Macbeth Flashcards
Word that means the point in a play, novel in which a principal character recognises or discovers another character’s true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances.
Anagnorisis
who had anagnorisis in macbeth?
When Macbeth realises that he will die at the hands of Macduff
what does peripeteia mean?
a sudden or unexpected reversal of circumstances or situation especially in a literary work.
What does hamartia mean?
a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine
What is unchecked ambition?
Unchecked ambition leads the seeker to extreme ways of gaining power and making poor choices. Often when people are over ambitious they let their morals deteriorate until they have no compassion.
Where is there hamartia in Macbeth?
unchecked ambition. He can’t restrain himself from going after what he wants, regardless of moral consequence
What quote shows Macbeths Hamartia and Ambition?
I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself
And falls on th’other
Loyalty and betrayal
At the start of the play Macbeth is portrayed to be Brave and Loyal to King Duncan and is celebrated for that which makes his hamartia ,Tragic downfall, worse as he has further to fall as he commits dangerous acts that spiral out of control.
Lady Macbeth’s two faced nature helps her to betray Ducan as he sees her as a kind, trustworthy hostess, Lady Macbeth also playing into the Patriarchal system plays a part in her seeming too innocent and naive to be part of and commit such dangerous acts.
Loyalty and betrayal quotes
‘Fear not, Macbeth. No man that’s born of woman
Shall e’er have power upon thee’
Act 5 scene 3
word for someone who is sneaky and cunning and lacking a moral code.
Machiavellian
‘I may pour my spirits in thine ear’ - from when she reacts to Macbeth’s letter
Links to trying to influence Macbeth, Lady Macbeth being Machiavellian and cunning to do what she wants for her ambition
How they are Nihilistic
Macbeth and lady Macbeth are nihilistic as they believe in nothing, no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy.
