Beth Flashcards
Statements
Moral decay
Macbeth’s moral decay is mirrored in the setting, as Scotland descends into chaos and disorder
Unchecked ambition
Macbeth’s unchecked ambition drives him to commit acts of betrayal, treachery and regicide.
Madness
Macbeth’s descent into madness highlights the destructive power of unchecked ambition.
Isolation and loneliness
Despite obtaining the crown, Macbeth is plagued by a profound sense of isolation and loneliness.
Pursuit of power
Macbeth’s relentless pursuit of power ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.
Soliloquy
A soliloquy is a dramatic speech where a character speaks their thoughts out loud while alone on stage.
This technique gives the audience insight into the character’s inner emotions, intentions and conflicts.
eg Act 1, scene 7
Macbeth delivers a soliloquy as he contemplates the consequences of murdering King Duncan.
“if it were done when tis done, then twere well it were done quickly…”
This speech reveals his hesitation and the moral struggle he faces about whether to committee murder.
in exam - Macbeth’s soliloquy reveals his moral hesitation and foreshadows the psychological torment he will endure later.
Anthesis
Critical turning point in a character’s development the plot.
It represents a moment when a character or event reaches its peak before a significant change or downfall.
In Act 2 the moment Macbeth murders Duncan represents the peak of his ambition and the anthesis of his character development.
This act serves as a turning point in Macbeth’s journey, as it both fulfils his desire for power and sets him on a destructive path.
In exam you could say - the murder of Duncan represents the anthesis of Macbeth’s ambition, marking both the peak of his power and the beginning of his tragic downfall.
Macbeth’s relationship with other characters.
Macbeth is a tragic hero who starts of as a brave nobleman, but descends into insanity due to committing regicide (killing of the king) and intervening with the supernatural.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth - relationship
He is married to Lady Macbeth, a tyrannical force that convinces Macbeth to commit regicide.
Macbeth and Banquo relationship?
Banquo - Macbeth’s trusted friend. He gets prophecies from the witches but abstains from intervening with the supernatural. Macbeth gets him killed as he is scared he will threaten his opportunity of becoming king.
Macbeth and Macduff relationship?
Macduff is a nobleman of Scotland. Macbeth gets his wife and child killed. He is patriotic and works with Malcolm to take down Macbeth. he beheads Macbeth in the end.
Macbeth and Malcolm relationship?
Malcolm is King Duncan’s son who had to flee after the murder of his father. He is the rightful king of Scotland. He works with Macduff to take down Macbeth. He becomes King at the end.
Macbeth and the witches relationship?
They collude to deceive and manipulate Macbeth. They give him self-fulfilling prophecies and speak in spells and rhyme.
Macbeth and Hecate relationship?
She is the goddess of the Witches and encourages the Witches to amplify their deception in regards to Macbeth as his ego was getting too big.
Macbeth and King Duncan relationship?
The King of Scotland at the beginning. He is brutally murdered by Macbeth
Macbeth and Fleance relationship?
Son of Banquo. Macbeth gets murderers sent to kill him and Banquo, he escapes.
Macbeth and Donalbain relationship?
Son of Duncan (brother to Malcolm). He flees when his father, Duncan> is killed.
Macbeth and Ross relationship?
Ross is a messenger, delivering vital information to characters. He delivers the news about Macbeth’s new title and the murder of Macduff’s family.
Macbeth and Lennox relationship?
He is a nobleman. He is a supportive figure to Malcolm and wants to protect Scotland.
