Act 5 Flashcards
Why has the gentlewoman asked a doctor to observe Lady Macbeth?
The gentlewoman asked a doctor to observe Lady Macbeth because she has seen her repeatedly walking in her sleep.
What has the gentlewoman seen Lady Macbeth do over and over again?
he gentlewoman has seen Lady Macbeth seemingly washing her hands over and over.
What is significant about Lady Macbeth having a candle with her at all times?
Lady Macbeth’s having a candle with her at all times indicates that she so desperately wants her goodness and morality back again and that she still has a bit of a conscience.
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says: “Here’s the smell of blood still: all the/perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.”?
She is acknowledging that no matter what she does, she will always feel guilty about the murder of King Duncan.
What is significant about when Lady Macbeth says: “what’s/ done cannot be undone”?
She wishes she could go back in time and not have Duncan murdered. She feels great guilt. It directly contrasts her earlier statement to Macbeth : “What’s done is done” in which she was trying to make light of the situation and convince him that there was no need to even give the murder a second thought.
What reason does the doctor give for being unable to help Lady Macbeth?
The doctor tells the gentlewoman that he is unable to help Lady Macbeth because her illness is not a physical one; it is psychological. He also believes she is so far gone in her mental illness that there is no saving her.
What does the doctor fear Lady Macbeth will do?
The doctor fears that Lady Macbeth is so far gone in her mental anguish that she will commit suicide.
What are the names of the four Scottish nobles who join with the English forces and their leaders Malcolm, Macduff and Siward?
The Scottish nobles, Menteith, Caithness, Angus and Lennox join with the English forces and their leaders, Malcolm, Macduff and Siward.
What are they all prepared to do?
They are all prepared to die for their country and for the restoration of order.
Why have the Macbeths relocated to Dunsinane Castle?
The Macbeth’s have relocated to Dunsinane castle because it is on a hill and easier to defend during battle.
What is the meaning of: “now does he feel his title /Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe/Upon a dwarfish thief” ?
When Angus says this, it is a reference to the clothing motif; it means that everyone knows that Macbeth stole the kingship from Duncan and because of this he is a small, evil man. He didn’t even come close to fulfilling his duties as king- he was not man enough to be able to do so.
What does Macbeth mean when he says: “Go, prick thy face, and over-red thy fear, / Thou lily-livered boy”?
He is saying that the servant is white/pale with fear and needs to do something about mustering up some courage and putting colour on his face.
What is significant about when he says: “I’ll fight, till from my bones my flesh be hack’d. Give me my armour”?
He is showing his true noble and courageous self and that he is not afraid to face the opposing army. It also ties in with the clothing motif because he makes a reference to the armour he will wear in combat. This is where he is most at ease.
How does Macbeth react when the doctor tells him that Lady Macbeth’s condition is rapidly deteriorating?
He refuses to go see her and tells the the doctor to give her medicine so that she will not think about anything. He gets angry at the doctor and says he will have nothing to do with her- he has more important things to do like getting his armour on to ready himself for battle. He no longer cares about his wife.
While in Birnam Wood, what does Malcolm order every soldier to do?
He orders every soldier to break off a branch and hold it in front of themselves to conceal their numbers.
