| Act 1, scene 7 thesis and context | Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare portrays Macbeth as a tragic hero in order to explicate that pride and vanity only bring forth trouble.Primarily, ______ is used to show that Macbeth is having second thoughts about the murder.Secondly ________/______ are used to show Macbeth’s pride and vanity through LM’s actions, which lead him to decide he will carry through with the murder. Context-1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 1, scene 7 devices | Ambiguity- Macbeth repeats “done” and “it” when referencing the murders, suggesting that he does not want to admit he is going to commit a murder because he realizes that would defy the great chain of being, suggests he may be having second thoughtsMotif of duplicity- Duncan should feel secure because Macbeth is his friend, however Macbeth has plans to kill him, suggests to the audience that Macbeth is having second thoughts about the murderSimile- “like a newborn babe” Duncan is vulnerable, makes Macbeth seem as though he may be having second thoughts. Personification- Ambition is personified, makes it seem as though it has more control over Macbeth than he does himself, connects to themes of pride and ambition. His pride has begun to control himInterrogative sentences- LM uses rhetorical questions to challenge Macbeth because she believes he will not answer themTone- LM’s challenging tone is shown through her interrogative questions and strong verbiage (e.g. “dashed the brains out”), suggests that she is hoping to challenge Macbeth, and show him that he needs to be more strong and prideful, otherwise LM will be more powerful than himAfter LM tries to tear him down, Macbeth responds by beginning to use imperative sentences, instead of interrogative, mirroring LM earlier in the scene and suggesting that his pride and vanity has returned (e.g. “bring forth men children only”). Motif of duplicity- “False face must hide what the false heart doth know”, also suggests Macbeth’s pride has returned because he has become duplicitous once again and is planning to commit the murder.Motif of time- Macbeth is so prideful he believes he can control time, further suggests the consequences of pride and vanity to the audienceThe tragic hero- Eventually, Macbeth’s pride leads him to decide to commit a murder, showing that pride only gets in the way of actions and can only lead to harm instead of betterment. |
| Act 2, scene 1 thesis and context | Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare characterizes Macbeth to be evil and insane in order to teach his audience about the dangers of ambition.Context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 2, scene 1 devices | The motif of light- Macbeth is in the dark, characterizing him to be evil as light symbolizes hope and goodness. Banqou is also in the dark which foreshadows/ alludes to Macbeth’s plans to kill him, further characterizing Macbeth to be evil. Demonstrates that Macbeth’s plans to become king have led him to become evil, showing the dangers of ambitionThe motif of duplicity- Macbeth’s ambitions have led him to lie and become duplicitous (E.g. “A friend” and “I think not of them”), characterizing Macbeth to be evil and demonstrating the dangers of ambitionDramatic irony- “I think not of them” Ironic b/c audience knows that is all he has thought about, connecting to duplicity and further characterizing Macbeth as dark/ evil. Apostrophe- Shakespeare begins to address the dagger as if it is a person using interrogative sentences, personifying it, and demonstrating to the audience that Macbeth’s ambition now has more power over him than he does himself, characterizing him to be dark and illustrating the dangers of ambitionRepetition of “come”- places emphasis on Macbeth’s desire to seize the dagger and kill Duncan, shows that dangers of ambitionMetaphor- By comparing the murder to “a dagger of the mind” Shakespeare characterizes Macbeth to be insane as the dagger has now overcome his thoughts, which demonstrates the dangers of ambitionMotif of division- “Mine eyes are made the fools o’ the other senses” Macbeth’s body is divided, connects to the motif of duplicity and suggests that due to his ambition, Macbeth does recognize who he has become, shows the audience the danger of ambition.Personification- Throughout the scene, negative elements are personified, such as the dagger and wicked dreams, characterizing Macbeth to be insane as he is powerless to the disease that has overtaken his mind, and demonstrating the dangers of ambitionThe motif of sleep- Sleep symbolizes peace which can be seen through its emphasis throughout the scene as a means to escape from bad thoughts, or lacking sleep due to insane thoughts, the fact that Macbeth cannot sleep characterizes him as evil and insane and shows the dangers of ambitionAmbiguity- “Thou sure and firm set earth, hear not my steps” ambiguity b/c Macbeth could just want to be quiet, but he could also be asking the earth to turn a blind eye to his actions as he knows he is defying the GCB, characterizing him as evil/ insane since he will defy the natural laws to satisfy his ambitions. |
