Macbeth

Question 1

Who was the king in Macbeth?

Answer 1

Duncan

Question 2

Who was the Earl of Northumberland in Macbeth?

Answer 2

Siward

Question 3

Why does Macbeth have second thoughts about killing Duncan?

Answer 3

He thinks about all Duncan has done for him. He also thinks about what a crime it would be as it was thought that the King was chosen by God.

Question 4

Who wrote Macbeth?

Answer 4

Shakespeare

Question 5

Give an example of foreshadowing in act 1 of Macbeth

Answer 5

When Duncan talks about the Thane of Cawdor as a ‘disloyal traitor’ and gives the title to ‘brave … noble Macbeth’. It foreshadows Macbeth’s ultimate betrayal later in the play.

Question 6

How do the witches speak in Macbeth?

Answer 6

Rhyming couplets

Trochaic tetrameter

Question 7

What are the effects of the witches way of speaking?

Answer 7

Creates a sinister tone for the play.

Would’ve scared audiences as in Jacobean society, witchcraft was taken very seriously.

Question 8

What is the effect of Macbeth being talked about by other characters before he enters?

Answer 8

It creates tension for the audience.

Question 9

How is the theme of ambition explored throughout Macbeth?

Answer 9

• Macbeth acknowledges his ‘vaulting ambition’ in act one scene seven when he is contemplating murdering Duncan. He knows that Duncan has been good to him and he recognises that he is a good king. This deepens his guilt. His ambition overrules him.
• Ambition outweighs the influence that Lady Macbeth and the witches have over Macbeth.
• Macbeth is startled and fearful of the witches apparations that ‘sound so fair’. This suggests that Macbeth has already had murderous, treasonous thoughts triggered by the predictions.
• Lady Macbeth has ambitions but cannot fulfil them as she is female.

Question 10

How is the theme of the supernatural explored throughout Macbeth?

Answer 10

• The witches only appear in four scenes but set the tone for the whole play. There ‘small part’ has a huge impact, this implies that the supernatural is very powerful.
• Macbeth is affected greatly by the supernatural; the dagger and banquos ghost
• When Lady Macbeth is asking demonic spirits to possess her mind and body, she wants to rid herself of the pity she feels.

Question 11

How is the theme of revenge explored throughout Macbeth?

Answer 11

• It contrasts with the idea that justice is being done
• Duncan is asking for justice when he asks if the thane of Cawdor has been executed.
• Macbeth is haunted by Bnaquos ghost. This could be an example of revenge. Macbeth exclaims that ‘Blook will have blood’. He is admitting that the murders may be his downfall.
• Macduff promises Macbeth’s death as a form of personal revenge. Macbeth escaping is like Macbeth being forgiven.