GCSE English Lit: Macbeth

Question 1

Act 1 Scene 1- What does “thunder” and “lightning” show at the start of the play?

Answer 1

It sets a dark and violent mood. The wild weather hints that unnatural events are occurring.

Question 2

Act 1 Scene 1- “When the hurly-burly’s done,/ When the battle’s lost and won.” What does this quote show?

Answer 2

The Witches speak in rhyming couplets. They are also the only supernatural characters so this is why they consistently use rhyme- it sets them apart from the other characters and makes their speech sound unnatural, as if they’re casting an evil spell.

Question 3

Act 1 Scene 1- “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,/ Hover through the fog and filthy air.” What does this quote show?

Answer 3

This hints that they are evil. This also introduces the theme Appearance Vs Reality as it introduces the idea that nothing is as it seems. Also suggesting that the “worthy” Macbeth might not be as good as the other characters believe. The audience hasn’t met Macbeth yet, so their view of him is biased on what the other characters say.

Question 4

Act1 Scene 1- “When the battle’s lost and won”. What does this show?

Answer 4

The witches speak in paradoxes( a paradox is a statement that contradicts itself). At first they don’t make sense, but their predictions become clearer as the as the play goes on.

Question 5

Act 1 Scene 2- “bloody execution”. What does this show?

Answer 5

Shakespeare contrasts the eerie opening scene with the brutality and “bloody execution” of the battlefield. This sets a Violent mood for the rest of the play.

Question 6

Act 1 Scene 2- “brave” and “valiant”. What does this show?

Answer 6

The Captain and Duncan describe Macbeth as “brave” and “valiant”. At this point he’s a hero who’s loyal to his king and country.

Question 7

Act 1 Scene 2- “from the nave to the chops”. What does this show?

Answer 7

At the start of the play Macbeth is celebrated for his bloodthirsty nature- he cut the traitor Macdonald “from the nave to the chops”. It’s ironic that this violence eventually leads to his downfall.

Question 8

Act 1 Scene 3- “So foul and fair a day I have not seen”. What does this show?

Answer 8

This immediately links him to the witches and their “Foul is fair” prophecy.

Question 9

Act 1 Scene 3- Why is the three witches being the first characters in the play significant?

Answer 9

This shows how important the theme of the supernatural is to the play. The witches are mysterious- we don’t know what their purpose is.

Question 10

Act 1 Scene 3- What does the weather appearing again show?

Answer 10

This recurring motif hints at chaos, danger and the overturning of the natural order.

Question 11

Act 1 Scene 3- The Witches describe sending out a storm on a sailor’s ship so that he can’t see could be seen as?

Answer 11

This could be seen as a metaphor for what will happen to Macbeth, who’s made sleepless by guilt, and the ship could be a metaphor for Scotland, which is almost destroyed during Macbeth’s violent reign.

Question 12

Act 1 Scene 3- “have we eaten on the insane root”. What does this show?

Answer 12

This shows that Banquo is suspicious and is also questioning his sanity.

Question 13

Act 1 Scene 3- “Win us with honest trifles- to betrays”. What does this show?

Answer 13

He accepts that the witches are telling the truth, but he’s also aware they’re manipulating Macbeth and himself.

Question 14

Act 1 Scene 3- “instruments of darkness” and “Cannot be ill, cannot be good”. What does this show?

Answer 14

This shows that Banquo isn’t as deceived as Macbeth. He calls the Witches “instruments of darkness” because he sees they’re evil, whereas Macbeth is less certain- he says they “Cannot be ill, cannot be good”.

Question 15

Act 1 Scene 3- “rapt withal”. What does this show?

Answer 15

The encounter with the Witches leaves Macbeth “rapt withal”. He’s spellbound by the predictions, but he’s also scared by the powerful ambition that the Witches have awakened in him.

Question 16

Act 1 Scene 3- “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater”. What does this show?

Answer 16

The Witches tell Banquo he will be “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater”. This is a reference to Banquo’s sons being kings, but it could also mean that Banquo is greater because he isn’t driven by greed and ambition.

Question 17

Act 1 Scene 3- “Not so happy, yet much happier”. What does this show?

Answer 17

The Witches tell Banquo he will be “Not so happy, yet much happier”. This hints that although Macbeth will get what he wants (he’ll be King), it won’t make him happy. The Witches use paradoxes and riddles to confuse Macbeth and Banquo and lead them astray.