| Act 2, scene 2 thesis and context | thesis: Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare demonstrates the consequences of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s actions in order to teach his audience not to allow their ambitions to blind them from the laws of nature. context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 2, scene 2 devices | Juxtaposition- “That which hath made them drunk made me bold…” Lady Macbeth’s actions juxtapose the other character’s, she is defying the GCB, showing the audience that they too will become unnatural if they allow their actions to defy the GCB. “Crickets cry”- The crickets, the lowest thing on the GCB, are now crying because the entire thing has become inverted (king has been killed). Juxtaposes LM who feels no remorse over his death, this shows that LM has now become unnatural due to her ambitions, as she is completely defying the GCB, teaches the audience that they should not defy what is natural. Motif of birds- Owl is the omen of darkness, shakespeare connects LM to the owl to portray her actions as evil, and show that due to her murderous plot she is now dark/evil. Teaches the audience they should not allow their ambitions to defy what is natural.Characterization?- Lady Macbeth is characterized as a round character as we begin to see the remorse/ vulnerability she feels for helping to kill Duncan “Had he not resembled my father as he slept” she feels vulnerable and weak, demonstrating the consequences of her actions to the audience Short/ shared lines- Create sense of urgency, tone of panic, shows audience consequences of acting solely on ambition and defying nature. Sin motif and motif of duplicity- “I could not say amen” Macbeth can no longer turn to God, the person who should know him best, due to his actions, shows the audiences the consequences of his actions and the dangers of allowing their ambitions to defy nature. “what hands are here” disjointedness, Macbeth does not recognize who he has become. “I shame to wear a heart so white”- LM has sinned and can no longer be pure. Motif of sleep” Emphasis on sleep or lack thereof makes it clear that sleep symbolizes peace. “sleep no more” and “does murder sleep” show that peace will no longer exist due to Macbeth’s actions, allowing the audience to see the consequences of defying nature. Motif of water- “Go get some water” ironic b/c water is supposed to be cleansing but it cannot cleanse Macbeth due to the magnitude of his sin, shows the audience the consequences of his actions, and shows them that if they allow their ambitions to defy nature they cannot be cleansed either. “WIll all great Neptune’s oceans wash this blood clean from my hand?”- See above”A little water clears us of this deed”- Juxtaposes Macbeth’s perspective that he needs all of Neptune’s oceans. Shows that LM feels no remorse, showing that she has become evil. Symbolism- Nightgown symbolizes Macbeth becoming dark as he is now a traitor and also duplicity because he is attempting to portray himself as peaceful although he is not. |
| Act 2, scene 3 thesis and context | Thesis: Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare demonstrates the flaws and consequences of Macbeth’s murderous ambition in order to teach his audience not to allow ambition to cloud their judgement.Context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 2, scene 3 | Tone- porter has a cavalier tone has he continues to make jokes when he enter the scene, shows that one should not allow ambition to consume them, as Macbeth’s has, because life carries on, and only those concerned solely with ambition will be hurt in the end. Prose also creates cavalier tone. Allusion- Porter speaks about lust and ambition, mirrors Macbeth earlier in the play, but new tone allows the audience to see that Macbeth’s clouded judgement has only harmed him, life will continue on for everyone but Macbeth. Characterization- Macbeth is characterized to be senseless as his logic does not add up when describing the murders “who can….” shows the audience that his ambition has now placed him in a dangerous position, which encourages them not to act solely on ambition. Macbeth also uses color imagery when describing the body, which is odd because he should not know what it looks like “his silver skin laced with golden blood” same effect as above. ALSO this color imagery characterizes Macbeth to be remorseful, as he does not want to describe the body using human qualities, which makes it easier to talk about. Once again shows that his ambition has placed him in a bad position Repetition- “Knock,Knock!” is repeated, alludes to the motif of time and shows that life will carry on despite Macbeth’s gruesome actions, shows the audience that life always continues, and those who are clouded by ambition will not be able to avoid the inevitable, time.”horror, horror, horror”- alludes to witches, shows that Macbeth has now become evil based on the witches flawed/ vague prophecy, allows the audience to see that they should not be clouded by ambition. Pathetic fallacy- “The earth was feverous and did shake” Earth is mirroring actions of night, shows the harm defying GCB to pursue ambitions has brought, encourages audience not to action solely upon ambition.Motif of sleep- “shake of this downy sleep” no more peace due to Macbeth’s actionsDescribes sleeping Duncan to be covered in blood- peace has died |
