questions

Question 1

how does macbeth present macbeth as a hero : thesis

Answer 1

Macbeth is initially portrayed as a noble and valiant hero, but his desire for power eventually overshadow his heroic qualities and lead to his downfall. Shakespeare uses Macbeths character to explore consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of powe

Question 2

How does shakespeare present good and evil thesis

Answer 2

Shakespeare presents good and evil primarily through the character of macbeth, who starts off as a noble man but becomes consumed by ambition. through this presentation, shakespeare may have been highlighting the importance of maintaining ones moral integrity and resisting the temptation to do evil

Question 3

how does shakespeare present guilt

Answer 3

In Macbeth, Shakespeare presents guilt as a consuming and destructive force that can lead to a person’s downfall.Shakespeare shows how guilt can have a profound impact on individuals, and teaches them to not make reckless decisions and suffer the consequences.

Question 4

how does shakespeare presents Macbeth as someone who believes in the supernatural power of the witches - thesis

Answer 4

Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a character who believes in the supernatural power of the witches through his reliance on their prophesies and guidance. Macbeth’s belief in their power leads him to commit horrific deeds to fulfill their predictions, highlighting the dangers of blindly trusting supernatural forces without considering their consequences.

Question 5

how does shakespeare present masculinity - thesis

Answer 5

In “Macbeth,” Shakespeare links masculinity with power, violence, and ambition, and portrays the negative consequences of rigid gender expectations. Through the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, he shows how these traditional ideas of masculinity can lead to destructive behavior.

Question 6

how does shakespeare present macbeth as someone who struggles with their guilty conscience thesis

Answer 6

Shakespeare portrays Macbeth as a character who is plagued by his guilty conscience throughout the play. He becomes increasingly disturbed by his actions, which ultimately leads to his downfall. he does this to to explore the moral and psychological consequences of ambition and unchecked power.

Question 7

how does shakespeare present the witches and the supernatural thesis

Answer 7

Shakespeare presents the witches and the supernatural in “Macbeth” as a malevolent force that tempts and corrupts the characters. Shakespeare uses the witches and the supernatural to explore the consequences of unchecked ambition and to emphasize the importance of moral responsibility in the face of temptation.

Question 8

how does shakespeare present lady macbeth as an ambitious woman who has power over her husband

Answer 8

Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as a strong and ambitious woman who holds power over her husband. Her desire for power challenges traditional gender roles and emphasizes the dangers of women seeking to wield power in a patriarchal society.

Question 9

how does Shakespeare present macbeths inner conflict

Answer 9

Shakespeare portrays Macbeth’s inner conflict as a struggle between his ambition and conscience, which leads to guilt and hallucinations. His character highlights the moral and psychological consequences of unchecked ambition and the importance of conscience.

Question 10

how does shakespeare present morality thesis

Answer 10

Shakespeare presents morality in “Macbeth” as a universal and timeless theme by exploring the consequences of violating one’s moral code. Shakespeare presents morality as a warning against the dangers of ambition and the cost of violating one’s moral principles

Question 11

how does shakespeare present kingship - thesis

Answer 11

Shakespeare presents kingship in Macbeth as a multifaceted concept that brings both glory and destruction. He shows how the pursuit of power can corrupt even the most virtuous of leaders, highlighting the dangers of ambition and the consequences of unchecked desire.

Question 12

small 2 - kingship

Answer 12

• “our bloody cousins are bestowed”
• Firstly, the phrase “bloody cousins” is a metaphor that highlights the violent and treacherous nature of the play. It foreshadows the betrayal and murder that will occur later on, emphasizing the destructive potential of ambition and power-seeking.
• the use of the word “bestowed” is ironic because it suggests that the cousins have been given something of value, when in reality their father had been brutally killed. This irony serves to underscore the moral decay that is inherent in the pursuit of power, highlighting the danger of allowing ambition to overtake one’s sense of morality and justice

In terms of its connection to kingship, the line demonstrates the corrupting influence of power and the moral decay that is inherent in the pursuit of power. Macbeth’s language reflects his willingness to justify his actions through twisted logic and euphemisms, and his use of violence to gain the throne emphasizes the destructive potential of ambition and power-seeking.

