what extent women are portrayed as the root of chaos or evil.
12. identify how Macbeth has upset the natural order by murdering the rightful king.
Explain how bizarre natural occurrences support this theme.
13. identify the motif of hallucinations in the play. Explain what the hallucinations
represent, and how they further the plot.
14. discuss the role of prophecies in the play. Identify how the prophecies are central to the
plot.
15. write a character sketch for Macduff and Banquo; identify their actions, motivations,
and salient personality features:.
16. identify the theme of sleep and insomnia throughout the play and explain its function.
17. analyze the frequent references to babies in this play as characters, symbols, and
elements of metaphors.
18. Identify Banquo as a foil character for Macbeth, and analyze the contrasts between the
two characters.
Macbeth
Terms and Definitions
Allusion - a reference to a person, place, poem, book, event, etc., which is not part of the story,
that the author expects the reader will recognize. Example: In The Glass Menagerie,
Tom speaks of “Chamberlain’s umbrella,” a reference to British Prime Minister Neville
Chamberlain.
Comic relief - the intrusion of humor interrupting or immediately following a scene of great
excitement. Example: The drunken porter knocks at the door immediately after the
killing of King Duncan in Macbeth.
Dialogue - conversation between two or more characters.
Foil - a character whose qualities or actions usually serve to emphasize the actions or qualities
of the main character, the protagonist, by providing a strong contrast. On occasion,
the foil is used as a contrast to a character other than the main one. Examples: Hotspur
contrasts Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part I; the Roadrunner of cartoon fame
uses Wile E. Coyote as his foil.
Foreshadowing - the use of hints or clues in a story to suggest what action is to come.
Foreshadowing is frequently used to create interest and build suspense. Example: Two
small and seemingly inconsequential car accidents predict and hint at the upcoming,
important wreck in The Great Gatsby.
Heroic Quatrain – a stanza consisting of four rhyming lines with a rhyme scheme of A/B/A/B
or A/A/B/B. Example: A Dream by Egdar Allan Poe.
Iambic Pentameter - a line of poetry composed of five feet of iambs; the most common form of
English poetry. Example: Hamlet says, “O, what´/ a rogue´/ and peas´/ ant slave´/ am I´.”
Inference - the act of drawing a conclusion that is not actually stated by the author. Example:
In The Pigman, John and Lorraine are writing a “memorial epic” about Mr. Pignati.
Therefore, the reader may logically assume that Mr. Pignati dies in the book.
Irony - a perception of inconsistency, sometimes humorous, in which the significance
and understanding of a statement or event is changed by its context. Example: The
firehouse burned down.
• Dramatic Irony - the audience or reader knows more about a character’s situation
than the character does and knows that the character’s understanding is incorrect.
Example: In Medea, Creon asks, “What atrocities could she commit in one day?”
The reader, however, knows Medea will destroy her family and Creon’s by day’s end.
• Structural Irony – the use of a naïve hero, whose incorrect perceptions differ from the
reader’s correct ones. Example: Huck Finn.
• Verbal Irony - a discrepancy between what is said and what is really meant; sarcasm.
Example: A large man whose nickname is “Tiny.”
Metaphor - a comparison of two things that are basically dissimilar in which one is described
in terms of the other. Example: The moon, a haunting lantern, shone through the
clouds.
Metonymy - the use of a related item to stand for the thing being discussed. Example:
“The White House said yesterday…” means the government of the United States, the
President, or the Administration.
Motif - a situation, incident, idea, or image that is repeated significantly in a literary work.
Examples: In Hamlet, revenge is a frequently repeated idea. In The Catcher in the Rye,
Holden continually comments on the phoniness of people he meets.
Plot - the pattern of events in a literary work; what happens.
Setting - when and where the short story, play, or novel takes place. Examples: Macbeth takes
place in the eleventh century in Scotland. The Old Man and the Sea has its main setting
on the ocean outside Havana, Cuba, in an unspecified time in the middle-to-late 20thcentury.
Simile - a comparison between two different things using either like or as. Examples: I am as
hungry as a horse. The huge trees broke like twigs during the hurricane.
Soliloquy - lines in a play in which a character reveals thoughts to the audience, but not to
the other characters; it is usually longer than an aside and not directed at the audience.
Example: Hamlet’s famous “To be or not to be” speech.
Symbol - an object, person, or place that has a meaning in itself and that also stands for
something larger than itself, usually an idea or concept; some concrete thing which
represents an abstraction. Example: The sea could be symbolic for “the unknown.”
Since the sea is something that is physical and can be seen by the reader, and also
has elements that cannot be understood, it can be used symbolically to stand for the
abstraction of “mystery,” “obscurity,” or “the unknown.”
Theme - the central or dominant idea behind the story; the most important aspect that
emerges from how the book treats its subject. Sometimes theme is easy to see, but,
at other times, it may be more difficult. Theme is usually expressed indirectly, as an
element the reader must figure out. It is a universal statement about humanity, rather
than a simple statement dealing with plot or characters in the story. Themes are
generally hinted at through different methods: a phrase or quotation that introduces
the novel, a recurring element in the book, or an observation made that is reinforced
through plot, dialogue, or characters. It must be emphasized that not all works of
literature have themes in them. Example: In a story about a man who is diagnosed
with cancer and, through medicine and will-power, returns to his former occupation,
the theme might be: “Real courage is demonstrated through internal bravery and
perseverance.” In a poem about a flower that grows, blooms, and dies, the theme might
be: “Youth fades, and death comes to all.”
Tone - the atmosphere in a literary work or the attitude the author puts in a literary work.
Examples: The gloom and representation of decay is the main tone of Poe’s The Fall of
the House of Usher; the tone of Catch-22 is one of sarcasm and absurdity.
Tragic hero - the main character in a tragedy; in order to fit the definition, the hero must have
a tragic flaw, which causes his or her downfall. Examples: Hamlet’s main character
weakness is his indecision; Lear’s is his pride.
Macbeth
Questions for Discussion and Essay
1.
The phrase, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” first used by the Witches, becomes a major
theme of the play. Identify parts of the play that echo the phrase, and examine its
meaning as it applies to various characters and events.
2.
Explain whether Macbeth is controlled by fate or exercises his own free will. Cite
examples from the text to support your conclusion.
3.
Discuss the role of the Witches in the play. What is the nature of their power in regards
to Macbeth’s fate? Be sure to discuss the prophecies and the ways in which they come to
be fulfilled. What might the Witches symbolize?
4.
Discuss how various characters define masculinity throughout the play. How and why
do some characters experience a challenge to their masculinity? What conception of
masculinity does the play seem to embrace?
5.
What characteristics did Duncan possess that made him a great king? Which of Macbeth’s
characteristics made him a tyrant? What other examples of kings arise in the play?
6.
The killing of King Duncan by Macbeth is presented as an unnatural act in the play.
State why the Elizabethans would have considered regicide an act against nature, and
point out how this idea is reinforced by comments and incidents throughout the story.
7.
Discuss the role of women in Macbeth. To what extent are women portrayed as
manipulative and wicked? As good and virtuous? How do the women in the play
compare with one another? How do they affect Macbeth?
8.
Identify the metaphors of plants used throughout the play, and discuss their meanings.
Explain how the plant metaphors specifically relate to Macbeth.
9.
Discuss the irony of Macbeth becoming the Thane of Cawdor, considering the former
Thane’s actions and his ultimate fate. Be sure to discuss the description of the former
Thane’s death and how it relates to Macbeth’s own death.
10. Identify the various ways characters are murdered by Macbeth in the play, and how
those changing methods relate to Macbeth’s evolving character.
11. Babies and children, whether real, illusory, or metaphorical, arise frequently in the play.
Identify those moments when children appear and analyze their larger symbolism. What
are their common points and how do they differ?
12. Identify the discussions about sleep or incidents when people have trouble sleeping.
Why do you think that talking about sleep continue throughout the play? What does
sleep symbolize?
13. Discuss the use of weather in the play. When does extraordinary weather occur, and
how does it relate to the happenings of the play? How does the weather tie into various
themes of the play?
14. Identify the hallucinations that characters of the play experience. What is the
significance of each hallucination? What do the hallucinations symbolize in the play?
Macbeth
Test
1.
The original Thane of Cawdor was
A. Macbeth’s father.
B. a traitor to Scotland.
C. Macbeth’s fellow soldier.
D. Duncan’s son.
2.
Macbeth first meets the Witches when he is returning home from
A. a meeting with King Duncan.
B. a coronation ceremony.
C. Banquo’s residence.
D. a battle he has just won.
3.
Before Macbeth murders Duncan, he sees
A. the ghost of Banquo.
B. an apparition of Duncan’s bloody head.
C. bloody spots on his hands.
D. an apparition of a bloody dagger.
4.
Which prophecy does not come true during the course of the play?
A. Banquo’s sons will be kings.
B. Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor.
C. Macbeth will only be hurt when Birnam Wood moves.
D. Only a man not born of woman will kill Macbeth.
5.
When Lady Macbeth hears King Duncan is coming to see them, she
A. is frightened that he may know the truth.
B. is pleased by the opportunity it gives her and Macbeth.
C. is happy because she expects him to name Macbeth his successor.
D. is worried that Macbeth may commit a terrible deed.
6.
The scene of Duncan’s murder is described as
A. a new Hecate.
B. a new Gorgon.
C. a new doomsday.
D. a new Revelation.
7.
Who kills Macbeth, ending his tyrannical reign?
A. Malcolm
B. Donalbain
C. Siward
D. Macduff
8.
During his second visit with the Witches, what is the last piece of information Macbeth
demands to know?
A. if he will rule England as well as Scotland
B. if Macduff will kill him.
C. if Banquo’s sons will become kings
D. if Lady Macbeth will recover
9.
Malcolm lies to Macduff in order to
A. test his loyalty
B. trick Macduff into joining him.
C. find out Macbeth’s secrets.
D. prevent Macduff from killing him.
10. Who does Macbeth fear may benefit from his murder of Duncan?
A. Banquo’s sons
B. Duncan’s sons
C. Macduff
D. England’s King
11. What symptom does Lady Macbeth exhibit to the Doctor?
A. She is refuses to rise from bed at all.
B. She lacks the ability to laugh.
C. She will not eat anything.
D. She rubs her hands together as if washing them.
12. How do the murderers sent to kill Banquo leave the job incomplete?
A. They leave Banquo in a ditch.
B. Banquo’s son, Fleance, escapes.
C. They forget to rob Banquo of his purse.
D. Banquo’s valuable horses are not captured.
13. Who is knocking at the gates as the Macbeths complete the murder of Duncan?
A. Macduff
B. Ross
C. Banquo
D. Fleance
14. Why is Lady Macbeth unable to kill Duncan when she has the chance?
A. She fears damning her soul.
B. He reminds her of her father.
C. She hears the guards stirring.
D. Duncan has been too kind to her.
15. Macbeth suggests the Doctor cure Lady Macbeth by:
A. sending her away to somewhere peaceful.
B. talking with her about her concerns.
C. providing her with activities to occupy her mind.
D. erasing troubling memories from her mind.
16. Who flees Scotland immediately after Duncan’s murder?
A. Malcolm
B. Fleance
C. Macduff
D. Lennox
17. What nation’s army does Malcolm bring with him to Scotland to overthrow Macbeth?
A. Ireland
B. England
C. Denmark
D. Norway
18. Why is Macbeth fearless in the final battle?
A. He no longer cares whether he remains king.
B. The Witches assured him of victory.
C. The Witches told him no man born of woman could harm him.
D. He wishes to avenge Lady Macbeth’s death.
19. Who is the goddess of witchcraft in the play?
A. Hecate
B. Athena
C. Diana
D. Hera
20. Coronations for Scottish Kings occur in
A. Dunsinane.
B. Fife.
C. Edinburgh
D. Scone.
Essay Questions (Pick any Two)
1.
Examine the influence of Lady Macbeth and the Witches over Macbeth’s actions. To
what extent are they responsible for the murder of Duncan?
2.
Compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth and Banquo, especially focusing on
how the prophecies affect them. Is Banquo a foil character for Macbeth? Explain your
conclusion.
3.
Analyze the comments of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth about the blood on their hands as
a result of the murder, and the ability to clean their hands. How do their initial attitudes
change throughout the play? What do their bloody hands symbolize?
4.
To what extent is Macbeth an example of Aristotle’s tragic hero? Identify his tragic flaw
and the ways he does or does not possess the qualities of an Aristotelian tragic hero.
How is Macbeth a typical Shakespearean tragic hero?
