Macbeth Flashcards
Why is the quote “Fair is foul and foul is fair” significant in Macbeth?
sets the tone and warns against trusting appearances
How does Lady Macbeth’s character evolve through her quotes?
Starts as manipulative and ambitious (“Unsex me here”).
Shows vulnerability and empathy (“Had he not resembled my father”).
Ends in guilt and madness (“Out, damned spot”).
Her evolution reflects the consequences of defying gender norms and embracing cruelty.
How do the quotes “Fair is foul and foul is fair” and “Stars hide your fires” connect to Macbeth’s character development?
Both quotes highlight Macbeth’s internal conflict between morality and ambition.
“Fair is foul” sets the tone for deception, while “Stars hide your fires” shows his awareness of his dark desires.
Together, they foreshadow his descent into tyranny and guilt.
What are the key themes highlighted by the quotes in Macbeth?
Deception and appearance vs. reality
Ambition and its consequences
Guilt and remorse
Fate vs. free will
Gender roles and masculinity
The supernatural
What does Malcolm’s description of Macbeth as a “dead butcher” imply?
Macbeth is seen as a ruthless killer
In which act and scene does Lady Macbeth say “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”?
Act 5, Scene 1
- blood = overwhelming sense of guilt from killing king duncan
- reveals LM descend into darkness
-inability to escape consquences of her actions
-audience feel sympathetic and horror
What does the quote “It is unnatural, even like the deed that’s done” - ross in act 2 scene 4 suggest about Duncan’s murder?
the murder disrupts the divine right of kings, and the unnaturalness of the act causes chaos in nature, symbolizing the disturbance of balance and order in the kingdom.
What does the quote “Sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep” symbolize?
The quote symbolizes Macbeth’s deep guilt and the psychological consequences of his actions. By murdering King Duncan, Macbeth not only disrupts the natural order but also condemns himself to eternal restlessness. The inability to sleep represents his loss of peace and the torment of his conscience.
what does the quote “My thanes and kinsmen, henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland in such an honour named”
Malcolm’s declaration of making his thanes earls symbolizes the restoration of Scotland’s order and social structure after Macbeth’s tyranny, highlighting his leadership and recognition of loyalty.
how is Malcolm portrayed as in Macbeth
- initially portrayed as naïve and absent during Macbeth’s rise, matures throughout the play, demonstrating intelligence and self-awareness.
- By the end, he reclaims the throne, restores Scotland’s natural order, and rewards his supporters, showing strength and loyalty.
how are the witches portrayed in macbeth?
-The witches represent the supernatural, with eerie appearance highlighting Macbeth’s folly in trusting them.
-They are powerful manipulators, exploiting Macbeth’s flaws to cause chaos.
-Shakespeare makes them speak in riddles and brew potions to emphasize their sinister nature, reflecting the widespread belief in the supernatural’s threat to the natural order.
how is Macduff portrayed as in “Macbeth”?
-Macduff is a loyal and righteous noble who stands up for what is right.
-His search for vengeance after Macbeth murders his family contrasts with Macbeth’s destructive ambition.
-Macduff fulfils the witches’ prophecy by being the one to kill Macbeth.
What is the significance of the quote “Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air” in Macbeth?
highlights the theme of moral confusion, foreshadowing the blurring of good and evil in Macbeth, and creates an unsettling atmosphere for the audience, emphasizing the supernatural’s disruptive power.
How does Duncan represent a legitimate and reasonable king in Macbeth?
-Duncan is depicted as a legitimate and innocent king who embodies the natural order of Scotland.
-he is naïve and too reliant on his thanes, which makes his shocking murder even more impactful, as it disrupts the stability of the kingdom. His death foreshadows the chaos that will follow
How is Banquo presented in Macbeth, and why is his murder significant?
presented as a brave and loyal warrior, similar to Macbeth, but differs by remaining sceptical of the witches and Macbeth’s ambitions
. He is wise and loyal, making his murder by Macbeth all the more horrific.
Shakespeare presents Banquo positively, as he is the ancestor of King James I, making his character more significant to the audience, who would recognize James as a descendant of Banquo.
How does Lady Macbeth’s character develop throughout Macbeth, and what does this reveal about gender roles and the supernatural?
introduced as a powerful, manipulative character who controls Macbeth and drives the plot to murder Duncan.
However, she underestimates the supernatural and its influence, which leads to her eventual loss of control and sanity, culminating in her suicide.
Her initially dominant role challenges traditional gender roles, and her downfall reflects the supernatural’s power to disrupt the natural order and gender expectations of the time.
How does Macbeth’s character develop in Macbeth, and what are his tragic flaws?
Macbeth starts as a heroic warrior but becomes overwhelmed by ambition, naivety, and weakness, which lead him to murder Duncan and commit further atrocities.
His ambition, easily influenced by the witches and Lady Macbeth, drives his downfall.
His guilt and hallucinations show his internal conflict, but by the end of the play, he becomes a tyrant, completely consumed by evil and betrayal, ultimately fulfilling the witches’ prophecy with his death.