Question 13

how does macbeth use the character of banquo - thesis

Answer 13

In “Macbeth,” Shakespeare uses Banquo as a foil to highlight Macbeth’s tragic flaw of ambition and to emphasize the supernatural elements of the play. Banquo’s loyalty and honesty contrast with Macbeth’s path of ambition, representing an alternative path that Macbeth could have taken.

Question 14

how is the character of banquo used small 1

Answer 14

• portrayed as skeptical and moral when speaking to the witches
• “good sir, why do you start and seem to fear”
  
  • rhetorical question suggests that Banquo is not seeking an explanation from the witches, but rather is questioning their motives and intentions. hes also questioning their credibility, suggesting hes not fully convinced about their supernatural abilities
  • “good sir” respectful and polite nature, although he has suspicions of the witches, he still remains respectful
• These traits establish Banquo as a character of integrity and sound judgment, setting him apart from the more volatile and impulsive characters in the play.

Question 15

medium 1 - how is the character of banquo used

Answer 15

• skepticism is reinforced after Duncans death

“And I fear thou play’dst most foully for’t”
- “foully” suggests Macbeths actions were dishonorable, immoral, or underhanded. conveys Banquo’s strong sense of morality and his unwillingness to condone wrongdoing, even if it is committed by a friend or ally
- “i fear” - reluctancy to confront Macbeth about his suspicions, as he is aware if the potential risks of challenging those in power
- highlights Banquo’s cautious nature, contrast to Macbeths impulsiveness and willigness to take risks

Question 16

big 1 how is banquo used in macbeth

Answer 16

During the reign of King James I, there was a lingering anxiety about the supernatural and witches, James 1 book called Demonologie

• may have been trying to appeal to the king, presenting Banquo as a character who is resistant to the lure of the supernatural
• could be teaching a jacobean audience about the importance of moral integrity rather than corrupting ambition

Question 17

small 2 - use of banquo character

Answer 17

• presented as a deep thinker who considers information carefully
• “if you can look into the seeds of time and say which grain will grow and which will not”
• the use of the word “seeds” creates a sense of potentiality and possibility, highlighting the idea that the future is not set in stone and can be influenced by the actions of individuals.
• “say” implies that there is a degree of agency and free will in determining one’s fate. However, this sense of agency is limited by the constraints of fate and the unknown forces that shape the future.
• While Macbeth is initially intrigued and excited by the witches’ predictions, Banquo is more measured in his response, suggesting that the future is uncertain and cannot be predicted with certainty. This skepticism is reinforced by Banquo’s use of conditional language, as he employs the hypothetical “if” to question the witches’ claims.
• His line reflects his moral and intellectual values, emphasizing the importance of humility and rationality in navigating the uncertainties of life.

Question 18

medium 2 - use of banquos characte

Answer 18

• The use of the word “restrain” highlights Banquo’s sense of self-control and his awareness of the dangers of his thoughts. Banquo is aware that his thoughts could lead him astray, so he appeals to a higher power to help him restrain them. This reflects his moral character and his desire to do what is right, even when it is difficult
• The phrase “cursed thoughts” suggests that Banquo is aware of the evil that could come from his suspicions about Macbeth’s actions. He realizes that his thoughts could lead him to distrust his friend and even plot against him, which is a dangerous path to take. Banquo’s use of the word “cursed” shows that he is aware of the danger and that he wants to prevent himself from going down that path
• Banquo’s use of the word “merciful” suggests that he is aware of the power of the supernatural, and that he hopes that a higher power will help him to control his thoughts. This highlights Banquo’s humility and his willingness to rely on something outside of himself to help him do what is right.
• The line reflects his moral character, his sense of self-control, and his awareness of the power of the supernatural. It is a testament to the complexity and depth of Banquo’s character, and a reminder of the dangers of giving in to base instincts.

