Paragraph 1 - First TPEE

Question 1

Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence

Answer 1

Shakespeare begins the play by highlighting how the lure of success can (bring out the fatal flaw of ruthless ambition) / (can open a character up to deception) even in the most loyal of men.

Question 2

Paragraph 1 Point (First TPEE)

Answer 2

At the start of the play, the wounded captain speaks praises on Macbeth’s exploits to a delighted King Duncan.

Question 3

Paragraph 1 Quote/Evidence (First TPEE)

Answer 3

“For brave Macbeth (well he deserved that name) / Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel / which smoked with bloody execution.”

Question 4

Paragraph 1 Explanation P1 (First TPEE)

Answer 4

Shakespeare uses alliterative words such as “bloody”, “brave” and “brandished” to highlight the power that Macbeth holds in battle. This is extended when the captain describes him as “disdaining fortune”, the goddess of luck. He is so mighty he brushed off the intentions of the gods.

Question 5

Paragraph 1 Explanation P2 (First TPEE)

Answer 5

The metaphor used to describe his sword “smoked with bloody execution” creates a terrifying picture of Macbeth as a force of nature to be respected but feared.

Question 6

Paragraph 1 Ending (First TPEE)

Answer 6

This imposing depiction of our tragic hero foreshadows the ruthlessness that is soon to come, (once his fatal flaw, ambition and greed, takes over) / (His thirst for violence and power is evident from the beginning and makes it easy for the witches’ deception to take hold of Macbeth.)