Macbeth - Discussion of Acts Flashcards
Act 1
What is Act 1 Scene 1 of Macbeth all about?
+The Witches plan to meet Macbeth
Act 1
What does Act 1 Scene 1 start with?
+The play starts with thunder and lightning, which sets a dark and violent.
+The wild weather hints that unnatural events are occuring.
Act 1
Who are the first characters on stage in Act 1 Scene 1?
+The three witches are the first characters on stage - this shows how important the theme of supernatural is in the play.
+The Witches are mysterious - we don’t know what their purpose is.
Act 1
How do the Witches speak?
+The Witches speak in rhyming couplets, eg. “When the hurly-burly’s done,/When the battle’s lost and won.”
+Only the supernatural characters in the play consistently use rhyme - it sets them apart from the other characters and makes their speech sound unnatural, as if they’re casting an evil spell.
Act 1
What do the Witches plan to do?
+The Witches plan to meet Macbeth, but don’t exlplain their intentions.
+Their final rhyming couplet, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,/ Hover through the fog and filthy air” hints that they’re evil.
+Theme - Reality and Appearences: The Witches introduce the idea that nothing is at it seems: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”. This theme is central to the play.
Act 1
How do the Witches create paradoxes?
+A paradox is a statement that contradics itself.
+The Witches speak in paradoxes - “When the battle’s lost and won”.
+At first they don’t make any sense, but their predictions become clearer as the play goes on.
Act 1
What is Act 1 Scene 2 of Macbeth all about?
King Duncan hears reports of the battle.
Act 1
Who are the Scottish army in the middle of?
+A battle
+The Scottish army, led by Macbeth and Banquo, are fighting rebel armies from Norway and Ireland.
Act 1
What does Shakespeare do with the battlefield scene?
+Shakespeare contrasts the eerie opening sccene with the brutality and “bloody excecution” of the battlefield.
+This sets a violent mood for the rest of the play.
Act 1
How is Macbeth first introduced at the start of the play?
+The Captain and Duncan describe Macbeth as “brave” and “valiant” - at this point he’s a hero who’s loyal to his king and country.
+Character - Macbeth: At the start of the play Macbeth is celebrated for his bloodthirsty nature - he cut the traitor Macdonald “from the nave to the chops” - It’s ironic that this violence eventually leads to his downfall.
Act 1
How does the audience perceive Macbeth at the start of the play?
+Theme - Reality and Appearances: The Witches have just told the audience that “Fair is foul” - this suggests that the “Worthy” Macbeth might not be as good as the other characters believe.
+The audience hasn’t met Macbeth yet, so their view of him is based on what other characters say.
+Macbeth cuts off the traitor’s head - this forshadows [hints at something that happens later] his own death at the end.
Act 1
What is Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth all about?
The witches make three predictions
Act 1
How are the Witches portrayed in Act 1 Scene 3?
+The Witches are accompanied by thunder again - this recurring motif hints at chaos, danger and the overturning of the natural order. [A motif is a recurring symbol].
+Macbeth’s first line in this scene, “So foul and fair a day I have not seen”, immediately links him to the Witches and their “Foul is fair” prophecy - which hints that his words and thoughts are influenced by their presence and eerie atmosphere.
Act 1
How does Shakespeare use symbolism in Act 1 Scene 3 through the witches to forshadow Macbeth’s breakdown?
+The Witches talk about sending a storm out on a sailor’s ship so that he can’t sleep - the sailor is a metaphor for what will happen to Macbeth, who’s made sleepless by guilt [and the influence of the Witches], and the ship is a metaphor for Scotland, which is heavily damaged and almost destroyed during Macbeth’s violent reign.
Act 1
How do Banquo and Macbeth react to the predictions in Act 1 Scene 3?
Banquo and Macbeth react differently to the predictions.
Act 1
What do the Witches predict in Act 1 Scene 3?
+The Witches predict that Macbeth will be made Thane of Cawdor, then King, and that Banquo’s descendants will also become kings.
+Banquo and Macbeth react differently to the news
Act 1
What do the Witches tell Banquo?
+The Witches tell Banquo he will be “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater”. - This is a reference to Banquo’s sons being kings, but it could also mean that Banquo is greater because he isn’t driven by greed and ambition.
Act 1
How does Banquo react to the Witches’ predictions?
+Banquo is suspicious and questions his own sanity - he asks, “Have we eaten on the insane root”.
+He warns that the Witches “Win us with honest trifles - to betray’s”. He accepts that the Witches are telling the truth, but he’s also aware that they’re manipulating Macbeth and himself.