Macbeth
Test
Answer Key
1. B
6. B
11. D
16. A
2. D
7. D
12. B
17. B
3. D
8. C
13. A
18. C
4. A
9. A
14. B
19. A
5. B
10. A
15. D
20. D
Macbeth
Study Guide
Teacher’s Copy
Act I, Scene I
Vocabulary
hurlyburly – turmoil
ere – before
heath – a tract of open land with sparse vegetation
anon – soon
1.
When are the witches planning to meet again and for what purpose?
They are going to meet on the heath after the battle is over in order to speak with Macbeth.
2.
Describe the setting of this scene. How might it be significant considering this is the first
scene of the play? What sort of mood does it create?
The witches are meeting in an open plain during a thunder and lightning storm in this scene.
Beginning the play with such a bleak and stormy setting may be meant to foreshadow turmoil
and difficulties in the rest of the story. The weather and setting create a dark, foreboding
mood for the play.
3.
The witches say together, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” This is one of the most famous
lines in Macbeth. What do you think it means?
This line can be interpreted in a number of ways: It refers to the weather. It could suggest that
things are not as they appear. It indicates that the natural order of things is disturbed and
disrupted. It could also mean that what seems good, or “fair,” is not and vice versa.
T-1
Act I, Scene II
Vocabulary
broil – battle
spent – exhausted
villainies – mercenaries
kerns – footsoldiers
gallowglasses – armed horsemen
minion – a servant
unseam’d – cut open
nave – the navel
chaps – a person’s jaws
skipping – fleeing
furbish’d – shining
sooth – truth
flout – mock
point – swordpoint
lavish – wild
composition – a truce
deign – offer
1.
What does the Sergeant specifically report about Macbeth? What does this news reveal
to you about Macbeth’s character?
Macbeth has killed an enemy, Macdonwald, in a particularly gruesome way; he cut him open
from navel to jaw and then cut off his head and fixed it on a stick. This news demonstrates
that Macbeth is a courageous and fearsome fighter.
2.
What is Macbeth’s relationship to King Duncan?
Duncan refers to him as “cousin,” which suggests they are kinsmen.
3.
Who had Macbeth and Banquo been fighting?
They were fighting the Norwegians, who were helped by the Thane of Cawdor.
T-2
4.
The Sergeant uses many similes to describe the battle. Identify two.
Answers may vary. Examples:
“Doubtful it stood,/As two spent swimmers that do cling together/And choke their art.”
“And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,/Show’d like a rebel’s whore…”
“Like valor’s minion carved out his passage…”
“I must report they were/As cannons overcharged with double cracks…”
5.
What does Ross mean when he calls Macbeth “Bellona’s bridegroom?”
Bellona is a Roman goddess of war, and Ross is calling Macbeth her husband. He means that
Macbeth is a great fighter.
6.
What does King Duncan instruct Ross to do and why?
Duncan tells Ross to order the immediate execution of the Thane of Cawdor because Cawdor
has been a traitor to Scotland. Ross is then to tell Macbeth that he, Macbeth, will take over
the title of the Thane of Cawdor as a reward for valor in battle.
T-3
Act I, Scene III
Vocabulary
aroint – be gone
rump-fed – fed on rump meat
ronyon – a fat woman
sieve – a basket
quarters – directions
shipman’s card – compass card
penthouse lid – an eyelid
forbid – cursed
peak – waste away
bark – a ship
weird – fate-manipulating
posters – travelers
aught – anything
choppy – wrinkled
fantastical – imaginary
grace – title
having – possessions
happy – fortunate
get – to beget
imperfect – unclear
intelligence – information
blasted – blighted; cursed
corporal – physical
reads – considers
images – methods
post – a messenger
earnest – pledge
addition – title
combined – allied
prologues – predictions
soliciting – temptation
use – custom
function – every task
surmise – speculation
stir – effort
strange – new
cleave – fit
mould – body
favor – pardon
register’d – written to memory
T-4
1.
What does the First Witch plan to do to a sailor and why? What does this tell you about
the three witches?
The First Witch asked a sailor’s wife to share chestnuts with her, but the wife refused. To get
back at the wife, the witch is planning to create a storm that will affect her husband’s ship.
She is also going to torment the sailor by not allowing him to sleep and making him sick. Her
plan indicates the witches are vindictive, evil creatures, who are not necessarily to be trusted.
2.
When Macbeth says, “So foul and fair a day I have not seen,” what does he mean? What
other line of the play does he echo? What could be the dramatic irony of the line? As
Macbeth’s first words of the play, how might this line be significant?
Macbeth may be referring to either the bloody battle or the weather as “foul”; the day,
however, is “fair” because of his battleground victory. This line echoes what the witches say
in Act I, Scene I, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” This line could be dramatic irony because the
audience knows that although Macbeth has just fought a great battle there is evil awaiting
him with the witches. As Macbeth’s first line of the play, the line could foreshadow the rest of
his experiences during the play.
3.
Describe the physical appearance of the Witches.
Macbeth describes them as withered, wild, and unearthly looking. They appear to be women,
but they have beards.
4.
What prophecies do the Witches make regarding Macbeth? How does he react based on
what Banquo says?
They say that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Banquo describes
Macbeth as looking startled and mesmerized by the prophecies, but also afraid of them.
5.
What metaphor does Banquo use to ask the Witches about his future? What do the
Witches predict for Banquo? How does this prediction relate to the King of England at
the time Shakespeare was writing?
Banquo uses a metaphor about seeds and plants to ask the Witches about his future, saying
“If you can look into the seeds of time,/And say which grain will grow and which will
not,/Speak then to me…” This comment is the first of a number of plant-related images
throughout the play. The Witches indicate that, although he won’t be a king himself, Banquo
will be the father of kings and happier than Macbeth. Shakespeare’s audience would know
this prophecy to be true because James I of England was thought to be a descendent of
Banquo.
T-5
6.
Shakespeare has the Witches speak in language that is frequently contradictory. Point
out an example of where that occurs in this scene.
The Witches predictions concerning Banquo are full of contradictions. They say he shall be
“lesser than Macbeth, and greater,” and “not so happy, yet much happier.”
7.
How likely does Macbeth think it is that he will become Thane of Cawdor or King of
Scotland? How is this an example of dramatic irony?
Macbeth believes it is equally unlikely that he will be named either Thane of Cawdor or
King of Scotland. However, the audience already knows Duncan has ordered the Thane of
Cawdor’s execution and that he plans to give Macbeth the title; therefore, this is an example
of dramatic irony because the audience knows something the character does not about his
situation.
8.
How do Banquo and Macbeth question their experience with the Witches?
They wonder if the Witches were hallucinations caused by something they ate or if the three
“weird sisters” were real. They confirm the details of what the Witches said to them to make
sure they heard the same thing.
9.
What news does Ross bring to Banquo and Macbeth as they are discussing the
prophecies?
He lets them know that Macbeth is the new Thane of Cawdor.
10. What does Banquo mean when he says, “What, can the devil speak true?”
Banquo is surprised that what the Witches said can come true; since Ross has just given them
information that fulfills part of the prophecy, Banquo must be wondering if the rest of the
prophecy will be realized also.
11. Why does Banquo warn Macbeth about “the instruments of darkness?” What type of
literary device is this? How does this comment tie into the “fair is foul, foul is fair”
theme?
He warns Macbeth to beware of the “instruments of darkness,” such as the witches, because
they win people over by telling of good, unimportant things, only to deceive us in some
other very important way. Banquo’s comment is an example of foreshadowing because
the seemingly positive prophecies do indeed conceal a terrible fate for Macbeth. Banquo’s
referring to the witches as “instruments of darkness,” is also a type of metaphor, probably
metonymy. In addition, the comment ties in to the fair is foul theme because what the witches
say seems to be good, but it may conceal something more important that is bad or “foul.”
T-6
12. As the others talk, what does Macbeth’s aside reveal about his thinking? What does he
fear? How is this moment a significant turning point for Macbeth?
Macbeth is thinking that the Witches were right and the best part of their prophecy is yet to
come. He wonders if he may become King without having to do anything else. He also fears
that he may have to do something terrible, such as murder Duncan, in order to become King.
This moment is a significant turning point for Macbeth because it is the first time he actually
considers murder to obtain the throne.
13. What is the difference between how Banquo reacts to the fulfillment of the first
prophecy and how Macbeth reacts? Why might their reactions be significant?
Banquo reacts with much more skepticism than Macbeth. He warns Macbeth that the witches
may have told him something pleasant but insignificant only to lead him to his ultimate
downfall. However, Macbeth immediately begins wondering how and when the second
prophecy will come true, even imagining how he might bring it about himself. Banquo’s
caution and reserve about the prophecies, in opposition to Macbeth’s fantasies, are significant
because they demonstrate a difference in their ambitions and moral character. Macbeth is so
excited by the prospect of becoming king that he may be willing to commit an evil deed to
make it happen, while Banquo checks his hopes of having his son become kings by identifying
the possible evil of the prophecies.
14. What common human feeling is Macbeth expressing when he says, “My thought…/
Shakes so my single state of man that function/Is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is/
But what is not”? How does the quote relate to the “fair is foul” theme?
Macbeth is expressing his confusion and indecision. His over-analysis of the situation leaves
him doubting his every move. He is overwhelmed by his imaginings and is unsure of what
is real and what is fantasy. Macbeth’s sentiment that “nothing is but what is not” again
highlights the concept that things are not what they appear to be.
T-7
Act I, Scene IV
Vocabulary
liege – a ruler; king
studied – rehearsed
owed – owned
careless – worthless
before – ahead
wanton – unrestrained; lewd
harbinger – a messenger
1.
How does Malcolm describe Cawdor’s execution? How does Duncan respond?
Malcolm says that Cawdor died very gracefully, as if nothing in his life had ever suited
him so well. Malcolm says that it seemed as if Cawdor had rehearsed for his own death
because he was able to accept his fate calmly and easily. Duncan responds by saying how
it is impossible to know a person’s character just by looking at his face. He admits he was
unable to tell that Cawdor would be a traitor. Indeed, Duncan had thought Cawdor was a
trustworthy gentlemen. Ironically, Macbeth walks in as this moment, another man whose
loyalty Duncan will misjudge.
2.
How does Duncan regard what Macbeth has done for him? What does Macbeth think
about the services he has provided?
Duncan is grateful and indicates he will never be able to pay Macbeth back. Macbeth says all
he has done is fulfill his duty to protect the king and state, and he deserves no payment for that.
3.
What metaphor does the King use to describe how he will nurture Macbeth?
Duncan refers to Macbeth as if he is plant, saying he has planted Macbeth and will work to
make him flourish.
4.
How does Banquo further this metaphor? What earlier comment do his words echo?
Banquo continues the plant metaphor by indicating that if Duncan helps him to grow as well,
he will give the “harvest” back to the king. Banquo’s comment echoes his earlier use of a
plant-related metaphor to ask the witches about his future and which “seeds” will grow.
5.
What is the significance of Duncan naming Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland?
Duncan is indicating that his son Malcolm will be the heir to the throne. Therefore, Malcolm
is now next in line to become King of Scotland.
6.
How does Macbeth react to the announcement in his last speech in this scene? What
does he reveal?
Macbeth indicates that Malcolm now lies in the way of his becoming king, and Macbeth also
reveals that he has “dark and deep desires” to become king, meaning he may be willing to do
anything, including murder, to pursue his ambition.
T-8
Act I, Scene V
Vocabulary
missives – messengers
metaphysical – supernatural
fell – cruel
gall – bile
sightless – invisible
pall- cover
dunnest – darkest
beguile – deceive
dispatch – management
sovereign – absolute
favor – facial expression
1.
After Lady Macbeth finishes reading the letter, she says Macbeth, “shalt be” what he has
been promised, meaning King of Scotland. Why is this comment significant?
Lady Macbeth’s words echo the Third Witch, who prophesized, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt
be King hereafter!” (Act I, Scene III) The comment creates a link between Lady Macbeth and
the Witches, who can be thematically grouped together as manipulating, female characters
who significantly contribute to Macbeth’s downfall.
2.
After Lady Macbeth finishes reading the letter, what concern does she express about
Macbeth?
She fears he is too kind to do what must be done if he is to be King. She knows that he has
ambition, but lacks the ruthlessness to act on it.
3.
Why does Lady Macbeth want her husband to hurry home?
She wants him home because she plans to convince him to take any steps necessary to make
him king. She plans to “pour [her] spirits in [Macbeth’s] ear” and manipulate her husband
into doing what she wishes.
4.
How does the news about King Duncan’s impending arrival affect Lady Macbeth? What
is she planning?
She is excited and cannot believe what a great opportunity has arisen to make Macbeth king.
She is already planning the murder of Duncan.
T-9
5.
