Unit 5 Macbeth Flashcards
Who was the King when Shakespeare wrote Macbeth?
King James I
What happened to the original Globe Theatre?
It burned down in a fire and a replica has since been built in its place
What is a foil?
A character that provides contrast to another character (usually the main character) to emphasize differences between the two
Define: regicide
To kill a King
Why does Macbeth commit regicide?
Duncan’s naivete and Macbeth and his mother desire power
Why does Macduff suspect Macbeth?
Macbeth said he killed guards in the past in a fit of rage, suggesting that he has trouble with his emotions and violent behavior
Why does Macbeth plan to kill Banquo and his son Fleance?
Macbeth fears that Banquo’s descendants, not his own, will be the future kings of Scotland.
What news does Macduff receive in Act IV?
Everyone in the house is dead!
What cultural events inspired Shakespeare to include the witches at the beginning of Macbeth?
King James persecuted “witches” and condemned many women to death
What was unique about Macduff’s birth?
Macduff was born by cesarian section, which was highly uncommon during the English Renaissance.
What does Lady Macbeth do that causes the doctor to say she is ill?
She sleepwalks and says things out of the ordinary
Macbeth
Main character, tragic hero, his flaw is greed or a lust for power
Lady Macbeth
Macbeth’s wife, she is very power-hungry and will stop at nothing to achieve the throne
Duncan
King of Scotland before Macbeth takes the throne
Malcolm
Duncan’s son and Prince of Scotland
