Act 5 Scene 9 Flashcards
overview of act V scene ix
The final scene of the play. Malcolm, Macduff, and the Scottish nobles celebrate their victory. Macduff presents Macbeth’s severed head, proving that the tyrant is dead. Malcolm is declared King of Scotland and promises to restore order.
Finish the quote: ‘Hail, King! for so thou art…’
"’…behold
‘Hail, King! for so thou art: behold, where stands The usurper’s cursed head.’
- Macduff presents Macbeth’s severed head to Malcolm.
- Symbolizes the end of Macbeth’s tyranny.
- Reinforces the idea of justice and rightful rule.
What does Malcolm promise as the new king?
- To reward his loyal supporters.
- To restore peace and order to Scotland.
- To call back those who fled Macbeth’s rule.
Finish the quote: ‘This dead butcher…’
"’…and his fiend-like queen.’”
‘This dead butcher and his fiend-like queen.’
- Malcolm describes Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
- ‘Butcher’ shows Macbeth as a ruthless killer.
- ‘Fiend-like’ suggests Lady Macbeth’s unnatural ambition and evil.
What is the significance of Malcolm’s speech at the end?
- Marks the restoration of order in Scotland
- Shows the return of rightful leadership.
- Ends the play on a note of justice and hope.
How does Macduff fulfill the prophecy?
- He kills Macbeth and presents his severed head.
- Proves that ‘none of woman born’ can harm Macbeth was misleading.
- Brings justice to Scotland.
What happens to Lady Macbeth in this scene?
- She is mentioned briefly; Malcolm says she took her own life.
- Shows that her guilt and ambition led to her downfall.
- Reinforces the idea that unchecked ambition is destructive.
How does this scene contrast with the beginning of the play?
- Begins with a brave Macbeth, ends with a defeated one.
- Starts with Macbeth gaining power, ends with him losing everything.
- Shows the reversal of fortune due to his ambition.
What themes are reinforced in this scene?
- Justice and order: The rightful king takes the throne.
- Fate vs. free will: Macbeth couldn’t escape his destiny.
- Betrayal and consequences: Macbeth’s treachery leads to his downfall.
What is the significance of Malcolm calling Macbeth a ‘butcher’?
- Suggests Macbeth was a ruthless, violent ruler.
- Implies that he had no honor left at the end.
- Contrasts with the noble warrior he once was.
Siward’s reaction to the death of his son
- only cares that his son died bravely ‘like a man’
- malcolm says ‘he’s worth more sorrow’ - shows that he has realised that being a man means more than just being violent and aggressive
Why is it important that Malcolm invites exiles back to Scotland?
- Shows that peace and stability are being restored.
- Undoes the damage caused by Macbeth’s reign.
- Suggests a hopeful future for the kingdom.
How does this scene provide closure to the play?
- Macbeth’s death confirms the triumph of justice.
- The rightful king is crowned, ending the chaos.
- Suggests that tyranny is temporary, but rightful rule prevails.
What is the final action of the play?
- Malcolm invites his men to his coronation.
- The nobles proclaim him king.
- Ends with a sense of resolution and hope for Scotland.
STRUCTURE OF THE PLAY
- cyclical
- ends how it began - with victory on the battlefield and a traitor’s head being cut off
