MACBETH: macbeth Flashcards
How is Macbeth initially portrayed?
As a heroic warrior.
“Brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name.” (Act 1, Scene 2)
What does Macbeth express about his ambition in Act 1, Scene 3?
His early reluctance to act on his ambition.
“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir.”
What do Macbeth’s words in Act 1, Scene 4 reveal?
His growing ambition and moral conflict.
“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.”
What does Macbeth see before him in Act 2, Scene 1?
A hallucination that demonstrates his mental instability.
“Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?”
What does Macbeth’s question in Act 2, Scene 2 reveal?
His overwhelming guilt after Duncan’s murder.
“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?”
What does Macbeth mean when he says, ‘O, full of scorpions is my mind’?
It reflects his paranoia and obsession with securing his position.
“O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!”
How does Macbeth react to Banquo’s ghost in Act 3, Scene 4?
He shows guilt and fear.
“Thou canst not say I did it: never shake thy gory locks at me!”
What does Macbeth mean by ‘I am in blood stepped in so far’?
He has embraced violence and tyranny deeply.
“I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er.”
What does Macbeth’s determination in Act 5, Scene 3 signify?
His defiance despite crumbling power.
“I’ll fight till from my bones my flesh be hacked.”
What does Macbeth’s final line in Act 5, Scene 8 reflect?
His refusal to surrender, even in defeat.
“Lay on, Macduff, and damned be him that first cries, ‘Hold, enough!’”