+Banquo’s less easily deceived by Macbeth - He calls the Witches “instruments of darkness” because they’re evil, wheras Macbeth is less certain - he says they “Cannot be ill, cannot be good”.
Act 1
How does Macbeth react to the prophecies of the Witches?
+The encounter with the Witches leaves Macbeth “rapt withal”. - He’s spellbound by the predictions, but he’s also scared by the powerful ambition that the Witches have awakened in him.
+Macbeth can’t stop thinking about the prophecies, this shows his lust for power. - He immediately thinks about killing Duncan [“whose horrid image doth unfix my hair”] , but he’s also reluctant.
+At this point Macbeth isn’t an evil character - he’s wrestling with his conscience and torn between his ambition and his loyalty.
Act 1
How does Macebth react to becoming Thane of Cawdor?
+When Macbeth finds out he’s been made Thane of Cawdor, it shows that the first prediction has come true.
+This convinces him that the prediction about him becoming King will come true too, which strenghtens his ambition.
Act 1
How do the Witches convey their prophecies?
+Character - The Witches: The Witches tell Banquo he will be “Not so happy, yet much happier”. This hints that although Macbeth will get what he wants [he’ll be King], it won’t make him happy.
+The Witches use paradoxes and riddles to confuse Macbeth and Banquo to lead them astray.
Act 1
What is Act 1 Scene 4 of Macbeth all about?
+Macbeth is made Thane of Cawdor.
Act 1
Why does Duncan give Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor?
+As a reward for his loyalty. [This is a turning point in the play - The Witches’ first prediction comes true]
+Theme - Reality and Appearances: Duncan says he misjudged the old Thane of Cawdor because there’s no way to “find the mind’s construction in the face” - he thinks that people who seem good and loyal may not be.
+It’s ironic - he also misjudges Macbeth.
Act 1
How does Shakespeare present Duncan as good King in Act 1 Scene 4?
+Duncan uses an extended metaphor of plants, eg. “plant thee” and “make thee full of growing”, to show that he sees it as his duty to nurture people who are loyal to him.
+Duncan sees Macbeth as a potential successor, suggesting that fate might make Macbeth King without him doing anything.
+Theme - Kingship: Duncan is represented as a strong and fair leader - he rewards loyalty and wants Scotland to prosper - This contrasts with Macbeth’s violent, tyrannical rule.
Act 1
How does Macbeth react to Duncan making him and praising him as the new Thane of Cawdor?
+Macbeth seems confused in this scene - outwardly he’s a brave and loyal warlord, but inwardly his ambition is battling with his conscience; He want’s to keep his “black and deep desires” hidden, not just from other people but himself.
+Writer’s Techniques - Symbolism: Duncan says, “signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine/On all deservers.” - He thinks that fate will reward those who deserve it.
+Light is also linked to visibility, which contrasts with Macbeth’s desire to hide his intentions.
Act 1
What is Act 1 Scene 5 all about?
Lady Macbeth decides Duncan must die
Act 1
How does Act 1 Scene 5 start?
+The Scene opens with Lady Macbeth alone, reading a letter from Macbeth about the Witches’ prophecies - this allows the audience to hear her inner thoughts and see what she’s really like.
+She has no doubts about killing Duncan and immediately sees that she’ll have to force Macbeth to do it because he’s “too full o’th’ milk of human kindness”.
Act 1
How does Shakespeare have Lady Macbeth express her soliloquy to show how she is in Act 1 Scene 5?
+Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy uses evil imagery such as “smoke of hell” and “direst cruelty”, which shows the evil and hellish thoughts on her mind.
+Writer’s techniques - Symbolism: Lady Macbeth asks the spirits to “unsex [her] here” - she doesn’t want to be a woman because she sees women as weak and incapable of murder.
Act 1
How does Lady Macbeth’s soliliquy link her to the Witches?
+Her speech links her to the Witches - she uses imperatives, which make it sound like she’s casting a spell.
+She says “Come you spirits” and “Come, thick night”, which links her to evil, unnatural spirits.
+Macbeth enters and their dialogue in lines 56-58 is in half-line breaks - this makes their speech sound urgent and hurried - they’re both nervous and need to act quickly in case their interrupted.
Act 1
What does Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy tell us about Lady Macbeth?
+Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy is really important - it shows that she’s the driving force behind the decision to murder Duncan.
+Her language links her to the Witches, and shows that she’s not to be trusted.
Act 1
What is Act 1 Scene 6 of Macbeth all about?
Duncan and the lords arrive at Macbeth’s castle
Act 1
How does Duncan react when he arrives at Macbeth’s castle?
+Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle and is grateful for his hospitality and everything Macbeth’s done for him.
