Macbeth Theme- Good And Evil Flashcards
What classic theme is central to the plot of Macbeth?
Good versus evil
The story explores the conflict between good and evil through the characters and their actions.
How is Macbeth initially characterized at the beginning of the play?
As a ‘noble’ person with the potential for greatness
Duncan recognizes Macbeth’s nobility and makes him Thane of Cawdor.
What leads to Macbeth’s transformation from good to evil?
His ambition and desire for power
Macbeth’s initial goodness is overcome by his evil desires after being tempted by ambition.
What does Macbeth become as he commits more crimes?
Increasingly evil and hardened
His moral decline reflects the corrupting influence of power.
What does the struggle for the crown of Scotland symbolize?
A battle between good and evil
Macbeth is depicted as the evil ‘tyrant’ who must be stopped.
What imagery does Shakespeare use to represent evil and goodness?
Darkness for evil and light for goodness
This contrast highlights the moral themes in the play.
How does Lady Macbeth associate masculinity with evil?
She links cruelty and aggression with masculinity
She desires to be ‘unsexed’ to commit violent acts without the restraints of femininity.
What role do the supernatural elements play in Macbeth?
They are presented as evil and powerful
The Witches manipulate events and characters, emphasizing the theme of ambition.
How does Banquo describe the Witches?
As ‘devil’ and ‘fiends’
This indicates their association with evil and manipulation.
What do battles symbolize in Macbeth?
The conflict between good and evil
Shakespeare uses battles to reflect the moral struggle in the play.
What does Macbeth’s name signify in the context of evil?
Described as ‘cursèd’ and more hateful than the devil
This emphasizes his role as an ‘abhorred tyrant’ representing evil.
Fill in the blank: Lady Macbeth wants the spirits to ______ her.
[unsex]
This reflects her desire to shed feminine traits that she associates with weakness.
What is Young Siward referred to as in the context of the battle against Macbeth?
God’s soldier
He represents the forces of good fighting against Macbeth’s tyranny.
True or False: The Witches rely on physical force to achieve their goals.
False
They use manipulation and psychological tactics instead.
What is a key aspect of Lady Macbeth’s character in relation to her actions?
She relies on emotional blackmail
This manipulation is a crucial element in persuading Macbeth to commit murder.
