Ambition

Question 1

What is the quote where Macbeth describes the idea of killing Duncan crazy?

When is it?

Answer 1

• “I am Thane of Cawdor./ If good, why do I yield to that suggestion/ Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair”
• Act 1 Scene 3

Question 2

What is the quote where Lady Macbeth talks about the letters and references to the present and future?

When is it said?

Answer 2

• “The letters have transported me beyond/ This ignorant present, and I feel now/ The future in the instant.”
• Act 1 Scene 5

Question 3

What is excessive pride or ambition?

Answer 3

Hubris

Question 4

What is the quote where Macbeth realises he has no reason other than ambition to kill Duncan?

When is it said?

What does it forshadow?

Answer 4

• “I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent, but only/ Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself/ And falls.”
• Act 1 Scene 7
• Macbeth’s own downfall

Question 5

What are the alternative interpretations on why Macbeth killed Duncan?

Answer 5

• consequence of meeting the witches
• he was ambitious all along
• his wife pushed him to violence

Question 6

What is the play a warning against?

Answer 6

ambition that isn’t balanced by reason and morals

Question 7

How can ambition be a positive thing?

Answer 7

if it’s motivated by a desire to help others rather than yourself

Question 8

What does the quote “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.” suggest about Banquo?

Answer 8

• his sons being Kings

- he’s greater because he isn’t driven by greed and ambition

Question 9

What are the quotes which show that Macbeth’s violent ambition has ruined all his noble characteristics?

Answer 9

• “hell-hound”

- “abhorred tyrant”

Question 10

What is the quote where Lady Macbeth describes that what they’ve lost has made her more powerful?

When is it said?

Answer 10

• “What have quenched them, hath given me fire.”

- Act 2 Scene 2

Question 11

Where does this quote come from and what is it about?

“To be thus is nothing,/ But to be safely thus.”

Answer 11

• Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 3 where he identifies Banquo as a threat
• shows Macbeth’s ambition, ruthlessness and fear: he cannot rest until all threats are eliminated

Question 12

Which quote shows that Banquo hopes the predictions will come true?

When is it said?

Answer 12

• “Why by the verities on thee made good,/ May they not be my oracles as well,/ And set me up in hope? But hush! No more.”
• Act 3 Scene 1