Why does Lady Macbeth pray to be “unsexed”? How else does she asked to be altered
and why? What does this say about Shakespeare’s view of the nature of masculinity and
femininity?
Lady Macbeth prays to be unsexed because she believes her feminine qualities must be
removed in order for her to carry out her cruel plan to murder the King. For the same reason,
she also asks the spirits to fill her with cruelty, thicken her blood, stop her ability to cry
and feel guilt, and turn the milk in her breasts to gall. Shakespeare is equating femininity
with kindness, compassion, and gentleness, and, conversely, he is equating masculinity with
cruelty, aggression, and violence.
6.
When Macbeth enters, how does Lady Macbeth again echo the words of the Witches?
Lady Macbeth greets Macbeth by saying, “Great Glamis! Worthy Cawdor!/Greater than
both, by the all-hail hereafter!” Her words again echo the Third Witch, who says, “All-hail,
Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!” (Act I, Scene III) This line furthers the connection
between Lady Macbeth and the Witches.
7.
What instructions does Lady Macbeth give to her husband? What metaphor does she
use to describe her advice? What role has Lady Macbeth adopted in their relationship?
Lady Macbeth tells her husband that he must deceive the king by appearing welcoming and
kind. He must conceal his plan to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth uses the metaphor, “look
like the innocent flower,/But be the serpent under’t” to explain her advice to Macbeth. Her
comment is another reference to plants, and also supports the fair is foul theme. Macbeth is to
look “fair” on the outside, while, internally, he is plotting a foul murder. Lady Macbeth also
insists that Macbeth leave all the planning of the murder to her. She has taken on a leading
role in the relationship. She is planning their actions and dominating her husband.
T-10
Act I, Scene VI
Vocabulary
Hautboys – loud, double-reed woodwind instruments shaped like clarinets
seat – location
martlet – a martin, a bird known to nest in churches
approve – prove
jutty – projection
frieze – a decorative engraved band along the upper portion of a room or building
buttress – stone or brick support
coign of vantage – a protruding corner used as a lookout point
pendant – hanging
procreant cradle – place of breeding
ild – yield (reward)
single – minor
purveyor – a King’s traveling attendant
holp – helped
in compt – in trust
audit – accounts
still – ever ready
1.
How do Duncan and Banquo regard Macbeth’s home? How are their comments an
example of dramatic irony?
Duncan and Banquo both describe Macbeth’s home as a sort of paradise. The location is
beautiful, and even the air is sweeter there. Banquo spies a bird nesting that is usually
found at churches. Their admiration of the home is an example of dramatic irony because,
while Duncan finds the castle so pleasing, the audience knows the hosts plan to murder him
there.
2.
How does Lady Macbeth’s behavior in this scene contrast with what we know of her
from the last scene? What does this indicate about her character?
Lady Macbeth acts like the a loyal subject and lady in this scene. She is cordial and
complimentary toward the King. She is the image of a perfect hostess. In the previous scene,
she exhibited her cruelty and masculine qualities. By accepting Duncan into her home
gracefully, she is demonstrating how cruel and deceitful she can be. She is able to conceal
her plans to murder completely under her gracious hostess façade.
T-11
Act I, Scene VII
Vocabulary
sewer – a butler
divers – several
trammel – to catch or confine as with a net
surcease – death
shoal – a sandbar surrounded by water
jump – a risk
chalice – a bowl-shaped drinking cup; a goblet
faculties – royal powers
virtues – a moral excellence; an admirable quality
blast – storm
cherubin – a winged angel, or, in Christianity, the second highest rank of angels
bought – won
prithee – please; “if you please”
enterprise – a promise
durst – dared
adhere – suitable
make – have taken
fitness – convenience
unmake – unnerve
screw – pull tight
chamberlain – a servant in charge of a particular part of an estate
wassail – a festivity involving the consumption of alcohol
convince – overpower
warder – a watchman or sentry
limbec – part of a still
drenched – drowsy
spongy – drunken
mettle – courageous spirit, fortitude
settled – determined
bend up – summon
corporal agent – bodily strength
mock – deceive
T-12
1.
What arguments does Macbeth raise for not committing the murder? What does
Macbeth mean when he says that Duncan is “here in double trust”?
Macbeth recognizes that if he commits this murder, he may need to continue performing
horrible deeds to keep up his scheme. It would be only the beginning of his treachery.
Macbeth also points out that he should be protecting Duncan, not plotting his murder, for
two reasons: Duncan is a kinsman, and he is their guest. As relative and host, Macbeth,
therefore, has a double duty to protect the King against harm, not to cause it himself.
Finally, Macbeth notes that Duncan has been a good and kind leader of Scotland, which
further mitigates against the murder. Macbeth concludes his ambition is the only thing
pushes him forward, and it is not enough to convince him to murder Duncan.
2.
Macbeth indicates that Duncan has been a great ruler. According to Macbeth, what
qualities make Duncan a good King?
Macbeth says that Duncan has not abused his royal powers. He has used them meekly,
which makes him a great ruler. Further, he has been a benevolent ruler and full of virtue.
3.
What resolution does Macbeth communicate to Lady Macbeth?
Macbeth tells his wife that he will go no further in the murder plot because the King has
honored him recently. Many people now hold Macbeth in high regard, and he does not want
to ruin his success so soon.
4.
What does Lady Macbeth say in an attempt to goad her husband into committing the
murder? How do her comments tie into her earlier characterizations of masculinity
and femininity?
Lady Macbeth calls him a coward for refusing to make his actions match his desires. She
questions his manhood, and how he can break a promise to her. Lady Macbeth is again
equating masculinity with aggressiveness and violence.
5.
Macbeth’s response to his wife, about what a man may dare, is frequently quoted.
What does he mean?
Macbeth says he dares to do all a man would do. Someone who dares to do more, like
commit a murder, is not a man but a monster.
T-13
6.
What is the point of the baby imagery that Lady Macbeth uses? Note the many times
images of babies and mothers are presented in the play.
Lady Macbeth raises a picture of warmth, love and family by using the image of a baby
suckling at her breast. She then shatters the image by saying that she would have knocked
the infant’s brains out if she had sworn to Macbeth that she would. She is using this
horrible image to show Macbeth that she would never back out of an oath to him, the way
he has just done to her. It further emphasizes her cold and ruthless nature, although some
students may see the comment as also showing love and loyalty to her husband.
7.
Lady Macbeth reveals the details of the murder plot. What are they, and how does she
convince Macbeth that the plan will work?
Lady Macbeth says they will wait until Duncan is sleeping. She will impair Duncan’s
bedroom attendants with alcohol, so that they fall asleep and remember nothing. Then she
and Macbeth will be able to kill Duncan while he is unprotected by the guards; in this way
Macbeth can blame the murder on the guards themselves. No one will dare to blame she
and her husband for the murder because they will both show their great distress and grief
over Duncan’s death.
8.
Why does Macbeth believe his wife should “bring forth men-children only”? Has her
plan convinced him to continue in the scheme?
Macbeth says his wife should only have male children because she has such a courageous
resolute spirit. Such a spirit will only bring up males well. Macbeth resolves to commit the
murder. Lady Macbeth has convinced him.
T-14
Act II, Scene I
Vocabulary
husbandry – frugality
summons – sleepiness
largess – gifts
offices – servants
cleave – support
consent – cause
franchised – free of guilt
clear – pure
counsell’d – supported
sensible – perceptible to the touch
heat-oppressed – fevered
marshall’st – to guide
dudgeon – a handle
gouts – drops
abuse – to deceive
watch – alarm
design – prey
prate – to chatter
1.
This is the first appearance of Banquo’s son, Fleance. Why might the sight of him be
significant to Macbeth at this moment?
The sight of Fleance supports Macbeth’s earlier conclusion that killing the King will just
be the beginning. It is particularly significant that Macbeth sees Fleance just as Macbeth is
going to kill the King. If the Witches’ prophecies are correct Banquo’s children will be kings;
therefore, Macbeth may have to kill Fleance as well to secure the throne.
2.
Why do you suppose Banquo is having trouble sleeping?
Although he is very tired, Banquo says he cannot sleep because of “cursed thoughts that
nature” brings to his mind while asleep. Presumably, it is the words of the witches that are
causing these troublesome thoughts. It is also possible that Banquo has a suspicion that
Macbeth will act on the prophecy to make himself king.
3.
Why do you think Macbeth lies to Banquo and tells him that he, Macbeth, has not
thought of the weird sisters?
Macbeth probably does not want to arouse any suspicions, especially because Duncan will
soon be found dead. If he tells Banquo he has been thinking about the prophecies, Banquo is
more likely to suspect him of the killing.
T-15
4.
In his soliloquy after Banquo leaves, what does Macbeth tell the audience he sees? In
what ways does Macbeth explain the sight?
Macbeth describes seeing a dagger floating in the air in front of him. The handle is towards
his hand and the point is leading him to Duncan. The blade has drops of blood on it.
Macbeth tries to grab it at first, but then thinks it is a hallucination brought on by a fever.
He then reasons that his guilt and nervousness about murdering Duncan are making him
see the dagger.
5.
How would you describe Macbeth’s mental/emotional state at this point?
Macbeth is so nervous and full of guilt about performing the murder that he is
hallucinating. He seems paranoid and like he is dreading the actual murder. However, he
resolves to continue with the plan.
6.
What does the ringing of the bell indicate to Macbeth? How does Macbeth say the
ringing relates to Duncan? What kind of poetic form ends the scene?
The ringing of the bell is Lady Macbeth’s signal to Macbeth that she is finished with the
guards, and it is time for Macbeth to come kill Duncan. Macbeth says it is best Duncan
does not hearing the ringing because it is an indication of his impending death, that
calls him to either heaven or hell. The final two lines are in the form of a heroic couplet,
meaning they are written in iambic pentameter with an AA rhyme scheme. Note that
Macbeth ends Act III, Scene I in a similar way; he comments, using a heroic couplet, on
Banquo’s soul’s flight to heaven.
T-16
Act II, Scene II
Vocabulary
surfeited – overindulged
grooms – guards
charge – duty
possets – drinks of milk and liquor
confounds – ruins
unbend – to loosen
witness – evidence
infirm – weakness
purpose – a will
gild – to cover with gold leaf
multitudinous – vast
incarnadine – to make red
constancy – strength of will
watchers – awake
1.
What has Lady Macbeth done to the guards?
She fed them alcohol that contained a drug to make them sleep, just as she said she would.
2.
Why does Lady Macbeth not commit the murder when she is in the room?
The sleeping Duncan resembled her father, which stopped her from killing him.
3.
Macbeth enters and describes what he saw and heard. She tells him, “These deeds
must not be thought/After these ways.” Why?
She believes pondering on the deeds they have just committed will drive them mad. This
idea may be foreshadowing and also ironic, since she is the one who has mental problems
later.
4.
How does the form of the dialogue create a sense of urgency early in this scene?
At first, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth speak in short, quick-fire lines, which indicate a sense
of their fear and urgency.
T-17
5.
Macbeth goes on to describe how he thought he heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more!
Macbeth doth Murder sleep…” What is the meaning of Macbeth’s remarks about
sleep?
In killing Duncan while he slept, Macbeth committed a crime against “nature’s second
course,” meaning sleep. He describes the restorative qualities of sleep. It soothes troubled
minds and tired laborers. For having committed this unnatural act, Macbeth expects he will
not be able to sleep anymore. However, Lady Macbeth will be the one who has difficulties
sleeping later, another instance of dramatic irony.
6.
In this scene, how does Lady Macbeth criticize her husband and show herself to be
stronger? In what ways is she just as weak?
Macbeth has forgotten to place the daggers near the guards and smear them with blood.
When Lady Macbeth points this out, he refuses to go back and complete the deed. She
chides him for being weak and refusing to return, telling him that only children are
afraid of the dead. Lady Macbeth takes the daggers and smears the guards with blood,
demonstrating her strength and resolve. However, like her husband, she has jumped at
small sounds. She also had an opportunity to kill the King, but was not strong enough to do
it. In that way, Macbeth has been stronger.
7.
What does Macbeth say about cleaning the blood off of his hands? How does Lady
Macbeth’s comments about their bloody hands contrast with his? What do their
bloody hands symbolize?
Macbeth doubts if all of the water in the oceans would be able to wash his hands clean,
meaning that he will never be cleansed of his guilt for this horrible deed. Conversely, he
thinks his hands will turn the vast seas red.
Lady Macbeth’s comment is in direct contrast to her husband’s. She says, “a little water
clears us of this deed.”
Their bloody hands symbolize, as Macbeth recognizes, the guilt on their consciences, not
just evidence of the murder. Lady Macbeth lacks recognition of the deeper meaning of their
bloody hands.
