Macbeth Act 5

Question 2

Scene 1: Lady Macbeth’s Sleepwalking

Answer 2

Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, revealing her overwhelming guilt She obsessively rubs her hands, trying to wash off imaginary blood:“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”A doctor and gentlewoman witness her confession of murder, realizing she is deeply troubled.

Question 3

Scene 2: Scottish Rebels Plan Their Attack

Question 4

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Answer 4

Scottish thanes (Menteith, Caithness, Lennox, and Angus) march against Macbeth.

Question 5

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Answer 5

They call him a “tyrant” and hope Malcolm will restore order.

Question 6

Scene 3: Macbeth’s False Confidence

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Answer 7

Macbeth dismisses reports of rebellion, believing in the witches’ prophecy:

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Answer 8

No man born of woman can harm him.

Question 9

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Answer 9

He is safe unless Birnam Wood moves.

Question 10

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Answer 10

He orders the doctor to cure Lady Macbeth’s mental illness, but his focus is on battle.

Question 11

Scene 4: Birnam Wood Moves

Question 12

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Answer 12

Malcolm and his soldiers cut branches from Birnam Wood to use as camouflage.

Question 13

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Answer 13

This fulfills the witches’ prophecy—Birnam Wood is “moving” toward Dunsinane.

Question 14

Scene 5: Lady Macbeth Dies & Macbeth’s Nihilism

Question 15

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Answer 15

Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth’s death—likely suicide—but reacts coldly:

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Answer 16

“She should have died hereafter.”

Question 17

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Answer 17

He delivers his famous speech on the meaninglessness of life:

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Answer 18

“Life’s but a walking shadow… a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Question 19

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Answer 19

He hears that Birnam Wood is moving, realizing the prophecy is coming true.

Question 20

Scene 6: Malcolm’s Army Attacks

Question 21

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Answer 21

Malcolm orders his soldiers to drop their branches and attack.

Question 22

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Answer 22

Macbeth prepares for battle.

Question 23

Scene 7: Macbeth’s Last Stand

Question 24

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Answer 24

Macbeth kills Young Siward but remains defiant.

Question 25

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Answer 25

Macduff searches for Macbeth, determined to kill him.

Question 26

Scene 8: Macduff Kills Macbeth & Malcolm is King

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Answer 27

Macduff reveals he was born via C-section (“from his mother’s womb untimely ripped”), fulfilling the prophecy.

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Answer 28

This means he was not technically born of woman—the prophecy is fulfilled.

Question 29

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Answer 29

Macbeth refuses to surrender and is killed by Macduff.

Question 30

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Answer 30

Macduff presents Macbeth’s severed head to Malcolm.

Question 31

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Answer 31

Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland and promises to restore peace.

Question 33

Major Themes in Act 5

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Answer 34

Guilt & Conscience

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Answer 35

Lady Macbeth’s guilt drives her to madness, leading to her breakdown and death.

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Answer 36

Fate vs. Free Will

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Answer 37

Macbeth thought he controlled his destiny, but the witches’ words were deceptive.

Question 38

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Answer 38

Macbeth chooses to believe in the witches, leading to his downfall.

Question 39

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Answer 39

Appearance vs. Reality

Question 40

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Answer 40

The witches’ prophecies were intentionally misleading, proving that appearances can be deceiving.

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Macbeth was never truly invincible. He misunderstood their true meaning.

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Answer 42

Leadership & Tyranny

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Answer 43

Macbeth’s downfall contrasts with Malcolm’s promise of restoring peace.

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Answer 44

Macbeth’s selfish, power-hungry rule contrasts with Malcolm’s promises of peace.

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Answer 45

Macbeth ruled through fear, while Malcolm promises justice and order.

Question 47

Key Quotes & Meanings

Question 48

Quote

Answer 48

Who Said It?

Question 49

“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”

Answer 49

Lady Macbeth

Question 50

“She should have died hereafter.”

Answer 50

Macbeth

Question 51

“Life’s but a walking shadow... it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Answer 51

Macbeth

Question 52

“Turn, hell-hound, turn!”

Answer 52

Macduff

Question 53

“Hail, King of Scotland!”

Answer 53

Malcolm’s Men

Question 57

Important Vocabulary

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Answer 58

Arbitrate – to settle a dispute

Question 59

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Answer 59

Perturbation – mental disturbance

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Answer 60

Recoil – to shrink back in fear

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Answer 61

Upbraid – to criticize sharply

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Answer 62

Usurper – someone who takes power illegally

Question 65

Practice Questions

Question 66

Multiple Choice

Question 67

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Answer 67

What does Lady Macbeth do while sleepwalking?

Question 68

C) Confesses her crimes and rubs her hands

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Answer 70

What prophecy does Macbeth cling to before his final battle?

Question 71

C) That no man born of woman can harm him

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How does Macbeth die?

Question 74

A) Macduff kills him in a duel

Question 76

Short Answer

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Answer 77

Why does Macbeth believe he cannot be killed?

Question 78

Macbeth believes he is invincible because of the witches’ prophecy that "no man of woman born shall harm Macbeth." He interprets this literally, if no human can defeat him.

Question 80

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Answer 80

How does Lady Macbeth’s mental state change in Act 5?

Question 81

In Act 5, Lady Macbeth becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia. She begins sleepwalking, obsessively rubbing her hands as if trying to wash away imagined bloodstains and eventually descends into madness.

Question 83

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Answer 83

What is the significance of Malcolm becoming king at the end?

Question 84

Malcolm’s coronation represents the restoration of order in Scotland after Macbeth’s tyrannical rule. As Duncan’s rightful heir, he symbolizes legitimacy, justice, and the triumph of good over evil.