Question 19

big 2 - use if banquos character

Answer 19

• Shakespeare uses Banquo’s character to teach his Jacobean audience about the dangers of ambition and the importance of moral character and self-control, as Banquo is a character that also seemed to struggle with internal conflict.

Question 20

small 3 - use of banquos character

Answer 20

• noble and honorable
• “lesser than macbeth, and greater”
• the paradoxical nature of the witches’ prophecy regarding Banquo also suggests that he is a character of great complexity and duality. Banquo is both a friend and a potential rival to Macbeth, and his fate is intertwined with Macbeth’s. This duality is reflected in the prophecy, which suggests that Banquo will be both inferior and superior to Macbeth.
• Moreover, Banquo’s willingness to follow Macbeth in the first place shows his loyalty and sense of duty. He is not consumed by the same ambition as Macbeth and is content to serve as a loyal companion to him. This loyalty is reflected in his deferential language when he addresses Macbeth as “my noble partner.”

Question 21

medium 3 - use of banquos character

Answer 21

• foil character to macbeth
• “our fears in banquo stick deep”
  
  • stick.” has connotations of being persistent and difficult to remove, which reinforces the idea that Macbeth’s fear of Banquo is deeply ingrained and not easily shaken. Additionally, the word “stick” can also be associated with physical violence or harm, which foreshadows the violent fate that ultimately befalls Banquo.
  • The fear Macbeth feels towards Banquo is not something tangible that can be physically stuck or attached, but rather an emotion that is deeply rooted within him. By using the metaphor of something sticking deep, Shakespeare emphasizes the intensity of Macbeth’s fear and the extent to which it has taken hold of him.
• The fact that Macbeth fears Banquo, then, suggests that Banquo may be a rival to Macbeth’s own power and ambitions.
• Banquo’s strength lies in his virtue and honor, while Macbeth’s weakness is his ambition and fear. Macbeth’s fear of Banquo, then, reflects his own insecurity and lack of virtue, while Banquo’s strength highlights his own noble and honorable character.

Question 22

big 3 - banquo

Answer 22

In Shakespeare’s time, the concept of the “great chain of being” was a prevalent belief. This was the idea that everything in the universe had its own place in a hierarchical order. It was believed that upsetting this order could have disastrous consequences.

• Banquo’s character may have been used to remind the audience of the importance of social order and hierarchy. By showing Macbeth’s fear of Banquo, Shakespeare may have been emphasizing the need to maintain the established order and hierarchy, rather than allowing ambitious individuals to upset the natural order of things

Question 23

how far can macbeth be seen as a lesson in kingship - thesis

Answer 23

Macbeth can be viewed as a lesson in kingship as it warns against the dangers of a corrupt ruler and emphasizes the importance of morality and justice in a king. Through the characters of Duncan and Malcolm, the play presents the qualities of a just and virtuous king, serving as a contrast to the corrupt Macbeth.

Question 24

how far can macbeth be seen as a lesson about kingship - small 1

Answer 24

• a king should not be naiive and put his full trust into an individual, no matter how loyal he thinks they are to him
• he was a gentleman on whom i built an absolute trust”
  
  • gentleman” suggests that Macbeth is an honorable and respectable person, worthy of Duncan’s trust. The use of the past tense verb “built” implies that Duncan has been gradually developing his trust in Macbeth over time
• hyperbole, as “absolute trust” is an exaggerated and extreme form of trust. This highlights the extent of Duncan’s confidence and faith in the Thane of Cawdor, and foreshadows the danger that Duncan’s trust in Macbeth will later bring.

Question 25

medium 1 - how far can macbeth be seen as a lesson about kingship

Answer 25

• “theres daggers in mens smiles” donalbain act 2 scene 3, after duncans death
• The metaphorical “daggers” represent the hidden malice and deceit that can lie behind a smile or a friendly gesture.
• daggers” is significant because it suggests a violent and deadly intent, highlighting the danger of trusting appearances juxtaposed to smiles, which suggest companionship and warmth
• The metaphor is a warning to the audience and the characters in the play to be cautious and not to trust appearances blindly.