| Act 3, scene 1 thesis and context | Thesis: Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare demonstrates the irony of Macbeth’s attempts to follow the witch’s prophecy, which serves to show the audience the power of the Great Chain of beingContext: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 3, scene 1, devices | Imperative sentences:”Let every man be the master of his time”- ironic that Macbeth is commanding time since time represents the inevitable (time does call upon us) also “come fate into the list” imperatives are ironic because Macbeth is commanding elements of the world that he has no control over, shows the audience the power of the GCB.Also “embrace the fate of that dark hour” is ironic b/c Macbeth never obeys GCB, seen by his attempts to follow the prophecy. Alliteration and paradoxes: Allude to witches and demonstrate that Macbeth is continuing follow the prophecy and attempt to defy the GCB and control his own fate. This is ironic because Macbeth is not controlling his own reality, but instead allowing the witches to control his actions, which shows the audience that Macbeth does not have as much control as he believes he does, paralleling with the idea that society believes they have control over their fate when in reality the GCB controls fate.Diction- Macbeth calls his crown “fruitless” which is ironic because it demonstrates that Macbeth should be gaining title and power from his murders, but instead he is gaining a crown that will bring him nothing. Demonstrates to the audience that attempts to defy the GCB will be unsuccessful and will not bring more power. Characterization: Macbeth is characterized to be powerful when persuading the murders. He uses rhetorical questions to challenge them, and also repeats “come.” This is ironic because we know that Macbeth would be unable to complete these murders without the help of these men, demonstrating that Macbeth is not in a position of authority on GCB, showing that attempts to defy GCB are pointless. Also tries to persuade murders using GCB which is ironic since he never follows GCB himself. |
| Act 3, scene 2 thesis and context | In order to teach his audience about the value of truth, Shakespeare manipulate (available devices) to portrays LM and M poor attempts to hide their guilt through duplicity.Context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral pointGunpowder plot |
| Act 3, scene 2 devices | Characterization- Lady Macbeth and M are characterized to be round characters because throughout the scene they discuss both their remorse and their plans to continue with the plot to murder Banquo. Shows the audience that LM and M feel guilty, but instead of being honest about their actions they are trying to hide their actions through duplicity. Allusion to historical events- “scorch the snake” alludes to the gunpowder plot, shows the audience Macbeth’s duplicity as he plans to kill Banquo, but is also ironic because Macbeth is the snake, not Banquo, which further shows his duplicity. Motif of sleep- Shows Macbeth’s remorse as he can no longer achieve peace (sleep represents peace).Alliteration and rhymed couplets- allude to the prophecy of the witches, foreshadow that LM and M will continue to be duplicitous as the witches are mentioned, instead of being honest about their actions, which the audience knows have led to guilt and remorse. Allows audience to see the value of truth over duplicity and lies. Motif of duplicity- LM encourages M to be duplicitous instead of revealing his true feelings,and he agrees, but the audience knows (be bright and jovial) that in reality they are both feeling remorse due to characterization, allows audience to understand why it is better to be truthful than duplicitous, perhaps if M and LM were truthful they would be happier. M and LM begin to hide things from each other, this connects to duplicity, shows the audience that it is better to be truthful than duplicitous and guilty. “with eye and tongue”- division connects to duplicity”faces vizards to our hearts, disgusting what they are”- connects to duplicity”Motif of sin and disease- Audience sees M and LM struggling with their actions through these motifs, helps audience to understand extent of their guilt. |