Question 18

“plant thee” and “make thee full of growing”. What does this show?

Answer 18

Duncan uses an extended metaphor of plants, to show that he sees it as his duty to nurture people who are loyal to him. Duncan sees Macbeth as a potential successor, suggesting that fate might make Macbeth King without him doing anything.

Question 19

Act 1 Scene 4- “find the mind’s construction in the face”. What does this show?

Answer 19

Theme- Appearance Vs Reality
Duncan says he misjudged the old Thane of Cawdor because there’s no way to “find the mind’s construction in the face”- he thinks that people who seem good and loyal may not be. It’s ironic- he also misjudges Macbeth.

Question 20

Act 1 Scene 4- Duncan is represented as a strong and fair leader - he rewards loyalty and wants Scotland to prosper. What does this contrast with?

Answer 20

This contrasts with Macbeth’s violent, tyrannical rule. Theme - Kingship

Question 21

Act 1 Scene 4-“black and deep desires”. What does this show?

Answer 21

Macbeth seems confused in this scene. Outwardly he’s a brave and loyal warlord, but inwardly his ambition is battling with his conscience. He wants to keep his “black and deep desires” hidden, not just from other people but from himself.

Question 22

Act 1 Scene 4- “signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine / On all deservers” What does this show?

Answer 22

Duncan says, “signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine / On all deserves.” he thinks that fate will reward those who deserve it. Light is also linked to visibility, which contrasts with Macbeth’s desire to hide his intentions.

Question 23

Act 1 Scene 5- What does this scene show opening the scene with Lady Macbeth reading the letter about the Witches prophecy?

Answer 23

This is allowing the audience to hear her inner thoughts and see what she is really like.

Question 24

Act 1 Scene 5- “too full o’th’milk of human kindness”. What does this show?

Answer 24

She has no doubts about killing Duncan and immediately sees that she’ll have to force Macbeth to do it because he is “too full o’th’milk of human kindness”.

Question 25

Act 1 Scene 5- "smoke of hell" and "direst cruelty". What does this show?

Answer 25

Lady Macbeth's soliloquy uses evil imagery such as "smoke of hell" and "direst cruelty", which shows the evil on her mind.

Question 26

Act 1 Scene 5- "unsex me here". What does this show?

Answer 26

Lady Macbeth asks the spirits to "unsex me here"- she doesn't want to be a woman because she sees women as weak and incapable of murder.

Question 27

Act 1 Scene 5- "Come, you spirits" and "Come, thick night". What does this show?

Answer 27

Her speech links her to the Witches- she uses imperatives, which make it sound like she is casting a spell. She says, "Come, your spirits" and "Come, thick night", which links her to evil, unnatural spirits.

Question 28

Act 1 Scene 5- What does the dialogue in lines 56-58 show?

Answer 28

Macbeth enters and their dialogue in lines 56-58 is in half-line breaks. This makes their speech sound urgent and hurried- they're both nervous and need to act quickly in case they're interrupted.

Question 29

Act 1 Scene 5- Explain what Lady Macbeth's soliloquy tells us about her?

Answer 29

Lady Macbeth's soliloquy is really important- it shows that she's the driving force behind the decision to murder Duncan. Her language links her to the Witches, and shows that she's not to be trusted.

Question 30

Act 1 Scene 6- "pleasant" and "sweetly recommends itself". What does Shakespeare's technique of irony show ?

Answer 30

Duncan describes Macbeth's castle as "pleasant" and says that it "sweetly recommends itself". It's ironic because Duncan feels that he is happy and welcome at Macbeth's castle- the audience knows however what Macbeth's got planned.

Question 31

Act 1 Scene 6- "honours deep and broad". What does this show?

Answer 31

Lady Macbeth appears to be the perfect hostess- she flatters Duncan and thanks him for the "honours deep and broad" he has given them. Shakespeare contrasts this scene with the previous one to show how false Lady Macbeth is.

Question 32

Act 1 Scene 6- "sharp as his spur". What does this show?

Answer 32

Duncan describes Macbeth's love for Lady Macbeth as "sharp as his spur". This is ironic- it wasn't love that made Macbeth rush home but his desire to plot Duncan's murder with Lady Macbeth. It's also ironic because Lady Macbeth is the spur (encouragement) that drives Macbeth into action.

Question 33

Act 1 Scene 7- What does Macbeth's soliloquy opening the scene show?