Question 26

big 1 - how far can macbeth be seen as a lesson abt kingship

Answer 26

In a historical context, this line also reflects the political climate of Shakespeare’s time. The Elizabethan and Jacobean eras were marked by political instability, with frequent plots and assassinations aimed at the reigning monarch. This would have been especially relevant to Shakespeare’s contemporary audience, who would have recognized the dangers of trusting others and the need for rulers to be wary of potential threats to their power.

Question 27

small 2 - kingship as a lesson

Answer 27

• gaining kingship through unnatural circumstances disrupts natural order
• the service and loyalty i owe”
• the line is an example of formal diction. The language is elevated and shows respect towards the king. It is also a declaration of duty, reflecting the hierarchical structure of the society in which Macbeth and Duncan live. The use of the words “service” and “loyalty” further emphasize Macbeth’s sense of duty and responsibility to the king.
• contrasts with Macbeth’s later actions, where he betrays Duncan’s trust and murders him in order to seize the throne. The irony of the line becomes apparent as Macbeth’s loyalty to the crown is replaced by ambition and a desire for power.
• This line foreshadows Macbeth’s eventual betrayal of Duncan, as Macbeth’s service and loyalty will eventually be called into question. It also sets up the tension between Macbeth’s duty to Duncan and his ambition to become king himself.

Question 28

medium 2 - kingship as a lesson

Answer 28

• This quote highlights Macbeth’s dishonesty and betrayal of trust, which contradicts his earlier vow of service and loyalty to Duncan.
• Additionally, the fact that Malcolm and Donalbain flee after their father’s murder highlights the importance of stability and continuity in leadership. Macbeth’s treachery causes chaos and uncertainty in the kingdom, and it is only after he is overthrown that order is restored.
• this line serves as a reminder of the consequences of disloyalty and the importance of stability in a kingdom.

Question 29

small 3 - kingship as a lesson

Answer 29

• “o worthiest cousin”
  
  • hyperbole
• reinforce the theme of loyalty and duty to the king, as well as the importance of upholding the social hierarchy in society. Duncan, as the king, is the highest authority in the land, and his words carry great weight. By expressing his appreciation for Macbeth, he is also emphasizing the importance of loyalty to the crown and the duty of his subjects to support him.
• Duncan recognizes the value of having loyal and dedicated subjects, and he rewards Macbeth with titles and honors to acknowledge his service. However, it also highlights the danger of placing too much trust in one person, as Duncan’s trust in Macbeth ultimately leads to his downfall.
• this quote also serves as foreshadowing of Macbeth’s eventual betrayal of Duncan. The intense praise that Duncan gives to Macbeth highlights the trust and respect that Duncan has for him, which makes Macbeth’s ultimate act of regicide all the more tragic and treacherous.

Question 30

medium 3 - kingship as a lesson

Answer 30

• I think our country sinks beneath the yoke; it weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash is added to her wounds“
• Malcolm is testing Macduff’s loyalty to him by pretending to be an unfit ruler who is more interested in his own pleasures than in the well-being of his country.
• phrase “beneath the yoke” creates an image of Scotland as a burdened and oppressed country.
• it weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash is added to her wounds” emphasizes the ongoing nature of the country’s suffering. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the severity of the situation
• The use of the vivid imagery of “weeping,” “bleeding,” and “gashes” creates a strong visual representation of the country’s suffering.

Question 31

big 3 - kingship as a lesson

Answer 31

it reflects the idea that a good king should be aware of the suffering of his people and take action to alleviate it. Malcolm’s statement highlights the failure of the current leadership and the need for change. This aligns with the historical context of the play, as it was written during the reign of King James I, who was known for his concern for the welfare of his subjects. The quote serves as a reminder of the importance of good governance and the consequences of poor leadership.