8.
At the close of the scene, there is an incessant knocking at the door. What might this
knocking symbolize?
The knocking may symbolize a number of things. It could be seen as the pounding of the
Macbeths’ consciences as they complete the murder. It could also be the knocking of justice
or vengeance. It creates a sense of impending doom for the murderers.
T-18
Act II, Scene III
Vocabulary
Porter – a gatekeeper
old – plenty of
Belzebub – Beelzebub (the name of the devil)
equivocator – one who speaks vaguely intentionally
primrose – flowery; pleasurable
marry – indeed
nose-painting – reddening of the nose
cast – vomit
timely – early
physics – cures
limited – specified
appoint – a plan
combustion – chaos
confusion – destruction
parley – a conference
chance – an event
lees – dregs; sediment
vault – wine cellar
badged – marked
expedition – haste
pauser – hesitant
wasteful – destructive
breech’d – covered as though clothed in
scruples – doubts
office – an action
shaft – an arrow
lighted – landed
shift – to sneak
warrant – justification, rationale
steals – flees
1.
The Porter’s scene, or the “knocking at the gate scene,” is frequently debated
by scholars, but most agree it is a typical scene of comic relief often found in
Shakespeare’s plays. Why do you think a scene of comic relief has been placed in this
particular part of the play? What is its purpose? Why are the Porter’s lines in prose
rather than poetry? What lines contain the bawdy humor often found in these scenes?
The Porter’s comic relief scene immediately follows the murder scene, and it is meant to
break the tension and give the audience a humorous breather before the tension builds
again. In nearly all of Shakespeare’s plays, the common people speak in prose; poetry is
reserved for nobility and those in the upper classes of society. The porter tells some bawdy
jokes by commenting on alcohol and its relationship to sex. He says “it provokes the desire,
but it takes away the performance.”
T-19
2.
What role does the Porter imagine he is playing? How does he continue his joke? How
is his characterization of his role in the castle ironic?
The Porter imagines he is the keeper of the gate to hell. He continues his joke with
the audience by describing the kinds of characters he might meet at the gates. His
characterization of the castle is ironic because the horrible and bloody deed that has just
occurred there.
3.
What strange events of the previous night does Lennox describe? What theme do
these events reinforce?
Lennox describes experiencing wild winds, hearing screaming and wailing voices, tremors
in the earth, and the calling of owls. The events reinforce a theme that Macbeth has
committed a crime against nature. The natural balance has been thrown off by the killing
of the King, which has resulted in these strange occurrences.
4.
What allusion does Macduff make to Greek mythology? What is his meaning?
Macduff refers to the scene in Duncan’s bedroom as “the new Gorgon.” The Gorgon is a
classical allusion that refers to the monster Medusa, who turned anyone who looked on
her face to stone. Macduff is emphasizing the horror of the murder scene by using this
metaphor.
5.
How does Macduff question Macbeth’s actions? What does Lady Macbeth do to intercede?
Deviating from the original plan, Macbeth murders the King’s guards, the apparent killers.
Macduff asks Macbeth why he did so, seeming suspicious of Macbeth’s actions. Macbeth
goes into a lengthy explanation. Lady Macbeth draws attention away from her husband by
fainting.
6.
Who are Malcolm and Donalbain? What do they suspect, and what decision do they
make?
Malcolm and Donalbain are King Duncan’s sons and are next in line for the throne. They
suspect that the person was behind their father’s murder may harm them as well, in order to
pave a way to the throne. They decide to slip away quietly. Malcolm goes to England, and
Donalbain leaves for Ireland.
7.
In Greek theater, tragedies focus on the tragic hero. This tragic hero is a great man
who has one tragic flaw, which brings about his downfall. As the hero accepts the
consequences of his errors, he teaches the audience some truth of life. If Macbeth is a
tragic hero, what is his tragic flaw?
Macbeth’s tragic flaw is an ambition to obtain more power, which leads to his downfall.
T-20
Act II, Scene IV
Vocabulary
mousing – mouse-eating
hawk’d at – attacked
minions – the finest examples
suborn’d – bribed
thriftless – profitless
ravin up – devour
invested – crowned king
benison – blessing
1.
What further unnatural acts are occurring? What do you think these happenings are
meant to signify?
Although it is daytime, the sky is dark as night. An owl has killed a falcon. This is
unnatural because an owl that catches mice is usually the prey of a falcon. Duncan’s welltrained horses have fought and cannibalized each other. These strange natural events are
meant to symbolize how Macbeth has upset the natural order by murdering the rightful
king and taking his place. This disturbed environment is a reflection of the chaos Macbeth
has caused in Scotland.
2.
Who is suspected of setting up the murder of Duncan? Why?
Malcolm and Donalbain are suspected of paying the guards to perform the murder. Duncan’s
children are suspected primarily because they fled.
3.
What does Ross have to say about the ambition that must have led to the murder?
Ross describes ambition as profitless and something that will eat up ones own life.
4.
Who has been named King? Where will the coronation take place?
Macbeth has been named King and has gone to Scone to be crowned.
5.
Instead of attending the coronation, Macduff plans to travel home. How might this
choice be significant?
Macduff’s planning to return home instead of attending the coronation would have been
seen as an open display of opposition. He is essentially declaring himself Macbeth’s enemy
by avoiding the ceremony.
T-21
Act III, Scene I
Vocabulary
sennet – a trumpet call
grave – substantial
twain – two
bestow’d – staying
invention – a lie
sweeter – more
Sirrah – a title used to address servants
without – outside
genius – spirit
fruitless – sterile
unlineal – producing no successors
filed – defiled
rancors – bitterness
jewel – the soul
list – a combat area
champion – to battle
utterance – last word
under – out of favor with
cross’d – shut out
instruments – agents
gospell’d – devoted to the Bible
catalogue – a list
clept – called
addition – a distinction
station – a rank
buffets – strikes
set – to risk
avouch – to justify
sundry – miscellaneous
thought – remember
rubs – flaws
material – important
apart – in private
1.
In his soliloquy, what suspicion and hope does Banquo reveal?
Banquo suspects Macbeth was involved with Duncan’s murder, which led to the takeover of
the throne. He notes all of the prophecies of the Witches have come true for Macbeth. He
hopes the Witches’ predictions for himself, that he will be the founder of a line of kings, will
come true as well.
T-22
2.
Look at the dialogue between Macbeth and Banquo; how has their relationship
changed now that Macbeth is King? How has Macbeth’s demeanor changed since his
last scene?
Before, Macbeth and Banquo were equals, but now Banquo refers to Macbeth very formally,
saying, “your Highness” and “my lord.” The language used in their conversations seems
stiffer and more formal than before; it lacks familiarity and friendliness. They seem to no
longer trust each other. Macbeth’s demeanor has changed dramatically since the scene in
which Duncan’s body was discovered. There, he was nervous, unsure of himself, and still
reeling from the murder. In this scene, he has become totally authoritative and confident.
3.
Macbeth seems very interested in Banquo’s travel plans. Why do suppose that is?
Macbeth remembers the Witches’ prophecy regarding Banquo. If he sees Banquo as a threat
because the Witches said his sons will be kings, Macbeth may be planning to secure his
throne by committing more murders. The reader soon finds out that this is indeed the case,
and Macbeth’s interest in Banquo’s travel plans are purposeful.
4.
What does Macbeth mean when he says, “To be thus is nothing,/But to be safely thus”?
Macbeth means that to be a king is not very great if one lives in fear of losing the position.
To secure his position as monarch, Macbeth feels he must be rid of Banquo.
5.
Why is Banquo the only person Macbeth fears? What disturbs Macbeth about Banquo’s
character?
Macbeth sees Banquo as a threat to his good fortune, both because of the prophecy and
Banquo’s character. Macbeth finds Banquo not only very brave, but also very wise. He has a
natural kingly nature that alarms Macbeth.
6.
What is it about the Witches’ prophecies that frustrate Macbeth? Why does he feel his
efforts to attain the throne may have been in vain? Does he regard Fate as inevitable?
Macbeth is frustrated by the prophecies because they damn him to have no heirs to the
throne, while granting Banquo’s kin the inheritance of Macbeth’s crown. Macbeth feels if
he does not produce an heir to the throne then he has damned his own soul for no reason
by killing Duncan; the murder will be only for the benefit of Banquo’s sons. Macbeth is
determined to stop the succession of Banquo’s sons to the throne. He believes he can prevent
Fate from occurring and challenges it to a battle.
T-23
7.
How does Macbeth motivate the murderers to kill Banquo? What is Macbeth’s
justification for not performing the deed himself?
Macbeth tells the murderers that Banquo is the cause of their many problems. He also
questions their manhood, much in the same way that Lady Macbeth did to him to spur him
to murder Duncan. Macbeth explains he cannot perform the deed himself because he would
lose the loyalty of mutual friends of his and Banquo’s.
8.
What is the specific plan for Banquo’s murder? Who else is to be killed in the plot?
The murderers are to hide on the road, ambush, and kill both Banquo and Fleance.
9.
How does Macbeth’s use of hired murderers affect the development of his character in
the play?
The entry of the hired murderers is crucial to the development of Macbeth’s character in
the play. It indicates his political power, but also his moral weakness. Instead of facing his
enemy himself, he hires others to do his dirty work, which suggests cowardice and a desire
to remain innocent of the consequences.
Act III, Scene II
Vocabulary
using – humoring
scotch’d – wounded
close – to heal
levy – an army
eminence – honors
lave – make clear
honors – reputations
vizards – masks
cloister’d – restricted
chuck – a term of endearment
seeling – blinding
1.
What feelings about their security do both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth express early in
this scene? What does Macbeth say about Duncan to illustrate his point?
Both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth comment on how they feel unsafe in their new positions.
They are living in a constant state of uneasiness and worry, unable to enjoy what they have
achieved. They see now that the murder of Duncan was only the beginning of what they
must continue to do in order to maintain their positions. Macbeth ponders how it might be
better to be dead like Duncan and, therefore, free of their constant torment.
T-24
2.
What does Macbeth mean when he tells Lady Macbeth they must “make our faces
vizards to our hearts,/Disguising what they are”? What earlier advice of Lady
Macbeth’s does he echo? What theme of the play does this line tie into?
Macbeth is saying they must hide their worries and evil deeds by their facial expressions.
This line is similar to the advice Lady Macbeth gave to Macbeth in Act I, Scene V, when
she told him to conceal his heart with a mask on his face. She said, “To beguile the time,/
Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye,/Your hand, your tongue; look like the
innocent flower,/But be the serpent under’t.” This line also ties into both the “fair is foul”
and “appearances can be deceiving” themes. Macbeth and his wife will mask their foul
objectives with fair expressions on their faces.
3.
What strong metaphor does Macbeth use to describe his mental state? What is he
worried about? Is Lady Macbeth aware of his plans to resolve his worries?
Macbeth says his mind is full of scorpions when he describes his mental state. He indicates
that he is worried because Banquo and Fleance live, and, therefore, threaten his position
as king. Lady Macbeth seems to be unaware that Macbeth has arranged to murder Banquo
and Fleance.
4.
How have Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s roles changed from earlier in the play?
Prior to Duncan’s murder, Macbeth was pushed and dominated by Lady Macbeth. It
seems unlikely that he would have committed the murder without his wife’s forceful
encouragement. The murder plan was created by Lady Macbeth, and she commanded her
husband in its execution. Now, Macbeth has taken over Lady Macbeth’s position as the
ambitious, commanding spouse. He has planned the murder of Banquo and Fleance without
his wife’s knowledge, and he keeps his plans from her.
Act III, Scene III
Vocabulary
offices – instructions
lated – belated
1.
What happens during the ambush? What causes the murderers to leave the job only
half done?
During the ambush, the murderers are able to kill Banquo, but Fleance escapes. The job is
botched because the murderers’ light goes out, and they lose track of Fleance.
2.
What are Banquo’s dying words? How might they relate back to the prophecies?
Banquo tells Fleance, “Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!/Thou mayst revenge.” His words
remind the audience that Banquo’s sons are to become kings, suggesting Fleance may
actually avenge his father against Macbeth and take the throne.
