Act 5 Scene 2 Flashcards
overview of act V scene ii
a section of the army marches towards Dunsinane, and their leaders discuss the enemy, Macbeth, who is showing signs of panic
How is Macbeth described in this scene?
- He is called a ‘tyrant,’ showing how he has lost respect.
- His soldiers only obey him out of fear, not loyalty.
- He is isolated, paranoid, and losing control.
how does this scene build tension?
- scottish lords are preparing to attack macbeth
- builds tension in anticipation of the battle
Where do they plan to meet?
- they plan to meet the english army near Birnam Wood - a reminder of the Witches’ prophecy and hints that Macbeth may be defeated
Finish the quote: ‘Some say he’s mad…’
"’…others that lesser hate him do call it valiant fury.’”
‘Some say he’s mad; others that lesser hate him do call it valiant fury.’
- Suggests Macbeth’s actions are seen as either madness or reckless bravery.
- Shows that even those who hate him acknowledge his fighting spirit.
- Highlights the theme of perception vs. reality.
Finish the quote: ‘Now does he feel…’
"’…his secret murders sticking on his hands.’”
‘Now does he feel his secret murders sticking on his hands.’
- Implies that Macbeth cannot escape the consequences of his crimes.
- The metaphor of ‘sticking’ suggests guilt and inescapability.
- Links to Lady Macbeth’s hallucinations of blood on her hands.
Finish the quote: ‘Those he commands…
…move only in command, nothing in love’
‘Those he commands move only in command, nothing in love.’
- Macbeth’s army obeys out of duty, not loyalty.
- Contrasts with earlier in the play when he was respected.
- Shows his isolation and lack of support.
What does Caithness say about Macbeth’s mental state?
- He describes Macbeth’s ‘distempered cause,’ meaning he is mentally unstable.
- Suggests that Macbeth is paranoid and erratic.
- Reflects the theme of madness.
How does this scene contrast with earlier portrayals of Macbeth?
- He was once a respected warrior, now he is a hated tyrant.
- He ruled with ambition, now he rules with fear.
- Highlights the consequences of unchecked power.
What is the significance of Birnam Wood in this scene?
- The soldiers discuss joining Malcolm, foreshadowing the prophecy’s fulfillment.
- The reference to moving trees hints at how Macbeth will be defeated.
- Creates dramatic irony, as the audience knows the prophecy will come true.
How does this scene develop the theme of fate vs. free will?
- The noblemen believe Macbeth’s downfall is inevitable.
- Macbeth’s choices led to this moment, but it seems like fate.
- Reinforces the idea that ambition leads to self-destruction.
How does this scene build tension for the audience?
- The noblemen prepare for battle, signaling that Macbeth’s end is near.
- The discussion of his mental state suggests he may act unpredictably.
- Creates anticipation for the final confrontation.
How does this scene show a shift in power?
- The noblemen are united, while Macbeth is alone.
- Malcolm is seen as a rightful leader, while Macbeth is called a ‘tyrant.’
- Shows that Macbeth’s rule is collapsing.
What decision do the noblemen make at the end of the scene?
- They agree to meet Malcolm’s army near Birnam Wood.
- This foreshadows the fulfillment of the witches’ prophecy.
- Confirms that Macbeth’s enemies are growing stronger.
finish the quote: ‘the sickly..
…weal’
‘the sickly weal’
‘med’cine’
- health imagery to describe scotland as unwell
- caithness talks about the ‘sickly weal’ (wound) and refers to Malcolm as the ‘med’cine’ that will heal the country
finish the quote: ‘sovereign..
…flower’
finish the quote: ‘drown…
..the weeds’
‘sovereign flower’
‘drown the weeds’
- nature imagery
- lennox describes malcolm as the ‘sovereign flower’
- he also wants to ‘drown the weeds’ (get rid of macbeth)
- he compares macbeth to a weed- he is preventing anything else from growing and is destroying the land
finish the quote: ‘dwarfish…
..thief’
finish the quote: ‘giant’s..
..robe’
‘dwarfish thief’
‘giant’s robe’
- clothing imagery
- angus describes macbeth as a ‘dwarfish thief’ wearing a ‘giant’s robe’ - the responsibility of king is too great for macbeth
