Act 5 Scene 5 Flashcards
overview of act V scene v
when the battle is at its height, macbeth learns that his wife has died - and that birnam wood is coming towards dunsinane
where does LM die?
- offstage
- anticlimax
- shows how unimportant she has become
How does Macbeth react to Lady Macbeth’s death?
- He is indifferent, saying she would have died eventually anyway.
- His reaction shows his emotional numbness and isolation.
- Suggests he has lost all sense of purpose and meaning.
how does macbeth’s dialogue alternate in this scene?
- between arrogance and despair
- shows how confused he is
macbeth’ attitudes at the start of the scene?
boasting and full of bravado - ‘supped full with horrors’ so nothing can frighten him
Finish the quote: ‘She should have…’
"’…died hereafter.’”
‘She should have died hereafter.’
- Shows Macbeth’s indifference to Lady Macbeth’s death.
- Implies he no longer values life or emotions.
- Suggests he is too consumed by power and fate to grieve.
- COMPARE TO MACDUFF’S GRIEF OF THE LOSS OF HIS FAMILY
Finish the quote: ‘Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…’
"’…creeps in this petty pace from day to day.’”
‘Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day.’
- One of the most famous soliloquies in Shakespeare.
- Reflects Macbeth’s deep nihilism and despair.
- Suggests life is meaningless and repetitive.
Finish the quote: ‘Life’s but…’
"’…a walking shadow
‘Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.’
- Compares life to an actor playing a brief role, then disappearing.
- Suggests that existence is fleeting and ultimately insignificant.
- Shows Macbeth’s realization that all his ambition was for nothing.
- Compares life to an actor - he sees life as meaningless
‘To-morrow’
‘time’
‘pace’
‘day-to-day’
‘recorded time’
‘brief’
‘his hour’
- temporal markers
- the inevitability of life
- time running out
Finish the quote: ‘It is a tale…’
"’…told by an idiot
‘It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’
- Macbeth reflects on the meaningless nature of life.
- Suggests that human struggles and achievements are pointless.
- Highlights his despair and complete loss of hope.
- All of his terrible acts had no purpose
‘petty’
‘fools’
‘idiot’
his language reflects his bitterness
M’s language
- sad and reflective
- shows he is not a monster - he still has a human side and regrets what he has done
What news does the messenger bring Macbeth?
- He tells Macbeth that Birnam Wood appears to be moving.
- This fulfills the witches’ prophecy, making Macbeth realize he is doomed.
- Marks a turning point where Macbeth starts to lose his confidence.
finish the quote: ‘the fiend…
…/That lies like truth’
‘the fiend/That lies like truth’
- he was too trusting of the witches
- ironic - considering the betrayal of Duncan, who trusted Macbeth
How does Macbeth react to the news of Birnam Wood moving?
- He is in disbelief, calling the messenger a liar.
- Realizes that the witches’ prophecies are coming true.
- His confidence begins to break, foreshadowing his downfall.
What theme does this scene reinforce?
- Fate vs. free will: Macbeth realizes he cannot escape his destiny.
- The fragility of power: Despite all his efforts, Macbeth is losing control.
- Nihilism: Macbeth now sees life as meaningless.
How does this scene contrast with earlier scenes of Macbeth?
- Earlier, he was ambitious and power-hungry; now, he is hopeless and numb.
- He once feared death; now, he sees life as meaningless.
- His confidence is finally breaking as reality sets in.
Why is the imagery of ‘sound and fury’ significant?
- Suggests that life is chaotic but ultimately meaningless.
- Reflects Macbeth’s regret over his wasted ambition.
- Implies that all human actions are insignificant in the grand scheme.
What does Macbeth decide to do?
- Attack the approaching army
- A brave decision - a reminder of the fearless warrior M was in Act 1
What does this scene suggest about Lady Macbeth’s influence on Macbeth?
- Without her, he seems emotionally dead and indifferent.
- Her death marks the end of his motivation and purpose.
- Shows how important she was to his rise and fall.
How does this scene build tension for the audience?
- The prophecy is being fulfilled, making Macbeth’s defeat inevitable.
- Macbeth’s emotional breakdown shows that he is unravelling.
- Sets up the final battle as Macbeth realizes he has been deceived.
