Act 5 Scene 3 Flashcards
overview of act V scene iii
macbeth learns of his approaching armies; he discusses his wife’s condition with the Doctor , then goes off to battle
how is this scene structured to increase the pace and add drama?
scenes are v short ; short scenes increase the pace and add to the drama
How does Macbeth react to the reports of the approaching army?
- He is overconfident because he believes no man born of a woman can harm him.
- He dismisses reports of rebellion as meaningless.
- His arrogance blinds him to the real danger.
Finish the quote: ‘Bring me no more reports…’
"’…till Birnam Wood remove to Dunsinane
‘Bring me no more reports; let them fly all: Till Birnam Wood remove to Dunsinane, I cannot taint with fear.’
- Macbeth fully believes the witches’ prophecies, making him overconfident.
- Shows his reliance on fate rather than rational thinking.
- Highlights dramatic irony, as the audience knows the prophecy will come true.
Finish the quote: ‘I have lived long enough…
…my way of life is fallen into the sear, the yellow leaf’
‘I have lived long enough: my way of life is fallen into the sear, the yellow leaf.’
- Macbeth compares himself to a withering leaf, acknowledging his decline - autumnal imagery
- Macbeth uses the motif of seasons to symbolise human life
- Suggests he knows his time is running out.
- Contrasts with his earlier ambitious and ruthless nature.
- Macbeth’s soliloquy suggests he is beginning to despair even though he thinks he is invincible - ‘I have lived long enough’ - he admits that everything he has done is worthless
- THIS IS MACBETH’S ANAGNOROSIS
Finish the quote: ‘Cure her of that!’
"’…Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased?’”
‘Cure her of that! Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased?’
”- Macbeth is frustrated that the Doctor cannot ‘fix’ Lady Macbeth’s madness.
- Shows his lack of understanding of psychological torment.
- Reflects his growing desperation.”
Finish the quote: ‘Throw physic to the dogs…’
"’…I’ll none of it.’”
‘Throw physic to the dogs, I’ll none of it.’
- Macbeth dismisses medicine, showing his frustration and lack of patience.
- Reflects his increasing paranoia and reliance on violence.
- Highlights his detachment from reality.
What does Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s illness reveal?
- He is impatient and unsympathetic, showing a loss of emotional connection.
- He wants a quick fix, not realizing her guilt is consuming her.
- Contrasts with his earlier dependence on her for strength.
finish the quote: ‘give me..
..my armour’
finish the quote: ‘troubled with thick…
…coming fancies’
finish the quote: ‘pull’t..
..off’
‘give me my armour’
‘pull’t off’
‘troubled with thick coming fancies’
- macbeth shows signs of going mad
- he is confused and unbalanced - broken syntax - becoming hysterical
- his mental state matches LM - the Doctor says she’s ‘troubled with thick coming fancies’
finish the quote: ‘lily-..
..livered’
How does Macbeth treat his servants in this scene?
- He insults and threatens them, calling one a ‘cream-faced loon.’
- Shows his frustration and paranoia.
- Emphasizes his isolation as he loses the loyalty of those around him.
- barrage of insults - constant references to paleness - servant is VERY scared
How does this scene contrast with Macbeth’s earlier character?
- Once a brave and respected warrior, he is now an arrogant and unstable tyrant.
- Previously, he sought his wife’s advice; now he dismisses her illness.
- Shows how his unchecked ambition has left him empty and alone.
What is the significance of Macbeth’s armor in this scene?
- He orders his armor before the battle, symbolizing his readiness for war.
- Shows his desperation to cling to power.
- Suggests he is preparing for a final stand rather than an assured victory.
What is the Doctor’s opinion of Macbeth?
- He realizes that Macbeth is beyond help, saying he would leave if he could.
- Implies that Macbeth’s rule is doomed.
- Reflects how even those who serve him see his downfall coming.
How does this scene foreshadow Macbeth’s defeat?
- He dismisses threats despite clear signs of rebellion.
- His overconfidence will lead to his downfall.
- His desperation contrasts with the noblemen who are gaining strength.
How does this scene develop the theme of fate vs. free will?
- Macbeth blindly trusts the witches’ prophecy, believing he is invincible.
- He refuses to take rational precautions, sealing his fate.
- Shows that his downfall is partly due to his own choices.