T-25
Act III, Scene IV
Vocabulary
degrees – ranks
state – the throne
encounter – greet
nonpareil – without an equal
founded – immovable
general – free
casing – surrounding
cribb’d – closed in
saucy – rude
worm – a young serpent
cheer – proper entertainment
remembrancer – reminder
honor – nobility
mischance – mishap; accident
note – to pay attention to
extend – aggravate
passion – a condition
air-drawn – floating
flaws – outbursts
charnel houses – tombs or vaults for the dead
monuments – crypts
maws – stomachs
kites – birds of prey
gentle weal – commonwealth
crowns – heads
lack – miss
muse at – to worry about
pledge – a toast
speculation – a sight
arm’d – armored
protest – to declare
admired – amazing
stand – to depend
auguries – omens; forbidding signals
choughs –gray birds similar to crows
fee’d – paid to spy
betimes – soon
bent – determined
o’er – continuing
scann’d – fully contemplated
self-abuse – delusion
initiate – beginner’s
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1.
How does Macbeth respond to the news of Fleance’s escape? What details does the
first murderer reveal about Banquo’s death?
Macbeth laments the escape of Fleance, imagining his situation would be “perfect” if
Fleance had been murdered. He speculates he would have felt safe and free if Fleance had
died, but instead will continue to be plagued by constant doubts and fears. The murderer
further reveals that Banquo was left in a ditch with twenty stabs wounds to his head.
2.
Upon returning to the banquet table, what does Macbeth see and how does he
respond? How do the guests respond?
After receiving word that Banquo is dead, Macbeth returns to the table to see the gory ghost
of Banquo seated in his chair. Addressing the ghost, Macbeth claims that the ghost cannot
blame him for the murder. The other noblemen, seeing Macbeth talking to an empty chair,
think he is sick or hallucinating and are about to leave when Lady Macbeth stops them.
3.
How does Lady Macbeth explain her husband’s behavior to their guests? How does she
criticize her husband, and what earlier experience of Macbeth’s does she recall?
Lady Macbeth says that Macbeth’s behavior is just a momentary fit that will disappear
quickly. She explains he has experienced such fits since he was young. Lady Macbeth
criticizes her husband by again questioning his manhood. She suggests his behavior would
be more fitting of an old woman. She compares this hallucination to his earlier vision of a
dagger, suggesting his visions are products of a guilty conscience and nothing more.
4.
What is Macbeth’s behavior like for the rest of the dinner? Why does Lady Macbeth
finally send the guests away?
The ghost leaves and Macbeth returns to normal. However, the ghost quickly reappears,
and Macbeth again alarms his guests with strange outbursts. Finally, Lady Macbeth sends
the guests away, fearing Macbeth may say something incriminating.
5.
Why do you suppose Banquo’s ghost haunts Macbeth and not Duncan’s?
Answers may vary. Scholars suggest that Banquo haunts Macbeth and not Duncan because
of the distinctive role Banquo plays in the story. Like Macbeth, Banquo heard the Witches’
prophecies and entertained ambitions. However, he proves his moral character is superior
to Macbeth’s because he performs no evil acts to attempt to fulfill the prophecy. Banquo
represents the other path Macbeth could have taken, and, therefore, it is more powerful for
his ghost to appear to Macbeth than Duncan’s.
6.
Why does Macbeth bring up Macduff? What are the implications of Macduff’s actions?
Macbeth discusses Macduff because he has ignored Macbeth’s invitation to the banquet.
Macduff’s behavior could be considered treasonous, and Macbeth suspects Macduff has
turned against him.
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7.
What does Macbeth plan to do next? What grotesque image does he use to describe
his current situation?
Macbeth plans to visit the weird sisters to gain greater clarity about his fate. Macbeth
describes his present situation by saying he is wading through blood. He is in so deep that it
would be just as much work for him to return the way he came as it is to continue.
8.
How does Lady Macbeth describe sleep? What earlier lines does her remark recall?
Lady Macbeth describes sleep as the preserving spice of life. This line recalls Macbeth’s
remarks in Act II, Scene II, immediately following the murder of Duncan. It continues the
characterization of sleep as a restorative aspect of life.
9.
In what ways is Banquo a foil to Macbeth?
The purpose of the foil is to emphasize the qualities of the main character by contrast.
Banquo is a foil to Macbeth in that the two are essentially the same. Both are great
warriors who receive an extraordinary prophecy from the Witches. However, Banquo’s
reaction to the prophecies stands in stark contrast to Macbeth’s and emphasizes the
extremity of Macbeth’s behavior. Instead of committing terrible deeds to force the prophecy
to come true, as Macbeth does, Banquo maintains his character. This shows Macbeth’s
cruelty and ambition through contrast with Banquo’s nobility.
Act III, Scene V
Vocabulary
beldams – hags
close – secret
sleights – spells
artificial – deceitful
security – overconfidence
1.
Who is Hecate, and why is she angry?
Hecate is the Queen of the Witches, and she is angry because the other Witches did not
consult with her before dealing with Macbeth.
2.
What does Hecate plan for Macbeth?
She plans on telling him things that will make him feel secure, so that he can be more easily
deceived, which will lead to his downfall.
T-28
3.
What comments does Hecate make that suggest Macbeth has free will? What does she
say to suggest he is controlled by fate?
Hecate suggests Macbeth is somewhat in control of his destiny by pointing out the qualities
that will cause his ruin. She says he is “spiteful and wrathful, someone who…/Loves for
his own ends…” She also says he will “spurn fate, scorn death, and bear/His hope ’bove
wisdom, grace, and fear.” It seems that without Macbeth’s inherent negative qualities, he
may not have taken his current path. However, the mere existence of the Witches and their
spells suggest they have some control over Macbeth’s fate. Hecate says her illusions “shall
draw him on to his confusion,” which suggests some influence over his fate.
Act III, Scene VI
Vocabulary
hit – matched
borne – accomplished
fact – a deed
straight – immediately
thralls – slaves
broad words – plain speaking
holds – withholds
ratify – to condone
cloudy – scowling
clogs – burdens
1.
Lennox seems to be very careful in his speech. Why is he cautious in what he says?
What, if anything, could be interpreted as a criticism of Macbeth?
Lennox is cautious not to directly accuse Macbeth of anything. It would be dangerous to do
so, as it may result in accusations of treason. He begins by essentially saying, “I’ll tell you
the facts, and you may draw your own conclusion.” While his words support Macbeth, his
tone may be ironic when he refers to Macbeth’s “pious rage” and noble deeds. He is also the
first in the play to refer to Macbeth as a “tyrant.”
2.
Where has Macduff gone? Who is he consulting with and why?
Macduff has gone to England to join forces with Malcolm, the rightful heir to the throne,
and ask King Edward of England for assistance in overthrowing Macbeth. He also seeks the
help of two rebel leaders, Northumberland and Siward.
3.
According to the Lord, what problems are plaguing Scotland? What is the source of
these troubles?
The Lord indicates the people of Scotland no longer have meat on their tables, are unable
to sleep at nights, and are experiencing violence at their feasts. Both Lennox and the Lord
blame the country’s troubles on, Macbeth, who, they believe, is cursing the land.
T-29
Act IV, Scene I
Vocabulary
brinded – striped
hedge-pig – hedgehog
swelter’d – exuded
fillet – a slice
fenny – a swamp
gulf – a throat
ravin’d – ravenous
sliver’d – cut off
drab – a whore
slab – viscous
chaudron – entrails
yeasty – foamy
bladed – unripe
lodged – beaten down
warders – guards
slope – to let fall
germens – seed
sicken – to become engorged
farrow – a litter
gibbet – the gallows
office – purpose
harp’d – guessed
issue – the shape
impress – to compel
bodements – prophecies
glass – a mirror
start – to burst; bulge
treble – triple
blood-bolter’d – matted with blood
amazedly – entranced
sprites – spirits
anticipatest – prevents
o’ertook – accomplished
firstlings – first thoughts
1.
How would you characterize Macbeth’s behavior as he interacts with the Witches?
Macbeth is demanding and overconfident. He orders them to answer him, even if it means
all the world will fall into ruin. He even threatens the Witches with an eternal curse if they
refuse to answer his final question.
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2.
What is the first apparition, and how does it warn Macbeth? How does Macbeth
respond? What advice do the Witches give Macbeth about speaking with the
apparitions?
The first apparition is a head with a helmet on it. It warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff.
Macbeth thanks the apparition and indicates it has confirmed his fears. He attempts to
speak further with the apparition, but the Witches tell him it will not be ordered about, and
he should simply listen because the apparitions know what he wants.
3.
What is the second apparition, and what does it reveal to Macbeth? What is Macbeth’s
response?
The second apparition is a bloody child. It tells Macbeth that no man born of a woman can
harm him. Macbeth reacts in an overconfident way, commenting that he has no need to fear
Macduff any longer. However, to ensure his safety, he plans to kill Macduff anyway.
4.
What is the third apparition, and what is its message? How does Macbeth respond?
A child appears with a tree in its hand. It tells Macbeth not to worry because no harm can
come to him until the woods of Birnam come to his castle at Dunsinane. Macbeth is pleased
by the prophecy because he believes a forest could never move itself closer to his stronghold.
He concludes that he will live a full life and die a natural death.
5.
What is Macbeth’s final question? What answer does he receive, and what is his
response?
Macbeth wants to know if Banquo’s heirs will ever be Kings of Scotland. Eight kings appear,
led by Banquo. It seems that Banquo is claiming them as his kin. The final king has a
mirror that reflects an even longer line of kings. The sight of the long line of kings who are
Banquo’s heirs greatly distresses Macbeth, searing his eyes. He demands the Witches to
confirm if the vision tells the truth, to which they answer that it does.
6.
What news does Lennox bring to Macbeth? How does he plan to change his behavior
in response?
Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England. In response, Macbeth swears
to change the way he acts and not act on them immediately. He believes it was his
procrastination that allowed Macduff to escape.
7.
What is Macbeth’s resolve at the end of this scene? How do his plans differ from
previous actions?
Macbeth plans to murder all of Macduff’s family. His previous murders were each carried
out for specific reasons. Duncan was killed for political gain, and Banquo was killed to
silence him and secure the kingship. This is the first time Macbeth plans to kill out of
frustration, anger, and revenge. The plan suggests Macbeth is becoming more and more
corrupt and evil.
T-31
Act IV, Scene II
Vocabulary
titles – authority
wants – lacks
coz – cousin
school – to control
fits – chaotic events
season – the present time
hold – believe
lime – birdlime; a sticky substance used to catch birds
pitfall – a snare
gin – a trap
perfect – knowledgeable
doubt – fear
homely – plain
fell – brutal
nigh – near
accounted – interpreted as
fry – offspring
1.
Why does Lady Macduff think Macduff’s flight was “madness”? How does Ross defend
Macduff?
Lady Macduff does not understand why her husband has abandoned his family. His fleeing
is madness because it makes him appear to be a traitor. Macduff’s flight has also left his
family vulnerable and unprotected. Ross defends Macduff’s actions, saying he is wise and
knows what he is doing.
2.
Why does Ross describe the current times as “cruel”?
Ross is explaining that under Macbeth’s rule, existence is riddled with uncertainty and
danger. No one is sure of another’s loyalty or treachery, and the people’s actions are guided
by rumors. No one feels secure, but rather like they are floating on a wild and violent sea.
3.
Why does Lady Macduff tell her child that Macduff is dead? How would you describe
the child?
Lady Macduff is angry at her husband and seems to be feeling sorry for herself. She lashes
out at her husband through her child. The young boy seems witty and perceptive beyond his
years. He astutely points out that his mother would be mourning his father if he were really
dead. He engages in clever banter with his mother regarding the nature of traitors and
how they will survive without Macduff. The boy is courageous in the face of the murders,
defending his father until his death.
4.
Why does Lady Macduff feel it is unfair that she must flee? How does Lady Macduff
evaluate the world in much the same way as Ross?
Lady Macduff questions why she must flee when she has done nothing wrong. Like Ross,
Lady Macduff notes the backwardness of the present times. She muses how it is often
praiseworthy to do harm and dangerous to do good.
T-32
Act IV, Scene III
Vocabulary
bestride – defend
birthdom – homeland
dolor – pain
redress – correct
sole – mere
deserve of – gain from
recoil – to submit
transpose – to change
rawness – an unprotected state
affeer’d – confirmed
to boot – as well
fear – distrust
confineless – boundless
luxurious – lecherous
sudden – violent
continent – containing; confining
convey – to secretly tend to
cold – indifferent
time – population
stanchless – insatiable
summer-seeming – youthful
sword – downfall
foisons – plenty
will – greed
portable – tolerable
lowliness – humility
relish – trace
concord – harmony
untitled – usurping; unworthy
interdiction – admittance
breed – name; breeding
passion – a display
trains – schemes
unspeak – to retract
forsworn – dishonest
point – prepared
goodness – success
quarrel – cause
convinces – eludes
strangely-visited – afflicted
mere – utter
mark’d – noticed
ecstasy – commonplace
T-33
Vocabulary (Cont.)
relation – a report
power – an army
doff – to rid oneself of
latch – to catch
fee-grief
grief – personal woe
quarry – a heap
fraught – overburdened
naught – a wicked person
intermission – a delay
leave – deployment
1.
