MACBETH Flashcards
What is the central theme of ‘Macbeth’?
The central theme of ‘Macbeth’ is the corrupting power of ambition.
Who are the three witches in ‘Macbeth’?
The three witches are supernatural beings who prophesy Macbeth’s rise to power.
True or False: Macbeth is initially a hesitant murderer.
True
Fill in the blank: Lady Macbeth famously calls on ______ to help her with her ambition.
spirits
What does Macbeth’s famous line ‘Out, out brief candle’ symbolize?
It symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Who kills King Duncan?
Macbeth kills King Duncan.
What does the blood symbolize in ‘Macbeth’?
Blood symbolizes guilt and the consequences of one’s actions.
What is Lady Macbeth’s role in Macbeth’s rise to power?
Lady Macbeth manipulates and encourages Macbeth to commit murder to fulfill their ambitions.
What does the quote ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’ suggest?
It suggests the theme of appearance versus reality.
Who is Banquo?
Banquo is Macbeth’s friend and a fellow soldier who is also given a prophecy by the witches.
What is the significance of the dagger in Macbeth’s soliloquy?
The dagger represents Macbeth’s ambition and the murderous path he is contemplating.
True or False: Macbeth becomes paranoid after becoming king.
True
What does the quote ‘I am in blood, stepped in so far’ imply about Macbeth’s character?
It implies that Macbeth feels trapped in his violent actions and sees no way back.
Who ultimately kills Macbeth?
Macduff ultimately kills Macbeth.
What is the role of fate versus free will in ‘Macbeth’?
The play explores the tension between fate as predetermined by the witches and the choices made by Macbeth.
Fill in the blank: The motif of ______ appears throughout ‘Macbeth’ to represent guilt.
sleep
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says ‘Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t’?
She means to hide their true intentions behind a facade of innocence.
What is the significance of the title ‘Thane of Cawdor’?
The title signifies betrayal, as the original Thane of Cawdor was executed for treason.
True or False: The play ‘Macbeth’ is set in Scotland.
True
What supernatural element plays a crucial role in ‘Macbeth’?
The prophecies of the witches.
What is the meaning of the phrase ‘The milk of human kindness’?
It refers to a person’s natural compassion and gentleness.
What does the quote ‘There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face’ suggest?
It suggests that one cannot judge a person’s intentions or thoughts by their outward appearance.
Fill in the blank: The character of ______ serves as a foil to Macbeth.
Banquo
What does the term ‘tragic hero’ mean in the context of Macbeth?
A tragic hero is a character who has a tragic flaw that leads to their downfall.
What is the role of the supernatural in ‘Macbeth’?
The supernatural elements drive the plot and influence characters’ actions.
What does Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking signify?
It signifies her overwhelming guilt and mental unraveling.
What does the quote ‘All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!’ foreshadow?
It foreshadows Macbeth’s ascent to the throne and the ensuing chaos.
Who says the line ‘Out, out brief candle’?
Macbeth says this line.
What does the weather symbolize in the play?
The weather often reflects the turmoil and chaos in the kingdom.
Fill in the blank: Macbeth’s ______ leads to his eventual downfall.
ambition
What is the significance of the character Macduff?
Macduff represents loyalty and justice, ultimately avenging Duncan’s murder.
True or False: The play ends with Macbeth’s death and restoration of order.
True
What does the quote ‘A little water clears us of this deed’ reveal about Lady Macbeth’s character?
It reveals her initial belief that guilt can be easily washed away.
What is the emotional state of Macbeth at the end of the play?
Macbeth is despondent, realizing the futility of his ambition.
What theme is explored through the character of Lady Macbeth?
The theme of gender roles and the nature of power.
Fill in the blank: The character of ______ represents the consequences of unbridled ambition.
Macbeth
What does the term ‘hubris’ refer to in the context of Macbeth?
Hubris refers to Macbeth’s excessive pride and self-confidence leading to his downfall.
What does the quote ‘When you durst do it, then you were a man’ imply about masculinity?
It implies that masculinity is tied to the willingness to commit violence and ambition.
What role does guilt play in ‘Macbeth’?
Guilt manifests as madness and paranoia in both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Who is Hecate and what is her role in the play?
Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft who oversees the witches and influences their actions.
True or False: The character of Malcolm represents tyranny.
False
What does the imagery of darkness represent in ‘Macbeth’?
Darkness represents evil, moral decay, and the unnatural events occurring.
Fill in the blank: The use of ______ foreshadows the events in ‘Macbeth’.
foreshadowing
What is the significance of the line ‘This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill’?
It reflects Macbeth’s internal conflict and the allure of the witches’ prophecies.
What does the quote ‘The king-becoming graces’ refer to?
It refers to the qualities that make a good king, such as justice and mercy.
What is the role of the character Ross in the play?
Ross serves as a messenger and commentator on the events in Scotland.
What does the quote ‘To be thus is nothing’ signify in Macbeth’s soliloquy?
It signifies Macbeth’s realization that power without security is meaningless.
