Macbeth Flashcards
six basic elements of a tragedy
- plot making
- character delineation
- thought and language
- speech; soliloquies, thought and language
- song: chants, chorus, action and purpose of play
- spectacle: ridiculously over the top
Writer of a tragedy…
Imitates a serious and complete action of a certain magnitude
Organic parts of a plot
- reversal of a situation
- recognition: ignorance to knowledge
- pathos
6 stages of plot development
Exposition-background, setting, main characters
Exciting Force-catalyst
Rising Action- base of the plot, details
Climax- turning point for the main character
Falling Action- downward spiral
Catastrophe- tragic end that is a spectacle
The general Greek chorus
- group of 12-15 boys or men
- unpaid
- honor and civic duty
- trained and costumed
Functions of the Greek chorus
- linked audience and actors
- the ideal spectator
- tension relief
- reflected on events, pondered future events and asked questions
- advised central characters
- conscience of the people, ethical perception
- est. pacing of the play, points out important moments
- participate
- interacts with characters
Setting
Scotland, at war with Norway
Great Chain of Being
everything has order God Angels Spirits Man Animals Plants Inorganic Matter Chaos
Elizabethan view of man
King or Queen Nobility Knights Gentlemen Professions/trades Peasants
Macbeth Great Chain
God Angels Witches Duncan-King Malcolm Other nobles (Macbeth, Macduff, Banquo) Knights Gentleman Peasants Animals Inorganic Matter
Macbeth’s three prophecies
Thane of Glamus
Thane of Cawdor
King
Act I, i.
- Exposition
- Witches appear in storm
- Plan to meet again, and confront Macbeth
Act I, ii.
- exposition
- Macbeth seen as valiant in battle
- slays Macdonwald
- Duncan wants Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor
Act I, iii.
- exposition
- Macbeth echoes foul is fair
- receives three prophecies
- second prophecy comes true
Act I, iv.
- rising action
- Malcolm appointed Duncan’s successor
- thane of Cawdor executed
- Duncan is going to Macbeth’s castle
Act I, v.
- Rising action
- lady Macbeths singleness of purpose seen
- soliloquy
- tries to convince him to do whatever’s necessary
Act I, vi.
- rising action
- Duncan comes to Macbeths castle
- Duncan thanks lady Macbeth for her hospitality
Act I, vii.
- rising action
- Macbeth falters, lady Macbeth strengthens him
- he has no reason to kill king except his own ambition, not reliable
- lady Macbeth constructs plan
Act II, i.
- Macbeth has vision of the floating dagger
- Macbeth kills Duncan
Act II, ii.
- Macbeth is shaken by murder
- could not say amen
- forgot to frame the knights
Act II, iii.
COMIC RELIEF
- porter scene
- drunk, gates of hell
Act II, iv.
- Macbeth becomes king
- Malcolm and donalbain plan on fleeing
- Malcolm England
- donalbain Ireland
