Macbeth Flashcards
When was the play of Macbeth written?
In the reign of King James I.
What hot topics does Macbeth deal with that were happening during the time?
Loyalty and treason- play focuses on the murder of a King. When play was written, several plots on King James ie. Gunpowder plot.
The supernatural- Witches predictions encourage Macbeth to commit murder. Witches were believed to be real and dangerous and thousands were executed.
The Royal line- Macbeth worries children won’t go on to be King. Uncertainty about royal succession in Shakespeare’s England was real concern, King James I was new family of Stuart’s.
What are the different elements of stagecraft in Macbeth?
Props, stage directions, costumes, setting.
What is often mentioned in the stage directions of Macbeth?
‘Alarums’ which are blasts of trumpets showing a battle going on.
What is a main prop used in Macbeth?
Witches and their cauldron, creates a spooky atmosphere.
Where is Macbeth predominantly set?
Scotland.
How do costumes add to Macbeth?
Most characters are nobleman so would wear costumes suited to their high status.
Lady Macbeth- noblewoman so would look impressive meeting Duncan in Act 1 but she sleepwalks in Act 5 in her dressing gown which shows how vulnerable she’s become.
What happened in the revised version of Macbeth in the seventeenth century?
Made more of a spectacle, flying witches more music and more dance.
Who were the witches played by in the 2011 Royal Shakespeare’s company?
Young children to create an unsettling atmosphere.
Name one adaptation of Macbeth.
Polanski (1971) altered some info for example, Ross is shown to be involved in the murders of Macduff and Banquo.
What are the main themes of Macbeth?
Ambition, loyalty + betrayal, supernatural, fate + free will.
How does the theme of ambition link to Macbeth?
Macbeth is driven by ambition, he’s willing to kill Duncan to become king and will do anything to keep his crown.
How does the theme of loyalty and betrayal link to Macbeth?
Duncan trusts wrong people. Macbeth doesn’t trust anyone. Malcolm is careful about who he trusts.
How does the theme of supernatural link to Macbeth?
Witches manipulate Macbeth. Visions drive him and wife mad with guilt.
How does the theme fate and free will link to Macbeth?
Explores idea of self fulfilling prophecy as it is unclear Macbeth has control over own fate.
What are soliloquies?
When characters speak to themselves, revealing their thoughts to the audience.
What is dramatic irony?
When the audience knows something the characters don’t.
What rhythm and rhyme do most characters speak in?
Blank verse.
What rhythm and rhyme do the witches speak in?
Short, rhyming lines which makes them seem unnatural and unusual like they are chanting and casting a spell.
How is imagery linked to Macbeth?
Metaphors and similes set plays mood. Full of images of light and darkness which symbolises good and evil. Sun doesn’t shine after Duncan’s murder.
What happens in Act 1 of Macbeth?
Witches plan to meet Macbeth. Macbeth is a hero Macbeth meets witches. Duncan thanks Macbeth. Lady Macbeth plots against Duncan. Duncan arrives at castle. Macbeths plan murder.
What are the three prophecies made by the Witches in Act 1?
Macbeth will be made Thane of Cawdor then King.
Banquo will create a line of kings but not become one himself.
What happened to the last Thane of Cawdor?
He was executed for treason.
Who is made next in line to the throne in Act 1, Scene 4?
Malcolm.
