ENGLIT MACBETH structure

Question 1

What were some reasons for structuring scenes in a certain way?

Answer 1

• to emphasise important themes: e.g. he introduces the witches right at the beginning of I.1 to show the audience there are supernatural forces at work
• to set the mood: first scene of each act sets the mood for the rest of the act e.g. Macbeth murders Duncan in II.1, this sets the dark atmosphere for the whole of Act 2

Question 2

Why does Shakespeare use long scenes?

Answer 2

• they let Shakespeare explore his character’s emotions and reveal their true characters
• e.g. IV.3, Malcolm tests Macduff by claiming to be unfit, Macduff’s reaction shows his loyalty, later in the scene his grief is shown in reaction to his wife and children being killed

Question 3

What are some examples of Shakespeare hinting at what’s going to happen later to keep the audience engaged?

Answer 3

• I.1: witches reveal they’re evil and that they’re going to meet Macbeth, creates dramatic tension as the audience wonders who Macbeth is and what the witches are going to do to him
• I.3: witches tell Macbeth he will be king which plants the idea in Macbeth’s and the audience’s heads and creates anticipation
• I.4: Macbeth hears that Malcolm is named heir to the throne, makes audience wonder what Macbeth’s capable of and how strong his ambition is
• IV.1: apparitions hint at things to come, audience suspects they will come true but don’t know how, this creates suspense

Question 4

How is the play structured overall?

Answer 4

• Acts I and II, key scenes are focused on Macbeth becoming King, plot gradually builds up until the murder of Duncan is discovered and Macbeth is crowned king
• Acts III, IV and V, other characters learn how evil Macbeth is and start to plot against him, this builds up to the climatic rebellion in the final act