Act 5 Scene 7 Flashcards
overview of act V scene vii
macbeth encounters young siward and kills him
Finish the quote: ‘They have tied me to…’
"’…a stake; I cannot fly
‘They have tied me to a stake; I cannot fly, But bear-like I must fight the course.’
- Macbeth compares himself to a bear in a bear-baiting fight.
- Suggests he is trapped and must fight to the death.
- Reflects his desperation but also his determination to go down fighting.
Finish the quote: ‘Thou wast born…’
"’…of woman.’”
‘Thou wast born of woman.’
- Macbeth says this after killing Young Siward.
- Reinforces his false confidence that no man born of a woman can harm him.
- Dramatic irony: the audience knows Macduff was born via C-section.
- Echo of the Witches - Witches are omnipresent
How does Macbeth’s confidence in the witches’ prophecy affect his actions?
- He still believes he is invincible.
- He fights without fear, thinking no man can harm him.
- This overconfidence blinds him to the real threat from Macduff.
What happens to Young Siward in this scene?
- He confronts Macbeth in battle.
- Macbeth kills him easily.
- Symbolizes the bravery of Malcolm’s forces and Macbeth’s still-misplaced confidence.
What does Young Siward’s death symbolize?
- The sacrifice of the younger generation for justice.
- Macbeth’s false belief in his invincibility.
- The cost of war and tyranny.
What is the significance of Macduff searching for Macbeth?
- Macduff is the one destined to kill Macbeth.
- It builds suspense as the final confrontation nears.
- Shows Macduff’s personal motivation for revenge.
How does this scene contrast with Macbeth’s earlier confidence?
- Macbeth is still confident but now realizes he is trapped.
- Earlier, he believed he could rule forever; now, he is simply fighting to survive.
- Shows his transformation from ambitious ruler to doomed warrior.
What theme is reinforced in this scene?
- Fate vs. free will: Macbeth clings to the prophecy but cannot escape fate.
- Violence and tyranny: Macbeth continues to kill, even as his rule crumbles.
- Bravery vs. cowardice: Young Siward dies bravely, while Macbeth hides behind prophecy.
What does this scene foreshadow?
- Macbeth’s final battle with Macduff.
- The fulfillment of the prophecy that will lead to his death.
- The restoration of order under Malcolm.
How does this scene build tension?
- The battle is in full swing, and Macbeth is fighting for his life.
- Macduff is getting closer to Macbeth, setting up their confrontation.
- The prophecy is starting to crumble, making Macbeth’s fate inevitable.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘bear-like I must fight the course’?
- He compares himself to a bear in a bear-baiting fight, showing his desperation.
- Suggests he is fighting a losing battle but refuses to give up.
- Highlights his warrior spirit despite his impending doom.
Why is Young Siward’s death significant to Malcolm?
- He sees it as proof that his army is fighting bravely.
- Shows the personal cost of war and rebellion.
- Reinforces the idea that Macbeth is still dangerous.
Staging
many entrances and exits - add to the confusion of the battle - also add tension - Macduff is searching for Macbeth and enters the scene just after Macbeth exits
