Act 5 Scene 8 Flashcards
overview of act V scene viii
The final battle between Macbeth and Macduff. Macbeth initially refuses to fight, but when he learns that Macduff was born via C-section (not ‘of woman’), he realizes the prophecy has tricked him. Macduff kills Macbeth, and Malcolm is declared king.
finish the quote: ‘my soul is…
…too much charged/With the blood of thine already’
‘my soul is too much charged/With the blood of thine already’
- Macbeth feels guilty about killing Macduff’s family
- he still has some humanity left
Finish the quote: ‘Of all men else…’
"’…I have avoided thee.’”
‘Of all men else I have avoided thee.’
- Macbeth admits he has avoided fighting Macduff.
- Suggests he subconsciously fears Macduff, despite his belief in the prophecy.
- Creates suspense before the final battle.
Finish the quote: ‘I bear a…’
"’…charmed life
‘I bear a charmed life, which must not yield to one of woman born.’
- Macbeth still clings to the witches’ prophecy.
- Shows his overconfidence, which is about to be shattered.
- Dramatic irony, as the audience knows Macduff’s birth was unnatural.
How does Macduff respond to Macbeth’s claim that no man born of a woman can harm him?
- He reveals he was born via C-section (‘from his mother’s womb untimely ripped’).
- This breaks Macbeth’s belief in his invincibility.
- Signals that the prophecy is coming true in an unexpected way.
Finish the quote: ‘Despair thy charm…’
"’…and let the angel whom thou still hast served tell thee
‘Despair thy charm, and let the angel whom thou still hast served tell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped.’
- Macduff reveals the truth about his birth.
- Completely destroys Macbeth’s confidence.
- The prophecy is fulfilled in an unexpected way.
How does Macbeth react when he realizes Macduff can kill him?
- He loses all hope but still refuses to surrender.
- Says he will fight to the end rather than be humiliated.
- Shows his warrior spirit, even in defeat.
Finish the quote: ‘Lay on…
…Macduff, And damn’d be him that first cries ‘Hold enough!’’
‘Lay on, Macduff, And damn’d be him that first cries ‘Hold, enough!’’
- Macbeth chooses to fight to the death.
- Shows his pride and refusal to surrender.
- His final act of defiance before being killed.
Witches’ prophecies
- all of the witches’ prophecies have come true
- prophecies are partly self-fulfilling because macbeth has brought about his own downfall through his actions
What is the significance of Macbeth’s death?
- Marks the end of his tyrannical rule.
- Restores order to Scotland.
- Fulfills the prophecy, proving that fate is inescapable.
What happens after Macbeth is killed?
- Macduff returns with his head, showing that the tyrant is dead.
- Malcolm is declared the rightful king of Scotland.
- The play ends with the restoration of order and justice.
- audience feels relief when Macbeth dies - shows how evil he has become
What theme does this scene reinforce?
- Fate vs. free will: Macbeth tries to control his destiny but fails.
- Betrayal and justice: Macbeth is finally punished for his crimes.
- The downfall of tyranny: His violent reign ends violently.
Why is it significant that Macbeth refuses to surrender?
- Shows he still has warrior pride, even in defeat.
- Refuses to be humiliated or paraded as a prisoner.
- Highlights his tragic downfall—he dies fighting rather than repenting.
What is the final message of the play?
- Justice and rightful rule are restored.
- Tyranny and ambition lead to destruction.
- Fate is inevitable, but human choices still matter.
How does this scene connect to the witches’ prophecies?
- All prophecies come true, but in unexpected ways.
- Macbeth realizes too late that he was deceived.
- Reinforces the theme of fate and how it cannot be avoided.