What various reasons does Malcolm give for being suspicious of Macduff? How does
Macduff react?
First, Malcolm voices his suspicion that Macduff has come on behalf of Macbeth to
harm him. Malcolm notes that Macduff was loyal to Macbeth in the past, and, even if he
disagrees with Macbeth as King, Macduff may still feel compelled to follow his orders.
Then, Malcolm questions why Macduff left behind his wife and children. Malcolm justifies
his potentially insulting comment because he must protect himself. Macduff is very offended
by Malcolm’s questions, and indignantly tells him he could never be the villain Malcolm
thinks he is.
2.
Interpret the following quote. “Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell./
Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,/Yet grace must still look so.”
What larger theme might this passage support?
Malcolm is saying that just because one leader, Macbeth, has turned out to be evil, there are
still good men among them. He further states that even though evil men make themselves
appear to be virtuous, there are still those who are actually virtuous, and they will appear
the same as those who are pretending. The passage reiterates the “fair is foul” motif.
3.
How does Malcolm cleverly test Macduff’s loyalty? What is Macduff’s initial response?
What finally indicates to Malcolm that Macduff is truly loyal?
Malcom tests Macduff’s loyalty by pretending to be even more corrupt and evil than
Macbeth. At first, Macduff doubts that Malcom could possibly be as evil a leader as
Macbeth. ThenMacduff reasons that Malcom’s positive attributes may still outweigh those
negative qualities. When Malcom insists that he has no redeeming qualities, Macduff
demonstrates his dedication and love for Scotland by crying out that the country will
be damned. Macduff declares Malcom is not fit to live, let alone govern. Malcom is then
satisfied that Macduff is trustworthy.
T-34
4.
What support has Malcolm arranged for their cause?
He has the support of Siward, who has ten thousand men ready to assist them in their
overthrow of Macbeth.
5.
What strange power does the King of England possess? What qualities seem to make
him a good king?
The King is able to heal a form of tuberculosis by his touch alone. Malcolm regards it as a
divine gift. The King is well regarded because he dedicates himself to healing his people and
he is clearly pious and godly.
6.
What news does Ross bring to Macduff?
Ross discloses to Macduff that Macbeth has murdered his, Macduff’s, wife and children.
7.
Why do you think Macduff comments about Macbeth’s lack of children?
He is responding to Malcolm’s comment that they take revenge on Macbeth. Macduff
is saying that he could never truly have revenge because Macbeth has no children, and
therefore, cannot know the same pain as Macduff.
8.
What is Macduff’s resolve?
He vows to kill Macbeth himself.
Act V, Scene I
Vocabulary
meet – proper
taper – a candle
guise – route
go to – for shame
charged – burdened
dignity – worth
practice – expertise
annoyance – self-injury
mated – bewildered
1.
What problem has the Gentlewoman reported about Lady Macbeth to the Doctor?
Why do you think she refused to tell the Doctor what Lady Macbeth has said?
The Gentlewoman has reported that Lady Macbeth has been sleepwalking and appearing
to write letters in her sleep. When he asks her what Lady Macbeth has said during her
sleepwalking, the gentlewoman refuses to tell him. This is most likely because Lady
Macbeth has been making incriminating statements about the murders.
T-35
2.
What strange physical action of Lady Macbeth’s does the Doctor observe?
She is rubbing her hands together, as if washing them.
3.
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “All the perfumes of Arabia will not
sweeten this little hand”? What earlier line in the play does her comment parallel?
How do her words contrast with her comments about bloody hands in Act II, Scene II?
Lady Macbeth means that nothing will clean her hand because the guilt of Duncan’s murder
cannot be washed away. Although it is in her sleep, she finally recognizes the deeper
meaning of the blood that was on her and her husband’s hands after they murdered Duncan.
This line is very similar to what Macbeth says in Act II, Scene II, “Will all great Neptune’s
ocean wash this blood/Clean from my hand?” During the same scene Lady Macbeth sees
their hands as easily cleansed by a little water. Now she reveals she has not been able to
easily wash away her guilt.
4.
How does Lady Macbeth’s character in this scene contrast with her behavior in earlier
scenes?
Up until this point, Lady Macbeth has appeared to be a coldhearted and controlling
woman. Her sleepwalking completely changes the audience’s perception of her. She now
appears weak, as if her guilty conscience were destroying her.
5.
What secrets does Lady Macbeth speak about in her sleepwalking? What calls her
back to her bed?
Lady Macbeth comments on all the murders in the play. She discusses Duncan, the murder
of Lady Macduff, and Banquo. Lady Macbeth goes back to bed because she seems to hear
the knocking at the gate that occurred in Act II, Scene II.
6.
How does the Doctor account for Lady Macbeth’s behavior? What does he suggest for her?
The Doctor believes Lady Macbeth’s behavior stems from her involvement in “unnatural
deeds,” again indicating that Macbeth’s murders have been crimes against nature. Her
mind is so troubled by those terrible secrets that she is ridding herself of them in her sleep.
The Doctor says there is nothing he can do for her, and she is more in need of a priest to
cleanse her soul than a doctor. He advises the Gentlewoman to remove all objects that Lady
Macbeth may injure herself with.
T-36
Act V, Scene II
Vocabulary
grim – desperate
alarm – a call to battle
mortified – dead
file – a list
gentry – members of the upper class
unrough – beardless
protest – declare
distemper’d – swollen from disease
minutely – each minute
start – flinch
1.
Who do Lennox, Angus, Menteith, and Caithness support? Where are they headed,
and why is that location significant?
The characters in this scene are allied against Macbeth. They are traveling to join
Macduff, Malcolm, and Siward at Birnam Wood. This location is significant because it was
mentioned by the apparitions the last time Macbeth visited the Witches.
2.
What does Angus say about the men that Macbeth commands?
He knows that the soldiers act in conformity with Macbeth’s orders only because they are
commanded. They are not loyal to Macbeth.
3.
How is the plant metaphor begun by Duncan in Act I, Scene IV, continued in this scene?
Lennox says, “Or so much as it [Scotland] needs/To dew the sovereign flower and drown
the weeds.” Whereas, Duncan referred to Macbeth as a promising plant that he would
nourish, Macbeth is now referred to as a weed. The group intends to nurture a new
“sovereign flower” to take Macbeth’s place.
T-37
Act V, Scene III
Vocabulary
epicures – lovers of fine food and wine
loon – a fool
patch – a fool
disseat – to dethrone
sear – withered and dry
mouth-honor – words said but not meant
skirr – scour
oblivious – unaware
physic – medicine
dispatch – hurry
purgative – a cleansing
bane – destruction
1.
What are Macbeth’s troops doing? Why does he remain so confident?
Macbeth’s troops are deserting him. Despite this loss, Macbeth remains overly confident
about his invincibility because of the assurance the apparitions gave him that no man born
of a woman would be able to injure him.
2.
What is Macbeth’s lament in his speech beginning, “my way of life is fallen into the
sear…”?
Macbeth laments that he does not have honor, love, respect, and family at this point in his
life. Instead, he is disrespected, commands no loyalty, and is poorly regarded.
3.
What is Lady Macbeth’s condition, and how does Macbeth believe it could be cured?
The Doctor indicates Lady Macbeth is plagued by imaginings that keep her from resting.
Macbeth, quite accurately believes that if her guilty memory could be purged, she’d be well
again.
4.
How would you describe Macbeth’s demeanor in this scene?
Answers will vary. Example: Macbeth appears frantic and bit crazed in the way he is
ordering those surrounding him. He also abuses his servants by insulting them terribly.
Despite the bad news he continues to receive about the approaching enemy, he continues to
feel invincible and over-confident because of the apparitions’ information.
5.
In what way does Macbeth acknowledge in this scene that Scotland is suffering?
Macbeth asks the Doctor if he could test the country for diseases, cure it, and return it back
to health.
T-38
Act V, Scene IV
Vocabulary
chambers – bedrooms
host – forces
more – the rich
less – the poor
censures – hopes
attend – to await
strokes – battle
arbitrate – to resolve
1.
What tactical strategy does Malcolm implement? What is its purpose, and why is it
significant to the play?
Malcolm orders that every soldier camouflage himself with tree branches in order to
conceal how large the army is. His order is significant to the play because it reveals how it
is possible for Birnam Wood to come to Dunsinane. The apparitions said Macbeth will be
safe until that happens.
Act V, Scene V
Vocabulary
ague – a disease
forced – reinforced
cool’d – chilled with fear
treatise – a tale
cling – wither
sooth – true
pull – to decrease
estate – present state
wrack – ruin
harness – armor
1.
How does the sound of the woman’s cry affect Macbeth?
Macbeth indicates that such sounds can no longer startle him. There was a time when the
shriek of a woman would have chilled him with fear and caused his hair to stand on end,
but now he has witnessed so many horrifying things that such a cry does not affect him.
2.
In reaction to the news that Lady Macbeth is dead, Macbeth delivers his most famous
soliloquy. What is the main idea of his speech?
Macbeth is musing about the nature of life and death. He says that people have just a short
time on Earth to brag or worry. Then we die, life is over, and it no longer has any meaning.
Macbeth has completely lost his sense of purpose.
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3.
What does Macbeth now recognize about the prophecies? How does his realization
relate to the play’s central theme?
Macbeth now recognizes that the prophecies the Witches made seemed like truth, but were
actually lies. The prophecies had hidden meanings that he now identifies. Like many others
things in the play, the prophecies were not really what they seemed to be.
Act V, Scene VI
Vocabulary
battle – a battalion
1.
Where are Malcolm’s forces now located, and why is that significant?
Malcolm’s forces have now advanced all the way to Dunsinane. This fact is significant
because one of the prophecies is now completed; Birnam Wood has arrived at Dunsinane.
2.
How would you characterize the scenes in the final act so far? What sort of mood does
their form create?
The scenes in the final act are very short and constantly moving between Macbeth and
his enemies. The brevity of the scenes and frequent changing of location create a sense of
urgency and impending doom.
Act V, Scene VII
Vocabulary
staves – sticks, clubs
undeeded – unused
bruited – announced
render’d – surrendered
1.
Why does Macbeth continue to scorn his opponents, despite his many setbacks?
Macbeth is still confident that he is invincible because of the apparitions’ promise that no
man born of woman can harm him.
2.
What does Siward mean when he says Macbeth’s men, “on both sides do fight”?
He means Macbeth’s men are deserting him and fighting against him.
T-40
Act V, Scene VIII
Vocabulary
terms – words
impress – to mark
untimely – prematurely
cow’d – checked
palter – to equivocate
gaze – spectacle
baited – ridiculed
go off – to perish
reckon – to consider
1.
Why does Macbeth at first not want to fight Macduff?
He says his soul is already damned for shedding too much of Macduff’s blood. Macbeth
means he has already killed many of Macduff’s kin.
2.
What information does Macduff reveal about himself that makes Macbeth frightened?
Macduff was “untimely ripp’d” from his mother’s womb, meaning that he was delivered
by Cesarean section. Macbeth is now afraid of him because technically Macduff is not
a man born of a woman. He is, therefore, capable of harming Macbeth according to the
apparitions.
3.
What spurs Macbeth to continue fighting Macduff after he at first indicates he will not?
Macduff indicates that if Macbeth will not fight, he will take the tyrant prisoner and subject
him to great humiliation. Macbeth decides it is better to fight than to be humiliated in such
a way.
4.
What comforts Siward about his son’s death?
His son has died honorably in battle.
5.
What is the final resolution of the play?
Malcolm is to become King of Scotland. His final speech suggests that law, justice, and
stability have returned to the country.
T-41
Macbeth
Study Guide
Student Copy
Act I, Scene I
Vocabulary
hurlyburly – turmoil
ere – before
heath – a tract of open land with sparse vegetation
anon – soon
1.
When are the witches planning to meet again and for what purpose?
2.
Describe the setting of this scene. How might it be significant considering this is the first
scene of the play? What sort of mood does it create?
3.
The witches say together, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” This is one of the most famous
lines in Macbeth. What do you think it means?
S-1
Act I, Scene II
Vocabulary
broil – battle
spent – exhausted
villainies – mercenaries
kerns – footsoldiers
gallowglasses – armed horsemen
minion – a servant
unseam’d – cut open
nave – the navel
chaps – a person’s jaws
skipping – fleeing
furbish’d – shining
sooth – truth
flout – mock
point – swordpoint
lavish – wild
composition – a truce
deign – offer
1.