| Act 3, scene 3 | Thesis: through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare connects to the GCB in order to teach his audience that they must honor their place in society, and avoid fighting the natural way of things. Context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 3, scene 3 devices | Motif of light: The light foreshadows Fleance’s survival, shows the audience that Fleance is destined to live, unlike Banquo, which connects to the GCB.Motif of birds: Banquo tells Fleance to fly, since birds represent freedom, the audience can understand that Banquo is telling Fleance to be free, but he has accepted his own fate, shows audience the power of the GCB and the importance of accepting their own fate/ social standing. Allusion to witches: things repeated in threes and the three murders alludes to the three witches who attempted to prophesize future, the audience sees through this allusion that because of Fleance’s escape their prophecy is beginning to falter, shows the audience that the GCB cannot be defied and they must accept their place in society. Motif of water- “it will be rain tonight” Foreshadows Banquo’s death as he will be left in the dark, same effect as w/ light. |
| Act 3, scene 4 thesis and context | Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare demonstrates the illegitamacy behind M and LM’s attempts to defy the GCB, in order to encourage his audience audience to honor their place in society. Context: Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 3, scene 4 devices | Motif of communion- everyone is dining together, communion represents working together, if a communion goes as it should that is a good thing, but this one does not, parallels with how everyone should follow the GCB but often attempts to defy it, leading to darkness within our world. encourages the audience to honor their place within society. Also connects to GCB because everyone has a place:”first and last”- ironic because Macbeth is commanding people to follow the order at the table, but attempts to defy the GCB himself. Irony is used to show the audience the fault in M’s logic. Similie- Macbeth compares himself to nature “whole as marble…” which is ironic because Macbeth’s attempts to defy the GCB are highly unnatural.Characterization- Macbeth indirectly characterizes Macbeth to be powerless by calling him a “worm” and alluding to the gunpowder plot and calling him “the grown serpent” these comparisons are ironic because according to the GCB Fleance should be higher than Macbeth, and in reality Macbeth is the snake.Macbeth also characterizes himself to be strong through his placement on the GCB which is ironic because in reality he is defying his place on the GCB. Syntax- Lady Macbeth begins to use imperatives again, ironic that she is commanding others to stay in their place although she is constantly defying hers.She also uses rhetorical questions to challenge Macbeth’s masculinity which is ironic because she is accusing him of not following his place in the GCB although she is constantly not following hers. tone- lady Macbeth has an authoritative tone when addressing Macbeth in an attempt to get him to stay in his place as a man on the GCB, ironic because she is breaking hers by commanding him. |
| Act 4, scene 2 thesis and context | Thesis: Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare juxtaposes lady Macduff to her son in order to demonstrate that women in society lack knowledge and ambition. Context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 4, scene 2, devices | Motif of flight- Macduff “flies” away, he is free now, but this scares lady Macduff and we see throughout the scene that Macduff’s freedom has led her to become trapped in a role that she does not want, this juxtaposes to her son’s belief as he says he will “live as the birds do” which is an allusion to Matthew 6:26, which said that the birds did not need to worry because God has provided them with food and shelter, shows that the son is hopeful and ambitious unlike his mother. Description of birds also portrays Macduff to be weak, while the son is portrayed to be knowledgeable through his hope and ambition. Motif of water- Ross encourages Lady Macduff to float on “wild and violent sea” but LM is unable to, instead she is panicked, unlike her son who is able to remain calmSyntax- LM’s panicked tone can be seen through her syntax as she uses exclamatory syntax. She also uses interrogative sentences when addresses her son which makes her seem weak and places her son in a position of power. Son uses rhetorical questions which creates a condescending tone as he challenges his mother. Son also uses questions to challenge his mother’s knowledge, which characterizes him to be more intelligent than her.Motif of duplicity- Son is able to recognize the duplicity in the world, while the mother is not, characterizing him to be knowledgeable. |
