Macbeth Key Terms Flashcards
What is the meaning of ‘notion’?
belief
What does ‘perils’ refer to?
danger
Example: perils of femininity/power
Define ‘androgyny’.
possession of both masculine and feminine characteristics
What is a ‘despot’?
tyrant
What does ‘capricious’ mean?
unpredictable
What is the meaning of ‘feasible’?
possible
Define ‘cryptic’.
mysterious
What does ‘infernal’ relate to?
relating to bell
What does ‘alleviate’ mean?
making less severe
What is a ‘proxy’?
representing someone else
Example: Lady Macbeth proxy of witches
What is the ‘crux’?
focal point
What are ‘heresies’?
going against God
Define ‘moral integrity’.
honest and firm in moral principles
What is a ‘pagan ritual of invocation’?
interacting with supernatural spirits
What does ‘vicissitude’ mean?
change of circumstance that’s unfortunate
What does ‘perfidious’ refer to?
deceitful and untrustworthy
Define ‘depravity’.
moral corruption
What does ‘Machiavellian’ mean?
cunning, scheming
Example: a person who schemes in a Machiavellian way
What is ‘psyche’?
brain
What does ‘overzealous’ mean?
obsessive
Define ‘fatale’.
manipulative woman
What is a ‘deuteragonist’?
second most significant character
What does ‘physiognomy’ refer to?
when appearances are reflective of your character
What does ‘tempestuous’ mean?
very stormy