+Writer’s Techniques - Irony: Duncan describes Macbeth’s castle as “pleasant” and says that it “sweetly recommends itself”. - It’s ironic that Duncan feels happy and welcome at Macbeth’s castle - the audience knows what Macbeth’s got planned: this is where Duncan will die.
Act 1
How does Lady Macbeth react to Duncan arriving in her castle?
+Lady Macbeth appears to be the perfect hostess - she flatters Duncan and thanks him for the “honours deep and broad” he has given them;
+Shakespeare contrasts this scene with the previous one to show how false Lady Macbeth is.
+Writers Techniques - Irony: Duncan describes Macbeth’s love for Lady Macbeth as “sharp as his spur”. - This is ironic as it wasn’t love that made Macbeth rush home but his desire to plot Duncan’s murder with Lady Macbeth.
+It’s also ironic because Lady Macbeth is the spur [encouragement] that drives Macbeth into action.
Act 1
What is Act 1 Scene 7 of Macbeth all about?
+The Macbeths agree to kill Duncan
Act 1
How does Shakespeare start Act 1 Scene 7 of Macbeth?
+Scene 7 opens with Macbeth’s soliloquy - he’s trying to decide whether to kill Duncan and gives a list of reasons why he shouldn’t:
- He knows that murder can “return/To plague th’inventor”, so if he kills Duncan he’s likely to end uo being killed himself.
- As Duncan’s “kinsman” and “host” he has a duty to protect him.
- Duncan is a good king - he’s “clear in his great office”, so killing him will lead to “deep damnation”.
- Macbeth knows his own ambition will be his downfall.
Act 1
How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth’s backtrack of Duncan’s murder plan?
+Lady Macbeth is forceful - she bullies and persuades Macbeth to go through with the murder by questioning his masculinity.
+She says that by killing Duncan Macbeth will be “so much more the man”. - This has a double meaning: he’ll be more of a man, and he’ll also be King.
+She rejects her femininity by telling Macbeth that she’d kill her own child if she had “sworn” to do so” - She’s trying to prove how remorseless and evil she is.
Act 1
How does Shakespeare build suspense at the end of Act 1 [Scene 7]?
+Writer’s techniques: Act one ends with anticipation - the murder has been planned but hasn’t happened; this builds suspense for the audience.
Act 1
How does Shakespeare use Lady Macbeth’s admonishing to forshadow that Macbeth will never be a good king?
+Writer’s Techniques - Imagery: Lady Macbeth uses language connected with alchemy [the process of turning cheap metal into gold]: A “limbeck” and “receipt” are the apparatus used and “fume” refers to the gases produced.
+Alchemists never succeeded in turning cheap metal into real gold - Shakespeare is hinting that Macbeth will never become a good successful king despite the ingredients Lady Macbeth will give him.
Act 2
What is Act 2 of Macbeth all about?
+What is Scene 1 of Act 2 all about?
+Macbeth kills Duncan, and Lady Macbeth covers the servants in blood to frame them for his murder.
+Macbeth meets Banquo then goes to kill Duncan
Act 2
How does Act 2 Scene 1 begin?
+Banquo and his son, Fleance, go for a walk at night - Fleance is a reminder to the audience about the Witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s sons will be kings.
+There aren’t any stars: “Their candles are all out”, so its very dark - the darkness symbolises the evil that Macbeth is about to do; the starless sky also echoes Duncan’s speech in Act 1, Scene 4 about stars shining on the deserving, but Macbeth is undeserving.
Act 2
What does Macbeth say to Banquo in Act 2 Scene 1?
+Macbeth promises that if Banquo supports him, he’ll “honour” him, but Banquo replies that he’ll only help Macbeth if he can keep his “allegiance clear” - This shows that he is loyal to Duncan.
+Character - Banquo: Banquo’s response shows that he’s more moral than Macbeth, but his “cursèd thoughts” and mention of the Witches may hint he’s thinking about acting on the prophecies.
Act 2
What does Macbeth talk about in his soliloquy on his way to kill Duncan in in Act 2 Scene 1?
+Theme - The Supernatural: In his soliloquy Macbeth talks about “witchcraft”, “Hecate’s offerings” and “a ghost”.
+This links Macbeth to the Witches and shows how he’s affected by their predictions, influencing him further into his fate of a stubborn illusion that would only later bring him never ending despair.
+He starts seeing visions of a dagger - it’s not clear if it’s leading him to commit murder or warning him against it. It may be forshadowing the blade that will kill Duncan, the blade that represents his tyrannical rule that kills Banquo and Macduff’s wife and children or the blade that will eventually kill him.
+As he walks to kill Duncan, instead of imagining a crown, excited to be King, a vision of a dagger appears before him, representing his violent tyrannical rule and forshadowing his ultimate downfall.
