ENGLIT MACBETH loyalty and betrayal quotes

Question 1

How is loyalty shown to be different throughout the play?

Answer 1

difference between characters who preach about their loyalty (Macbeth talks about his “loyalty” to Duncan) and characters who act on it (like Macduff)

Question 2

When do characters usually betray their loyalty?

Answer 2

when they choose to pursue their own selfish desires

Question 3

How is loyalty and betrayal showed in a circular structure in Macbeth?

Answer 3

• play starts with old Thane of Cawdor being punished for betraying the old King and rewarding Macbeth for his loyalty
• play ends with Macbeth being killed for betraying Scotland and Malcolm rewarding his thanes by making him earls for their loyalty

Question 4

What does Macbeth betray?

Answer 4

his own sense of right or wrong which eventually leads to his death

Question 5

What is loyalty often linked to throughout the play?

Answer 5

• often linked to power, power is given or taken away based off a person’s loyalty
• often accompanies betrayal e.g. Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland leads him to betray his own family

Question 6

How does Macbeth shock the audience with his desires?

Answer 6

• initially loyal to Duncan “his kinsman and subject”

- makes it more shocking when he puts his own desires ahead of his loyalty to the king