Macbeth Flashcards
Macbeth as a tragic hero :
He falls from the great heights of nobility into depths of sin and cruelty
His harmartia was his ambition and strong desire to become king
Chivalric code to Macbeth :
Knighthood code of conduct that knights had to follow in order to be respected, this similarity is with Macbeth at the start of the play
When Macbeth meets the witches :
He speaks in iambic pentameter, this is how nobles speak and suggests Macbeth was speaking in a formal tone but was very demanding
As sparrows, eagles or the hare, the lion (act 1 scene 2)
SIMILE Macbeth is a righteous opponent , whose characteristics are similar to those of animals like lions and eagles which are, ferocious and very superior animals in the hierarchy of predators.
Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe (act 1 scene 2)
Macbeth and banquo are fighting with nobility and valiance. They stroke their enemy so much so they become more bloodthirsty and devilish
Will all great Neptunes ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? (Act 2 Svene 2)
Neptune was the Roman god of fresh water, macbeths guilt has become unbearable to the the point where he wants to call on gods to remove the blood - and guilt - from his hands. This differs from lady Macbeth as she says ‘ A little water will clear us from this deed ‘ she feels the guilt is so easy to erase this is dramatic irony because she ends up drowning in her own guilt.
Act 3 Svene 4 : ‘ it will have blood, they say - blood will have blood’
There’s an old saying that the dead will have their revenge.
Macbeth thinks bank will return from the dead for revenge and he is fearful.
Act 3 Svene 4 : ‘ I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning we’re as tedious as go o’er’
Macbeth is trying to convince himself, he can’t change because of the guilt he feels. He used to feel guilt when killing people, but now being good is harder. Macbeth has done too much to go back.