Act 2
What is Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth all about?
+The Deed is Done - Macbeth kills Duncan
Act 2
How does Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth begin?
+Lady Macbeth waits for Macbeth to return from killing Duncan - she’s startled by every noise, and she says that she couldn’t kill Duncan because he reminded her of her father.
+This suggests that Lady Macbeth isn’t as merciless as she appears.
Act 2
Where does Duncan’s murder take place in Act 2 Scene 2?
Act 2
What are the forshadowing images of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after Duncan is murdered?
+Macbeth doubts “Neptune’s ocean” will clean the blood off his hands, he’s feeling guilty. - Lady Macbeth doesn’t seem as bothered by her bloody hands - it’s an ironic forshadowing of her frenzied hand washing in Act 5.
+Macbeth says he’s “murdered sleep” - sleep symbolises peace and a clear conscience, so murdering sleep show’s that he’s wracked with guilt - This also forshadows Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking in Act 5.
+There are also references to insanity - Lady Macbeth talks about Macbeth going “mad” and being “brain-sickly” - it’s an ironic forshadowing of her own madness later.
Act 2
How do the stage directions in Act 2 Scene 2 add to the tension after Duncan is killed?
+The stage directions add to the tension - there’s a repetition of a knocking sound, which gives a sense of urgency.
+This seems to echo Macbeth’s pounding heart, and is a sign of fear and guilt.
Act 2
What does the quote “Macbeth does murder sleep” show?
+Macbeth may have commited a terrible, grisly murder, but he feels pretty guilty about it.
+Lady Macbeth doesn’t seem quite so concerned by what they’ve done at this point - but that will change soon enough.
Act 2
What is Act 2 Scene 3 of Macbeth all about?
Duncan’s body is discovered
Act 2
How does Act 2 Scene 3 of Macbeth begin?
+The Porter’s comic monolougue relieves the tension, but also builds suspense before Duncan’s body is found.
+Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to increase the audience’s anticipation - the audience knows that Duncan has been murdered, and although the characters don’t know, they can sense evil:
- The Porter describes the Macbeth’s castle gate as “hell gate” and makes a joke about a man sent to hell who “commited treason” [betraying king and country].
- Lennox comments on how “unruly” and stormy the night was - he tells Macbeth that the wind sounded like “strange screams of death”.
- He also says the storm was “prophesysing with accents terrible/Of dire combustion and confused events”. This reflects the terrible events that have taken place and forshadows the events to come”
Act 2
Who finds Duncan’s body in Act 2 Scene 3?
+Macduff finds Duncan’s body - his reaction shows how horrified he is, and makes the murder seem even worse.
Act 2
How does Macbeth react to the news of the death of Duncan?
+Before Duncan’s body is found, Macbeth speaks in short sentences - “Twas a rough night”, “Not yet” - he seems distracted and tense, highlighting his guilt and nervousness.
+When Duncan’s body is discovered, Macbeth’s language changes - he describes Duncan’s “silver skin laced with his golden blood”. His poetic language seems false.
Act 2
How does Macbeth act as more people find out that Duncan is murdered?
+Macbeth confesses to killing Duncan’s servants out of rage - When Lady Macbeth hears this she faints, which could be to distract the other characters from Macbeth’s suspicious behaviour, or she may actually be horrified by Macbeth’s violence, which she didn’t help plan.
Act 2
How do Malcolm and Donalbain react as they hear Duncan is killed?
+Malcolm and Donalbain run away because they fear for their lives.
+It makes them look guilty and allows Macbeth to take the throne.
Act 2
What is Act 2 Scene 4 of Macbeth all about?
+Macbeth is about to be made king.
+This scene is a bridge between Act 2 and Act 3 - its purpose is to create a sense of fear and uncertainty.
Act 2
What happens to the atmosphere as Macbeth becomes King?
Strange events have happened since Duncan’s death, which show how the natural order has been disrupted - A country’s well-being is linked to that of its king, so these events are bad omens for Macbeth’s reign.
- Its dark during the day: “dark night strangles the travelling lamp”. This symbolises the evil that has come over Scotland.
- A falcon has been savagely killed by an owl - the falcon symbolises Duncan [for it boldness and dominance], and the owl symbolises Macbeth [skeptical of other things and not sleeping at night]
- Horses have been eating each other, which is unnatural.
Act 2
How does Act 2 [Scene 4] of Macbeth end?
+The scene ends with Macduff telling Rosse that Macbeth will be King.
+Macduff isn’t going to the coronation - this suggests he’s suspicious of Macbeth and sets him up as Macbeth’s main enemy.