What does the Sergeant specifically report about Macbeth? What does this news reveal
to you about Macbeth’s character?
2.
What is Macbeth’s relationship to King Duncan?
S-2
3.
Who had Macbeth and Banquo been fighting?
4.
The Sergeant uses many similes to describe the battle. Identify two.
5.
What does Ross mean when he calls Macbeth “Bellona’s bridegroom?”
6.
What does King Duncan instruct Ross to do and why?
S-3
Act I, Scene III
Vocabulary
aroint – be gone
rump-fed – fed on rump meat
ronyon – a fat woman
sieve – a basket
quarters – directions
shipman’s card – compass card
penthouse lid – an eyelid
forbid – cursed
peak – waste away
bark – a ship
weird – fate-manipulating
posters – travelers
aught – anything
choppy – wrinkled
fantastical – imaginary
grace – title
having – possessions
happy – fortunate
get – to beget
imperfect – unclear
intelligence – information
blasted – blighted; cursed
corporal – physical
reads – considers
images – methods
post – a messenger
earnest – pledge
addition – title
combined – allied
prologues – predictions
soliciting – temptation
use – custom
function – every task
surmise – speculation
stir – effort
strange – new
cleave – fit
mould – body
favor – pardon
register’d – written to memory
S-4
1.
What does the First Witch plan to do to a sailor and why? What does this tell you about
the three witches?
2.
When Macbeth says, “So foul and fair a day I have not seen,” what does he mean? What
other line of the play does he echo? What could be the dramatic irony of the line? As
Macbeth’s first words of the play, how might this line be significant?
3.
Describe the physical appearance of the Witches.
4.
What prophecies do the Witches make regarding Macbeth? How does he react based on
what Banquo says?
5.
What metaphor does Banquo use to ask the Witches about his future? What do the
Witches predict for Banquo? How does this prediction relate to the King of England at
the time Shakespeare was writing?
6.
Shakespeare has the Witches speak in language that is frequently contradictory. Point
out an example of where that occurs in this scene.
7.
How likely does Macbeth think it is that he will become Thane of Cawdor or King of
Scotland? How is this an example of dramatic irony?
S-5
8.
How do Banquo and Macbeth question their experience with the Witches?
9.
What news does Ross bring to Banquo and Macbeth as they are discussing the
prophecies?
10. What does Banquo mean when he says, “What, can the devil speak true?”
11. Why does Banquo warn Macbeth about “the instruments of darkness?” What type of
literary device is this? How does this comment tie into the “fair is foul, foul is fair”
theme?
12. As the others talk, what does Macbeth’s aside reveal about his thinking? What does he
fear? How is this moment a significant turning point for Macbeth?
13. What is the difference between how Banquo reacts to the fulfillment of the first
prophecy and how Macbeth reacts? Why might their reactions be significant?
14. What common human feeling is Macbeth expressing when he says, “My thought…/
Shakes so my single state of man that function/Is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is/
But what is not”? How does the quote relate to the “fair is foul” theme?
S-6
Act I, Scene IV
Vocabulary
liege – a ruler; king
studied – rehearsed
owed – owned
careless – worthless
before – ahead
wanton – unrestrained; lewd
harbinger – a messenger
1.
How does Malcolm describe Cawdor’s execution? How does Duncan respond?
2.
How does Duncan regard what Macbeth has done for him? What does Macbeth think
about the services he has provided?
3.
What metaphor does the King use to describe how he will nurture Macbeth?
4.
How does Banquo further this metaphor? What earlier comment do his words echo?
5.
What is the significance of Duncan naming Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland?
6.
How does Macbeth react to the announcement in his last speech in this scene? What
does he reveal?
S-7
Act I, Scene V
Vocabulary
missives – messengers
metaphysical – supernatural
fell – cruel
gall – bile
sightless – invisible
pall- cover
dunnest – darkest
beguile – deceive
dispatch – management
sovereign – absolute
favor – facial expression
1.
After Lady Macbeth finishes reading the letter, she says Macbeth, “shalt be” what he has
been promised, meaning King of Scotland. Why is this comment significant?
2.
After Lady Macbeth finishes reading the letter, what concern does she express about
Macbeth?
3.
Why does Lady Macbeth want her husband to hurry home?
S-8
4.
How does the news about King Duncan’s impending arrival affect Lady Macbeth? What
is she planning?
5.
Why does Lady Macbeth pray to be “unsexed”? How else does she asked to be altered
and why? What does this say about Shakespeare’s view of the nature of masculinity and
femininity?
6.
When Macbeth enters, how does Lady Macbeth again echo the words of the Witches?
7.
What instructions does Lady Macbeth give to her husband? What metaphor does she
use to describe her advice? What role has Lady Macbeth adopted in their relationship?
S-9
Act I, Scene VI
Vocabulary
Hautboys – loud, double-reed woodwind instruments shaped like clarinets
seat – location
martlet – a martin, a bird known to nest in churches
approve – prove
jutty – projection
frieze – a decorative engraved band along the upper portion of a room or building
buttress – stone or brick support
coign of vantage – a protruding corner used as a lookout point
pendant – hanging
procreant cradle – place of breeding
ild – yield (reward)
single – minor
purveyor – a King’s traveling attendant
holp – helped
in compt – in trust
audit – accounts
still – ever ready
1.
How do Duncan and Banquo regard Macbeth’s home? How are their comments an
example of dramatic irony?
2.
How does Lady Macbeth’s behavior in this scene contrast with what we know of her
from the last scene? What does this indicate about her character?
S-10
Act I, Scene VII
Vocabulary
sewer – a butler
divers – several
trammel – to catch or confine as with a net
surcease – death
shoal – a sandbar surrounded by water
jump – a risk
chalice – a bowl-shaped drinking cup; a goblet
faculties – royal powers
virtues – a moral excellence; an admirable quality
blast – storm
cherubin – a winged angel, or, in Christianity, the second highest rank of angels
bought – won
prithee – please; “if you please”
enterprise – a promise
durst – dared
adhere – suitable
make – have taken
fitness – convenience
unmake – unnerve
screw – pull tight
chamberlain – a servant in charge of a particular part of an estate
wassail – a festivity involving the consumption of alcohol
convince – overpower
warder – a watchman or sentry
limbec – part of a still
drenched – drowsy
spongy – drunken
mettle – courageous spirit, fortitude
settled – determined
bend up – summon
corporal agent – bodily strength
mock – deceive
1.
What arguments does Macbeth raise for not committing the murder? What does
Macbeth mean when he says that Duncan is “here in double trust”?
S-11
2.
Macbeth indicates that Duncan has been a great ruler. According to Macbeth, what
qualities make Duncan a good King?
3.
What resolution does Macbeth communicate to Lady Macbeth?
4.
What does Lady Macbeth say in an attempt to goad her husband into committing the
murder? How do her comments tie into her earlier characterizations of masculinity and
femininity?
5.
Macbeth’s response to his wife, about what a man may dare, is frequently quoted. What
does he mean?
6.
What is the point of the baby imagery that Lady Macbeth uses? Note the many times
images of babies and mothers are presented in the play.
7.
Lady Macbeth reveals the details of the murder plot. What are they, and how does she
convince Macbeth that the plan will work?
8.
Why does Macbeth believe his wife should “bring forth men-children only”? Has her
plan convinced him to continue in the scheme?
S-12
Act II, Scene I
Vocabulary
husbandry – frugality
summons – sleepiness
largess – gifts
offices – servants
cleave – support
consent – cause
franchised – free of guilt
clear – pure
counsell’d – supported
sensible – perceptible to the touch
heat-oppressed – fevered
marshall’st – to guide
dudgeon – a handle
gouts – drops
abuse – to deceive
watch – alarm
design – prey
prate – to chatter
1.
This is the first appearance of Banquo’s son, Fleance. Why might the sight of him be
significant to Macbeth at this moment?
2.
Why do you suppose Banquo is having trouble sleeping?
S-13
3.
Why do you think Macbeth lies to Banquo and tells him that he, Macbeth, has not
thought of the weird sisters?
4.
In his soliloquy after Banquo leaves, what does Macbeth tell the audience he sees? In
what ways does Macbeth explain the sight?
5.
How would you describe Macbeth’s mental/emotional state at this point?
6.
What does the ringing of the bell indicate to Macbeth? How does Macbeth say the
ringing relates to Duncan? What kind of poetic form ends the scene?
S-14
Act II, Scene II
Vocabulary
surfeited – overindulged
grooms – guards
charge – duty
possets – drinks of milk and liquor
confounds – ruins
unbend – to loosen
witness – evidence
infirm – weakness
purpose – a will
gild – to cover with gold leaf
multitudinous – vast
incarnadine – to make red
constancy – strength of will
watchers – awake
1.
What has Lady Macbeth done to the guards?
2.
Why does Lady Macbeth not commit the murder when she is in the room?
3.
Macbeth enters and describes what he saw and heard. She tells him, “These deeds must
not be thought/After these ways.” Why?
S-15
4.
How does the form of the dialogue create a sense of urgency early in this scene?
5.
Macbeth goes on to describe how he thought he heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more!
Macbeth doth Murder sleep…” What is the meaning of Macbeth’s remarks about sleep?
6.
In this scene, how does Lady Macbeth criticize her husband and show herself to be
stronger? In what ways is she just as weak?
7.
What does Macbeth say about cleaning the blood off of his hands? How does Lady
Macbeth’s comments about their bloody hands contrast with his? What do their bloody
hands symbolize?
8.
At the close of the scene, there is an incessant knocking at the door. What might this
knocking symbolize?
S-16
Act II, Scene III
Vocabulary
Porter – a gatekeeper
old – plenty of
Belzebub – Beelzebub (the name of the devil)
equivocator – one who speaks vaguely intentionally
primrose – flowery; pleasurable
marry – indeed
nose-painting – reddening of the nose
cast – vomit
timely – early
physics – cures
limited – specified
appoint – a plan
combustion – chaos
confusion – destruction
parley – a conference
chance – an event
lees – dregs; sediment
vault – wine cellar
badged – marked
expedition – haste
pauser – hesitant
wasteful – destructive
breech’d – covered as though clothed in
scruples – doubts
office – an action
shaft – an arrow
lighted – landed
shift – to sneak
warrant – justification, rationale
steals – flees
1.
The Porter’s scene, or the “knocking at the gate scene,” is frequently debated by
scholars, but most agree it is a typical scene of comic relief often found in Shakespeare’s
plays. Why do you think a scene of comic relief has been placed in this particular part
of the play? What is its purpose? Why are the Porter’s lines in prose rather than poetry?
What lines contain the bawdy humor often found in these scenes?
S-17
2.
What role does the Porter imagine he is playing? How does he continue his joke? How
is his characterization of his role in the castle ironic?
3.
What strange events of the previous night does Lennox describe? What theme do these
events reinforce?
4.
What allusion does Macduff make to Greek mythology? What is his meaning?
5.
How does Macduff question Macbeth’s actions? What does Lady Macbeth do to intercede?
6.
Who are Malcolm and Donalbain? What do they suspect, and what decision do they
make?
7.
In Greek theater, tragedies focus on the tragic hero. This tragic hero is a great man
who has one tragic flaw, which brings about his downfall. As the hero accepts the
consequences of his errors, he teaches the audience some truth of life. If Macbeth is a
tragic hero, what is his tragic flaw?
S-18
Act II, Scene IV
Vocabulary
mousing – mouse-eating
hawk’d at – attacked
minions – the finest examples
suborn’d – bribed
thriftless – profitless
ravin up – devour
invested – crowned king
benison – blessing
1.
What further unnatural acts are occurring? What do you think these happenings are
meant to signify?
2.
Who is suspected of setting up the murder of Duncan? Why?
3.
What does Ross have to say about the ambition that must have led to the murder?
4.
Who has been named King? Where will the coronation take place?
5.
Instead of attending the coronation, Macduff plans to travel home. How might this
choice be significant?
S-19
Act III, Scene I
Vocabulary
sennet – a trumpet call
grave – substantial
twain – two
bestow’d – staying
invention – a lie
sweeter – more
Sirrah – a title used to address servants
without – outside
genius – spirit
fruitless – sterile
unlineal – producing no successors
filed – defiled
rancors – bitterness
jewel – the soul
list – a combat area
champion – to battle
utterance – last word
under – out of favor with
cross’d – shut out
instruments – agents
gospell’d – devoted to the Bible
catalogue – a list
clept – called
addition – a distinction
station – a rank
buffets – strikes
set – to risk
avouch – to justify
sundry – miscellaneous
thought – remember
rubs – flaws
material – important
apart – in private
1.
In his soliloquy, what suspicion and hope does Banquo reveal?
S-20
2.