| Act 5, scene 1 thesis and context | Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare demonstrates the guilt that plagues LM in order to teach the audience not to try and defy the GCB. Context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 5, scene 1 devices | The motif of sleep- LM is sleepwalking, shows that even in a peaceful state she is unable to escape what she has done.Symbolism- The nightgown symbolizes LM’s guilt (darkness) and her attempts to imitate peace (motif of sleep)Characterization- The doctor describes LM’s actions to be unnatural, and something only God can fix, parallels with LM’s unnatural deeds that only God can forgive.Motif of light- LM stands by the light to try and escape the darkness of her deeds. Motif of water- LM tries to cleanse herself even when there is no water present, shows extent of her guilt.Motif of blood- Blood is repeated as something LM cannot escape from, blood symbolizes the guilt that LM cannot escape from. Hyperbole- “All the perfumes of Arabia…” Her deed is so bad nothing can cleanse her of it. Allusion- LM begins to allude back to other parts of the play through her repetition of things like “come” “to bed” and “Knock, Knock” shows that LM is stuck in her past deeds and unable to move forwards past her guilt. Motif of duplicity- Her eyes and senses are separate shows that her deed has led her to not be a whole person anymore.Tense shift- LM switches to future tense, dramatic irony is dissolved a she realizes what the audience already has, that her deed is done and she cannot go back and change the past. |
| Act 5, scene 5 thesis and context | Thesis: Through the use of (available devices) Shakespeare demonstrates that Macbeth’s strength has become depleated in order to teach his audience that no one can escape their fate, so their is so use in trying to fight against nature. Context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 5, scene 5, devices | Allusion to Genesis 3:19- “dusty death”… “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you will return”-this gives the statement authority since it’s alluding to the Bible, and also relates to the Great Chain of Bring because it’s talking about the cycle of life and that even though you are human at the top of the chain, you are also made of dust of the lowest being, shows that no one, not even someone at the top of the chain can escape their fate. Metaphor- By comparing life to a shadow and an actor, the audience can see that Macbeth’s strength has become depleated, he realizes he can no longer control the world, shows the audience that one can only act as if they control their fate because in reality no one does. Motif of time- The passage of time/ days/ hours is repeated throughout the passage, and shows that Macbeth realizes he can no longer fight the world, instead he must accept that time is passing and his fate is rapidly approaching. Motif of flight- Macbeth says that there is no use in attempting to be free, he has accepted his fate. Characterization- Macbeth has a very cavalier tone when he reacts to his wife’s death, he simply has one declarative sentence. Shows he has accepted the way of life and is now giving up his fight.Alliteration and rhyme- Allude to witches and remind audience of the prophecy that has brought Macbeth to his death, warning them not to try and defy the laws of nature. |
| Act 5, scene 8 thesis and context | Thesis: In order to teach his audience that they must always be aware of the place in the GCB, and the evil that persuades them to defy nature, Shakespeare manipulates (available devices) to demonstrate that the battle between Macduff and Macbeth is symbolic of Macbeth’s attempts to defy fate.Context: 1605-1606Popular philisophical idea during this time was that a GCB existed, and everything and everyone existed in hierarchical order that should not be broken. “Macbeth” is a tragic historical play that was written for king JamesHistorical plays often served to make a moral point |
| Act 5, scene 8 devices | En medious res- Begins in the middle to show that the battle is ongoing, shows the audience they must always be aware of their place in the GCB and their inner ambitions that push them to defy nature.Motif of duplicity- Words are duplicitous so Macduff has none, shows ongoing inherently evil nature of humans. Tone- Macbeth’s tone shows that he has not given up his ways of trying to fight fate, he is eventually slain which shows the audience no one can run from fate, not even the largest evils, shows them to accept their place in nature and not let their inner ambitions encourage them to defy nature.Motif of time- Time is freed at the end, shows that Macbeth is no longer around to try and go against the inevitable, shows the audience that they too should not try and go again nature. Macbeth is also compared to a slave of time to show that he cannot escape the inevitable. |
IOC macbeth thesis/devices flashcards
September 6, 2019