Fear (in Macbeth) Flashcards
How does Macbeth’s fear of being caught affect his actions after killing Duncan?
Macbeth is paranoid and restless, saying he will “sleep no more!” (Act 2, Scene 2). His fear leads him to kill the guards and later commit more murders to secure his throne.
How does Banquo describe his fear of Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 1?
Banquo grows suspicious and fearful of Macbeth, saying, “Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all… and I fear thou play’dst most foully for’t.” This shows his concern that Macbeth has achieved the throne through dark means.
How does Macbeth’s fear of Banquo influence his decisions?
Macbeth fears Banquo’s prophecy that his descendants will be kings, saying, “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.” (Act 3, Scene 1). This fear drives him to order Banquo and Fleance’s murder.
How does Lady Macbeth’s attitude toward fear differ from Macbeth’s?
Early in the play, Lady Macbeth scorns fear, calling Macbeth a coward (“Screw your courage to the sticking-place.” Act 1, Scene 7). However, later, fear consumes her, leading to paranoia and sleepwalking.
How does Macbeth react to fear by the end of the play?
Macbeth becomes numb to fear, saying, “I have almost forgot the taste of fears.” (Act 5, Scene 5). After so much bloodshed, he no longer reacts with terror, showing how fear has transformed into reckless confidence.