Look at the dialogue between Macbeth and Banquo; how has their relationship changed
now that Macbeth is King? How has Macbeth’s demeanor changed since his last scene?
3.
Macbeth seems very interested in Banquo’s travel plans. Why do suppose that is?
4.
What does Macbeth mean when he says, “To be thus is nothing,/But to be safely thus”?
5.
Why is Banquo the only person Macbeth fears? What disturbs Macbeth about Banquo’s
character?
6.
What is it about the Witches’ prophecies that frustrate Macbeth? Why does he feel his
efforts to attain the throne may have been in vain? Does he regard Fate as inevitable?
7.
How does Macbeth motivate the murderers to kill Banquo? What is Macbeth’s
justification for not performing the deed himself?
8.
What is the specific plan for Banquo’s murder? Who else is to be killed in the plot?
9.
How does Macbeth’s use of hired murderers affect the development of his character in
the play?
S-21
Act III, Scene II
Vocabulary
using – humoring
scotch’d – wounded
close – to heal
levy – an army
eminence – honors
lave – make clear
honors – reputations
vizards – masks
cloister’d – restricted
chuck – a term of endearment
seeling – blinding
1.
What feelings about their security do both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth express early in
this scene? What does Macbeth say about Duncan to illustrate his point?
2.
What does Macbeth mean when he tells Lady Macbeth they must “make our faces
vizards to our hearts,/Disguising what they are”? What earlier advice of Lady Macbeth’s
does he echo? What theme of the play does this line tie into?
3.
What strong metaphor does Macbeth use to describe his mental state? What is he
worried about? Is Lady Macbeth aware of his plans to resolve his worries?
4.
How have Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s roles changed from earlier in the play?
S-22
Act III, Scene III
Vocabulary
offices – instructions
lated – belated
1.
What happens during the ambush? What causes the murderers to leave the job only half
done?
2.
What are Banquo’s dying words? How might they relate back to the prophecies?
S-23
Act III, Scene IV
Vocabulary
degrees – ranks
state – the throne
encounter – greet
nonpareil – without an equal
founded – immovable
general – free
casing – surrounding
cribb’d – closed in
saucy – rude
worm – a young serpent
cheer – proper entertainment
remembrancer – reminder
honor – nobility
mischance – mishap; accident
note – to pay attention to
extend – aggravate
passion – a condition
air-drawn – floating
flaws – outbursts
charnel houses – tombs or vaults for the dead
monuments – crypts
maws – stomachs
kites – birds of prey
gentle weal – commonwealth
crowns – heads
lack – miss
muse at – to worry about
pledge – a toast
speculation – a sight
arm’d – armored
protest – to declare
admired – amazing
stand – to depend
auguries – omens; forbidding signals
choughs –gray birds similar to crows
fee’d – paid to spy
betimes – soon
bent – determined
o’er – continuing
scann’d – fully contemplated
self-abuse – delusion
initiate – beginner’s
S-24
1.
How does Macbeth respond to the news of Fleance’s escape? What details does the first
murderer reveal about Banquo’s death?
2.
Upon returning to the banquet table, what does Macbeth see and how does he respond?
How do the guests respond?
3.
How does Lady Macbeth explain her husband’s behavior to their guests? How does she
criticize her husband, and what earlier experience of Macbeth’s does she recall?
4.
What is Macbeth’s behavior like for the rest of the dinner? Why does Lady Macbeth
finally send the guests away?
S-25
5.
Why do you suppose Banquo’s ghost haunts Macbeth and not Duncan’s?
6.
Why does Macbeth bring up Macduff? What are the implications of Macduff’s actions?
7.
What does Macbeth plan to do next? What grotesque image does he use to describe his
current situation?
8.
How does Lady Macbeth describe sleep? What earlier lines does her remark recall?
9.
In what ways is Banquo a foil to Macbeth?
S-26
Act III, Scene V
Vocabulary
beldams – hags
close – secret
sleights – spells
artificial – deceitful
security – overconfidence
1.
Who is Hecate, and why is she angry?
2.
What does Hecate plan for Macbeth?
3.
What comments does Hecate make that suggest Macbeth has free will? What does she
say to suggest he is controlled by fate?
S-27
Act III, Scene VI
Vocabulary
hit – matched
borne – accomplished
fact – a deed
straight – immediately
thralls – slaves
broad words – plain speaking
holds – withholds
ratify – to condone
cloudy – scowling
clogs – burdens
1.
Lennox seems to be very careful in his speech. Why is he cautious in what he says?
What, if anything, could be interpreted as a criticism of Macbeth?
2.
Where has Macduff gone? Who is he consulting with and why?
3.
According to the Lord, what problems are plaguing Scotland? What is the source of
these troubles?
S-28
Act IV, Scene I
Vocabulary
brinded – striped
hedge-pig – hedgehog
swelter’d – exuded
fillet – a slice
fenny – a swamp
gulf – a throat
ravin’d – ravenous
sliver’d – cut off
drab – a whore
slab – viscous
chaudron – entrails
yeasty – foamy
bladed – unripe
lodged – beaten down
warders – guards
slope – to let fall
germens – seed
sicken – to become engorged
farrow – a litter
gibbet – the gallows
office – purpose
harp’d – guessed
issue – the shape
impress – to compel
bodements – prophecies
glass – a mirror
start – to burst; bulge
treble – triple
blood-bolter’d – matted with blood
amazedly – entranced
sprites – spirits
anticipatest – prevents
o’ertook – accomplished
firstlings – first thoughts
1.
How would you characterize Macbeth’s behavior as he interacts with the Witches?
S-29
2.
What is the first apparition, and how does it warn Macbeth? How does Macbeth
respond? What advice do the Witches give Macbeth about speaking with the
apparitions?
3.
What is the second apparition, and what does it reveal to Macbeth? What is Macbeth’s
response?
4.
What is the third apparition, and what is its message? How does Macbeth respond?
5.
What is Macbeth’s final question? What answer does he receive, and what is his
response?
6.
What news does Lennox bring to Macbeth? How does he plan to change his behavior in
response?
7.
What is Macbeth’s resolve at the end of this scene? How do his plans differ from
previous actions?
S-30
Act IV, Scene II
Vocabulary
titles – authority
wants – lacks
coz – cousin
school – to control
fits – chaotic events
season – the present time
hold – believe
lime – birdlime; a sticky substance used to catch birds
pitfall – a snare
gin – a trap
perfect – knowledgeable
doubt – fear
homely – plain
fell – brutal
nigh – near
accounted – interpreted as
fry – offspring
1.
Why does Lady Macduff think Macduff’s flight was “madness”? How does Ross defend
Macduff?
2.
Why does Ross describe the current times as “cruel”?
3.
Why does Lady Macduff tell her child that Macduff is dead? How would you describe
the child?
4.
Why does Lady Macduff feel it is unfair that she must flee? How does Lady Macduff
evaluate the world in much the same way as Ross?
S-31
Act IV, Scene III
Vocabulary
bestride – defend
birthdom – homeland
dolor – pain
redress – correct
sole – mere
deserve of – gain from
recoil – to submit
transpose – to change
rawness – an unprotected state
affeer’d – confirmed
to boot – as well
fear – distrust
confineless – boundless
luxurious – lecherous
sudden – violent
continent – containing; confining
convey – to secretly tend to
cold – indifferent
time – population
stanchless – insatiable
summer-seeming – youthful
sword – downfall
foisons – plenty
will – greed
portable – tolerable
lowliness – humility
relish – trace
concord – harmony
untitled – usurping; unworthy
interdiction – admittance
breed – name; breeding
passion – a display
trains – schemes
unspeak – to retract
forsworn – dishonest
point – prepared
goodness – success
quarrel – cause
convinces – eludes
strangely-visited – afflicted
mere – utter
mark’d – noticed
ecstasy – commonplace
S-32
Vocabulary (Cont.)
relation – a report
power – an army
doff – to rid oneself of
latch – to catch
fee-grief
grief – personal woe
quarry – a heap
fraught – overburdened
naught – a wicked person
intermission – a delay
leave – deployment
1.
What various reasons does Malcolm give for being suspicious of Macduff? How does
Macduff react?
2.
Interpret the following quote. “Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell./Though
all things foul would wear the brows of grace,/Yet grace must still look so.” What larger
theme might this passage support?
3.
How does Malcolm cleverly test Macduff’s loyalty? What is Macduff’s initial response?
What finally indicates to Malcolm that Macduff is truly loyal?
S-33
4.
What support has Malcolm arranged for their cause?
5.
What strange power does the King of England possess? What qualities seem to make
him a good king?
6.
What news does Ross bring to Macduff?
7.
Why do you think Macduff comments about Macbeth’s lack of children?
8.
What is Macduff’s resolve?
S-34
Act V, Scene I
Vocabulary
meet – proper
taper – a candle
guise – route
go to – for shame
charged – burdened
dignity – worth
practice – expertise
annoyance – self-injury
mated – bewildered
1.
What problem has the Gentlewoman reported about Lady Macbeth to the Doctor? Why
do you think she refused to tell the Doctor what Lady Macbeth has said?
2.
What strange physical action of Lady Macbeth’s does the Doctor observe?
3.
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “All the perfumes of Arabia will not
sweeten this little hand”? What earlier line in the play does her comment parallel? How
do her words contrast with her comments about bloody hands in Act II, Scene II?
4.
How does Lady Macbeth’s character in this scene contrast with her behavior in earlier
scenes?
5.
What secrets does Lady Macbeth speak about in her sleepwalking? What calls her back
to her bed?
6.
How does the Doctor account for Lady Macbeth’s behavior? What does he suggest for her?
S-35
Act V, Scene II
Vocabulary
grim – desperate
alarm – a call to battle
mortified – dead
file – a list
gentry – members of the upper class
unrough – beardless
protest – declare
distemper’d – swollen from disease
minutely – each minute
start – flinch
1.
Who do Lennox, Angus, Menteith, and Caithness support? Where are they headed, and
why is that location significant?
2.
What does Angus say about the men that Macbeth commands?
3.
How is the plant metaphor begun by Duncan in Act I, Scene IV, continued in this scene?
S-36
Act V, Scene III
Vocabulary
epicures – lovers of fine food and wine
loon – a fool
patch – a fool
disseat – to dethrone
sear – withered and dry
mouth-honor – words said but not meant
skirr – scour
oblivious – unaware
physic – medicine
dispatch – hurry
purgative – a cleansing
bane – destruction
1.
What are Macbeth’s troops doing? Why does he remain so confident?
2.
What is Macbeth’s lament in his speech beginning, “my way of life is fallen into the sear…”?
3.
What is Lady Macbeth’s condition, and how does Macbeth believe it could be cured?
4.
How would you describe Macbeth’s demeanor in this scene?
5.
In what way does Macbeth acknowledge in this scene that Scotland is suffering?
S-37
Act V, Scene IV
Vocabulary
chambers – bedrooms
host – forces
more – the rich
less – the poor
censures – hopes
attend – to await
strokes – battle
arbitrate – to resolve
1.
What tactical strategy does Malcolm implement? What is its purpose, and why is it
significant to the play?
S-38
Act V, Scene V
Vocabulary
ague – a disease
forced – reinforced
cool’d – chilled with fear
treatise – a tale
cling – wither
sooth – true
pull – to decrease
estate – present state
wrack – ruin
harness – armor
1.
How does the sound of the woman’s cry affect Macbeth?
2.
In reaction to the news that Lady Macbeth is dead, Macbeth delivers his most famous
soliloquy. What is the main idea of his speech?
3.
What does Macbeth now recognize about the prophecies? How does his realization
relate to the play’s central theme?
S-39
Act V, Scene VI
Vocabulary
battle – a battalion
1.
Where are Malcolm’s forces now located, and why is that significant?
2.
How would you characterize the scenes in the final act so far? What sort of mood does
their form create?
Act V, Scene VII
Vocabulary
staves – sticks, clubs
undeeded – unused
bruited – announced
render’d – surrendered
1.
Why does Macbeth continue to scorn his opponents, despite his many setbacks?
2.
What does Siward mean when he says Macbeth’s men, “on both sides do fight”?
S-40
Act V, Scene VIII
Vocabulary
terms – words
impress – to mark
untimely – prematurely
cow’d – checked
palter – to equivocate
gaze – spectacle
baited – ridiculed
go off – to perish
reckon – to consider
1.
Why does Macbeth at first not want to fight Macduff?
2.
What information does Macduff reveal about himself that makes Macbeth frightened?
3.
What spurs Macbeth to continue fighting Macduff after he at first indicates he will not?
4.
What comforts Siward about his son’s death?
5.
What is the final resolution of the play?
S-41