Macbeth Flashcards
Who is described as ‘brave Macbeth’?
Macbeth
This term highlights Macbeth’s valor in battle.
What does ‘unseamed him from the nave to th’ chaps’ refer to?
A brutal act of killing
This phrase illustrates Macbeth’s prowess and brutality in battle.
What does the Captain say about Macbeth’s actions?
‘Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution’
This emphasizes Macbeth’s fearless nature and violent success.
What does ‘Valour’s minion’ imply?
A favorite of bravery or courage
This phrase suggests Macbeth is a servant to valor.
Complete the quote: ‘This supernatural soliciting/ Cannot be ______, cannot be good.’
ill
This reflects Macbeth’s inner conflict regarding the witches’ prophecies.
What is expressed in the line ‘So foul and fair a day I have not seen.’?
The contradiction of good and evil
This line captures the theme of duality in the play.
Who is referred to as ‘dearest partner of greatness’?
Lady Macbeth
This indicates the close bond and shared ambition between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
What does Macbeth declare about proceeding with the murder in the quote ‘We will proceed no further in this business.’?
He refuses to continue
This highlights Macbeth’s moment of hesitation before committing regicide.
What do ‘his virtues/ Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued against/ The deep damnation of his taking-off’ signify?
The moral implications of killing King Duncan
This reflects Macbeth’s awareness of the consequences of his actions.
What is Macbeth unable to pronounce after committing murder?
‘Amen’
This symbolizes his guilt and alienation from God.
What does ‘Glamis hath murdered sleep’ imply?
Macbeth will no longer find peace
This indicates the psychological consequences of his actions.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘Our fears in Banquo/stick deep’?
He is deeply concerned about Banquo
This signifies Macbeth’s growing paranoia and fear of losing power.
What does ‘Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown/ And put a barren sceptre in my gripe’ suggest?
Macbeth feels his kingship is meaningless
This reflects his anxiety about the stability of his reign.
Complete the quote: ‘We have scorched the snake, not ______.’
killed it
This metaphor highlights Macbeth’s feeling of insecurity after achieving his goals.
What does ‘It will have blood they say: blood will have blood.’ mean?
Violence begets more violence
This reflects the cyclical nature of revenge and guilt in the play.
What does ‘I am in blood/stepped in so far’ indicate?
Macbeth feels trapped in his violent actions
This signifies his realization that he cannot turn back.
What is meant by ‘we are but young in deed’?
They have just begun their descent into evil
This emphasizes Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s initial naivety in their ambition.
What does ‘the worm that’s fled/ Hath nature that in time will venom breed’ refer to?
Banquo’s descendants posing a threat
This reflects Macbeth’s fear of losing power to Banquo’s heirs.
Complete the quote: ‘Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck/Till thou ______ the deed.’
applaud
This indicates Macbeth’s desire to keep Lady Macbeth in the dark about his plans.
What does Macbeth command the witches in ‘answer me… answer me to what I ask you’?
He demands answers about his future
This signifies his desperation for control and knowledge.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘From this moment,/ The very firstlings of my heart shall be/ The firstlings of my hand.’?
He will act on his impulses without hesitation
This reflects his commitment to ruthless action.
What does Macbeth plan regarding ‘The castle of Macduff I will surprise;’?
He intends to attack Macduff’s castle
This illustrates Macbeth’s descent into tyranny and violence.
What is the significance of ‘His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls’?
Macbeth plans to murder Macduff’s family
This highlights the extent of Macbeth’s moral decay.
What does ‘She would have died hereafter’ suggest?
Lady Macbeth’s death is inevitable
This reflects Macbeth’s acceptance of fate.
