Macbeth Flashcards
What is the significance of the phrase ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’?
It reflects the theme of ambiguity in morality and appearance versus reality.
This phrase is spoken by the witches in Act 1, Scene 1, indicating that what seems good may actually be bad.
Who compares soldiers to ‘cannons over-charg’d with double cracks’?
The Captain in Act 1, Scene 2.
This metaphor highlights the intensity and ferocity of the battle.
How does Banquo describe the witches?
…so wither’d and so wild in their attire….
This description in Act 1, Scene 3 emphasizes their unnatural appearance.
What does Macbeth wish for when he says, ‘Stars hide your fires,/ Let not light see my black and deep desires.’?
He wishes for concealment of his dark ambitions.
This is found in Act 1, Scene 4, revealing his internal conflict.
What does Lady Macbeth mean by ‘It is too full o’th’milk of human kindness’?
She believes Macbeth is too compassionate to seize the crown.
This line is from Act 1, Scene 5.
What does Lady Macbeth request when she says, ‘Unsex me here and fill me from the crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty’?
She asks to be stripped of femininity to commit cruel acts.
This reveals her ambition and desire for power in Act 1, Scene 5.
What is the meaning behind ‘Look like th’innocent flower,/ But be the serpent under’t’?
Appear innocent while hiding one’s true intentions.
This advice from Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 5 illustrates deception.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself/ And falls on th’other’?
Ambition can lead to one’s downfall.
This line from Act 1, Scene 7 reflects Macbeth’s concerns about his desires.
What horrific imagery does Lady Macbeth use when she says, ‘have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums/ And dash’d the brains out’?
She describes a brutal act of infanticide to illustrate her ruthlessness.
This quote is from Act 1, Scene 7.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘False face must hide what the false heart doth know’?
One must conceal their true feelings and intentions.
This line appears in Act 1, Scene 7 and emphasizes deception.
What rhetorical question does Macbeth ask regarding blood on his hands?
‘Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?’
This expresses his guilt after killing Duncan in Act 2, Scene 2.
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, ‘A little water clears us of this deed.’?
She believes that washing their hands will erase their guilt.
This is from Act 2, Scene 2, showcasing her initial confidence.
What does Macbeth exclaim after discovering Duncan’s murder?
‘O horror, horror, horror!’
This line from Act 2, Scene 3 highlights his shock and despair.
What does Banquo suspect about Macbeth in ‘Thou hast it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all………I fear thou played’st most foully for’t’?
He fears Macbeth gained the throne through treachery.
This is from Act 3, Scene 1, indicating Banquo’s suspicions.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘Upon my head they plac’d a fruitless crown/ And put a barren sceptre in my gripe’?
He feels his kingship is meaningless and without heirs.
This line is from Act 3, Scene 1.
What does Macbeth express when he says, ‘O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!’?
His mind is troubled and filled with anxiety.
This is found in Act 3, Scene 2.
What does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth regarding knowledge of his plans?
‘Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,/ Till thou applaud the deed.’
This indicates his desire to keep her in the dark about his actions in Act 3, Scene 2.
What does Macbeth say to confront Banquo’s ghost in Act 3, Scene 4?
‘Thou canst not say I did it; never shake/ Thy gory locks at me!’
This shows his growing paranoia and guilt.
What does Macbeth challenge when he asks, ‘Are you a man?’
He questions the masculinity of those around him.
This is from Act 3, Scene 4 and reflects themes of gender and power.
What does the witches say when they sense something wicked is coming?
‘By the pricking of my thumbs,/ Something wicked this way comes.’
This line from Act 4, Scene 1 indicates the presence of evil.
What does Macduff lament when he says, ‘O hell kite! What, all my pretty chickens and their dam/ At one fell swoop?’
He mourns the loss of his family.
This is from Act 4, Scene 3, showcasing his grief.
What does Lady Macbeth cry out in her sleep in Act 5, Scene 1?
‘Out, damned spot! Out, I say.’
This reflects her guilt and descent into madness.
What does Lady Macbeth ask about Macduff’s wife?
‘The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now?’
This indicates her awareness of the tragedy that has unfolded.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘They have tied me to a stake; I cannot fly.’?
He feels trapped and unable to escape his fate.
This is from Act 5, Scene 7.
How does Malcolm describe Macbeth and Lady Macbeth at the end of the play?
‘Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen.’
This line from Act 5, Scene 9 summarizes their tyrannical rule.
