Macbeth Theme- The Supernatural Flashcards
What role do the Witches play in ‘Macbeth’?
They are an evil supernatural force with the ability to predict the future.
How do the Witches demonstrate their limited power?
They claim that the sea captain’s ship ‘cannot be lost’.
What social context influenced the portrayal of witches in Shakespeare’s time?
Many people believed that witches were real, making the Weird Sisters seem believable and frightening.
What do the Witches represent in ‘Macbeth’?
They represent chaos and attempt to impose an unnatural order.
What effect do the supernatural elements have on the play?
They add to the atmosphere, making the play darker and more frightening.
How does Shakespeare present the Witches’ character?
They are portrayed as completely evil, cruel, and inhuman, celebrating evil.
What vision does Macbeth see in Act 2, Scene 1?
He sees a vision of a dagger.
What does Banquo’s ghost signify for Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 4?
It represents Macbeth’s guilty conscience.
What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to her guilt in Act 5, Scene 1?
She imagines that her hands will ‘ne’er be clean’ of Duncan’s blood.
Fill in the blank: The visions in ‘Macbeth’ are _______ and could be real or imaginary.
[ambiguous]
What is Macbeth’s emotional state when he sees Banquo’s ghost?
He is ‘blanched with fear’ and his language becomes agitated.
What does Lady Macbeth’s desperate language during her sleepwalking reveal?
It shows that she is disturbed by the vision of blood on her hands.
What does the Doctor observe about Lady Macbeth’s condition?
He notes that her heart is ‘sorely charged’, indicating her guilty conscience.