Answer 33

He's trying to decide whether to kill Duncan and gives a list of reasons why he shouldn't.

Question 34

Act 1 Scene 7- "return / To plague th'inventor". What does this show?

Answer 34

He knows that murder can "return / To plague th'inventor", so if he kills Duncan he's likely to end up being killed himself.

Question 35

Act 1 Scene 7- "kinsman" and "host". What does this show?

Answer 35

He has a duty to protect him.

Question 36

Act 1 Scene 7- "clear in his great office" and "deep damnation". What does this show?

Answer 36

Duncan is a good king- he's "clear in his great office", so killing him will lead to "deep damnation". Macbeth know his own ambition will be his downfall.

Question 37

Act 1 Scene 7- "so much more the man". What does this show?

Answer 37

Lady Macbeth is forceful- she bullies and persuades Macbeth to go through with the murder by questioning his masculinity. She says that killing Duncan Macbeth will be "so much more the man". This has a double meaning- he'll be more of a man, and he'll also be king.

Question 38

Act 1 Scene 7- Lady Macbeth rejects her femininity by telling Macbeth that she'd kill her own child. What is she trying to prove?

Answer 38

She is trying to prove that she is remorseless and evil.

Question 39

Act 1 Scene 7- Act 1 ends with anticipation- the murder has been planned but hasn't happened. What does this show?

Answer 39

This builds up the suspense for the audience.

Question 40

Act 1 Scene 7- "A limbeck" and "receipt" and "fume". What does this show?

Answer 40

Lady Macbeth uses language connected with alchemy (the process of turning cheap metal into gold): "A limbeck" and "receipt" are the apparatus used and "fume" refers to the gases produced. Alchemist never succeeded in turning cheap metal into real gold- Shakespeare is hinting that Macbeth will never become a good king.

Question 41

Act 2 Scene 1- "Their candles are all out". What does this show?

Answer 41

There aren't any stars: "Their candles are all out", so it's very dark. The darkness symbolises the evil that Macbeth is about to do. the starless sky also echoes Duncan's speech in Act 1 Scene 4 about stars shining on the deserving- Macbeth is undeserving.

Question 42

Act 2 Scene 1- "honour" and "allegiance clear". What does this show?

Answer 42

Macbeth promises that if Banquo supports him, he'll "honour" him, but Banquo replies that he'll only help Macbeth if he can ceep his "allegiance clear". This shows that he's loyal to Duncan.

Question 43

Act 2 Scene 1- "cursed thoughts". What does this show?

Answer 43

Banquo's response shows that he's more moral than Macbeth, but his "cursed thoughts" and mention of the Witches may hint that he's thinking about acting on the prophecies.

Question 44

Act 2 Scene 1- In his soliloquy Macbeth talks about "witchcraft", "Hecate's offerings" and "a ghost". What does this show?

Answer 44

This links Macbeth to the Witches and shows how he's affected by their predictions. He starts seeing visions of a dagger- it's not clear if it's leading him to commit murder or warning him against it.

Question 45

Act 2 Scene 2- Lady Macbeth waits for Macbeth to return from killing Duncan. She's startled by every noise, and she says that she couldn't kill Duncan because he "resembled" her "father". What does this show?

Answer 45

This suggests that Lady Macbeth isn't as merciless as she appears.

Question 46

Act 2 Scene 2- The murder takes place offstage. What does this show?

Answer 46

This increases the suspense and makes the audience imagine the killing, which makes it more horrific. It also lets the audience see how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are affected by their experience in Duncan's room.

Question 47

Act 2 Scene 2- Macbeth doubts "Neptune's ocean" will clean the blood off his hands. What does this show?

Answer 47

He's feeling guilty. Lady Macbeth doesn't seem bothered by her bloody hands- it's an ironic foreshadowing of her frenzied hand washing in Act 5.

Question 48

Act 2 Scene 2- Macbeth says he's "murdered sleep"- What does this show?

Answer 48

Sleep symbolises peace and a clear conscience, so murdering sleep shows that he's wracked with guilt. This also foreshadows Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking in Act 5.

Question 49

Act 2 Scene 2- There are also references to insanity- Lady Macbeth talk about Macbeth going "mad" and being "brain-sickly". What does this show?

Answer 49

This is ironic foreshadowing of her own madness later.

