Macbeth Flashcards
What is equivocation?
when the the truth is half said in a way that seems ambiguous and prone to mean the exact opposite.
What pieces of context is there behind Macbeth?
-It was composed during the Jacobean era of James I, given the circumstances, James was fond of Shakespeare’s work which reflected to uphold royalty’s status.
-The supernatural was a dangerous superstition that rose paranoia in the lives who conspired with it. Beings such as the three witches were seen as consorts of the devil which changed people’s fates.
-The Divine Right of Kings stated that the reign was appointed by God to rule over England, and that it was his duty to God to rid the land of any devil, this was presented as witches were villainised in the play, furthermore representing James I’s resentment for their existence.
-James I was misogynistic, deeming women to serve men as the weaker sex, therefore are the only ones capable of witchcraft as they are prone to being tempted by the devil.
-The Great chain of Being was an ideological concept that everything had a specific status in a religious hierarchy, with God and the King at the top. This emphasised the chaos and carnage inflicted by Macbeth that sparks the disorder, by committing regicide, this severely opposes the importance of the Great chain of Being, defying the universe’s organised nature, therefore sends Macbeth in eternal damnation when commits this sin against God. the play was like propaganda to oppose any attempts of opposing tis ideology.
What was the significance of Act 1: scene 1?
the three witches meet up for the first time and introduce the main protagonist ,Macbeth. It highlights there supernatural essences that speaks predictions through paradoxes.
-SUPERNATURAL (JACOBEAN / ELIZABETHAN BELIEFS)
-SATIN’S QUARREL WITH GREAT CHAIN OF BEING
‘fair is foul and foul is fair’
‘In thunder, lightning, or in rain?’
‘when the battle’s lost and won’
-Graymalkin / Paddock (familiars)
What was the significance of Act 1: scene 2?
Duncan and some captains speak of the victory against the traitor Thane of Cawdor, glorifying both Macbeth and Banquo’s valour and sophistication. This is where they set off to tell Macbeth of his new soon to be site, taking it after the previous Thane of Cawdor. This is used later on in dramatic irony.
-REPUTATION
-AMBITION (HUMAN’S GREATEST FLAWS)
‘disdaining fortune’
‘Valour’s minion carved out his passage’
‘What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.’ - Duncan
What was the significance of Act 1: scene 3?
the witches reappear again and meet Macbeth and Banquo informing them of the prophecies , Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, King, and the Banquo will not be king but his children will. Banquo presents his caution and repel against the witches whilst Macbeth seems to urge to know more, curious of the context behind their predictions. Shortly after, Macbeth is presented with the title unexpectedly to him, unaware of the previous betrayal that had resulted in their victory. This is where Macbeths dual human traits present themselves, first moral complexity. Witches seems creepily omniscient over Macbeth.
-GUILT / CONSCIENCE
-STEREOTYPES OF WOMEN
-APPEARANCE AND REALITY
‘the instruments of darkness tells us truths;/Win us with honest trifles’ - Banquo
‘use should be women,/And yet your beards forbid me to interpret/ That you are so’ - Banquo
‘So withered and so wild’ - Banquo
‘Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more’ - Macbeth
What is dramatic irony and give an example of it:
when information that the audience know is used against an unknowing character.
What is a soliloquy and how does Shakespeare use it?
when the character is thinking something only to be heard by the audience (inner thoughts). Shakespeare utilises this to contrast the human appearance and true intentions (ID)
What is enjambment and what is its impact?
enjambment in poetry is when a line overruns into the next one without any interruption of punctuation. It can show how immediate thoughts are.
What was the significance of Act 1: scene 4?
What is the Divine Right of kings?
that since kings are said to have been chosen by God, they do God’s work and are His messengers, therefore everyone should be subservient to the King and by committing regicide, you commit a sin against God.
What is the Great Chain of being?
the belief that everything in the universe is organised into this masculine lead hierarchy, starting from God to the kings, to their servants. everything has a place and is perfect, definite and unquestioned.
