Macbeth Notes

What is the central theme of Act 1 in Macbeth? betrayal and deception
Based upon the information in Act 1 in Macbeth, what appears to be Macbeth’s character flaw? desire for power
What important role do the witches play in Act 1 in Macbeth? they foreshadow events and influence characters
Which of the following best describes Macbeth’s feelings about the possible assassination of king Duncan in Act 1? tortured and confused indecision
Based upon the information in Macbeth, what can you infer about king Duncan? places high value on bravery and loyalty
In Act 1, why does lady Macbeth think Macbeth has a poor chance of achieving power? he is not ruthless enough; too kind
What do stage directions give the reader? information about what is taking place on stage
Throughout Act 1, in Macbeth, Macbeth’s plans and actions seem to be motivated most of all by his wife’s encouragement and manipulation
In Macbeth, in what way is Lady Macbeth stronger than her husband? she stands firm when Macbeth begins to waver in his deadly purpose
What are the four reason Macbeth should not kill Duncan? law, good king, trusting, loyal
“if chance may have me king, why, chance may crown me/ without my stir” is a resemblance of fate
A soldier wo sold secrets to the enemy army was imprisoned for treason
dominant force behind murders; invokes dark spirits for cruelty Lady Macbeth
Honors bravery and loyalty; revered and loved king Duncan
Gives truths to provoke evil; wicked; catalyst for events witches
Respected general; overcome by ambition Macbeth
Prince of Cumberland; heir to throne Malcolm
Receives prophecy that his family will be kings Banquo
Valor marked courage or bravery
Betrayals of one country or oath of loyalty treason
of an empire, having supreme authority imperial
lord or king liege
supreme in power, rank, or authority sovereign
What is the setting of this play? 11th century
“fair is foul and foul is fair” – witches what is right is wrong, what is wrong is right; everything is not what it seems
The captain that dies in Act 1 Scene 2 reports that Macbeth was “smoked with bloody execution”. This means … Macbeth was on a killing spree but a valiant fighter
Captain acknowledges that Macbeth and Banquo have valor and strength by being the only captians fighting for Scotland
What 3 titles did the witches give to Macbeth in Act 1? Thane of Glamis, Cawdor and king hereafter
When the witches told Macbeth the titles he would gain, what “seed” did this plant in Macbeth? ambition and murder
What was the prediction that the witches gave to Banquo? his sons will be kings
“lesser than Macbeth but greater, not so happy yet much happier , thou shalt get kings but thou be none” – witches Banquo sons will be kings and he will live a better life than Macbeth
Macbeth reveals what through the play? internal struggle
“if chance will have me king, why chance may crown me, without my stir” what does this mean? If it is FATED, it will happen
“There’s no art in finding the mind’s construction in the face” -Duncan can’t know the person’s thoughts by looking at their face; cant trust anyone
Who becomes Prince of Cumberland? Malcolm
“stars hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires” doesn’t want light to see how dark he is becoming
“look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it” -lady Macbeth just pretend everything is normal when really its not
What is the central idea of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Act 2 ambition leads to madnesss
Act 2 Scene 2, Lady Macbeth’s purpose in drugging the servant is so they will sleep through Duncan’s murder
what characterizes “this night’s great business into my dispatch” as a blank verse? it has ten syllables with the stress falling on every second syllable
Act 2 Scene 2 what symbolizes that Duncan has been killed? owl’s scream
Macbeth declares he will “sleep no more” because he believes that his conscience will never let him rest
July 24, 2019