Question 50

Act 2 Scene 2- The stage directions add to the tension- there's a repetition of a knocking sound, which gives a sense of urgency. What does this show?

Answer 50

This seems to echo Macbeth's pounding heart, and a sign of his fear and guilt.

Question 51

Act 2 Scene 2- "Macbeth does murder sleep". What does this show?

Answer 51

Macbeth may have committed a terrible, grisly murder, but he feels pretty guilty about it. Lady Macbeth doesn't seem quite concerned by what they've done at this point- but that will change soon enough.

Question 52

Act 2 Scene 3- The Porter's comic monologue relieves tension, but also builds up suspense before Duncan's body is found. What does this show?

Answer 52

Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to increase the audience's anticipation- the audience knows that Duncan has been murdered, and although the characters don't know, they can sense evil:

Question 53

Some Act 2 Scene 3 quotes

Answer 53

. The Porter describes the Macbeths' castle gate as a "hell-gate" and makes a joke about a man sent to hell who "committed treason". This is showing the murder Macbeth has just committed. . Lennox comments on how "unruly" and stormy the night was- he tells Macbeth that the wind sounded like "strange screams of death".

Question 54

Act 2 Scene 3- He also says the storm was "prophesying with accents terrible / Of dire combustion and confused events". What does this show?

Answer 54

This reflects the terrible events that have taken place and foreshadows the events to come.

Question 55

Act 2 Scene 3- Macduff finds Duncan's body. What does this show?

Answer 55

His reaction shows how horrified he is, and makes the murder seem even worse.

Question 56

Act 2 Scene 3- Macbeth confesses to killing Duncan's servants out of rage. When Lady Macbeth hears this she faints. What does this show?

Answer 56

This could be to distract the other characters from Macbeth's suspicious behaviour, or she may actually be horrified by Macbeth's violence, which she didn't help plan.

Question 57

Act 2 Scene 3- Malcolm and Donalbain run away because they fear for their lives. What does this show?

Answer 57

It makes them look guilty and allows Macbeth to take the throne.

Question 58

Act 2 Scene 3- Before Duncan's body is found, Macbeth speaks in short sentences- "Twas a rough night", "Not yet"- he seems distracted and tense. What does this show?

Answer 58

This highlights his guilt and nervousness.

Question 59

Act 2 Scene 3- When Duncan's body is discovered, Macbeth's language changes- he describes Duncan's "silver skin laced with his golden blood". What does this show?

Answer 59

His poetic techniques seems false.

Question 60

Act 2 Scene 4- This scene is a bridge between Act 2 and Act . What does this show?

Answer 60

Its purpose is to create a sense of fear and uncertainty.

Question 61

Act 2 Scene 4- Strange events have happened since Duncan's death. What does this show?

Answer 61

Which shows how the natural order has been disrupted. A country's well-being is linked to that of its king, so these events are bad omens for Macbeth's reign.

Question 62

Act 2 Scene 4- It's dark during the day: "dark night strangles the travelling lamp". What does this show?

Answer 62

This symbolises the evil that has come over Scotland.

Question 63

Act 2 Scene 4- A falcon has been savagely killed by a owl. What does this show?

Answer 63

The falcon symbolises Duncan, and the owl symbolises Macbeth.

Question 64

Act 2 Scene 4- Horses have been eating each other. What does this show?

Answer 64

Which is unnatural

Question 65

Act 2 Scene 4- The scene ends with Macduff telling Ross that Macbeth will be King. Macduff isn't going to the coronation. What does this show?

Answer 65

This suggests he's suspicious of Macbeth and sets him up as Macbeth's main enemy.

Question 66

Act 3 Scene 1- This scene opens with Banquo's soliloquy. What does this show?

Answer 66

His inner thoughts reveal several things: . He's suspicious of Macbeth- he thinks he "play'dst more foully" for the crown. . He's still thinking about the Witches' prediction that his descendants will be kings. He's ambitious, but willing to let fate take its course.

Question 67

Act 3 Scene 1- Macbeth's soliloquy shows that his attitude to murder has changed. What does this show?

Answer 67

In Act 1 he was tormented by killing Duncan and almost couldn't do it, but he's decisive about killing Banquo- murder has become easy.

Question 68

Act 3 Scene 1- Macbeth hires murderers to kill Banquo. What does this show?

Answer 68

This shows how much his character has changed- in Act , Scene 1 he was a fearless hero, but now he can't mee his enemy face to face. He's become a coward.