VOCAB MACBETH KNOWLEDGE TEST Flashcards
Hubris
Excessive pride or self-confidence. Seen in the character of Macbeth especially when the witches give the last prophecies. Macbeth becomes arrogant until he realises that Macduff was not ‘born of woman’.
Hamartia
Fatal flaw. Macbeth’s is unchecked ambition (also Lady Macbeth) as well as desire for power and position, as well as King.
Tyrant
A cruel and oppressive ruler. Macbeth becomes this by the end of the play.
Treason
The crime of betraying one’s country, especially by attempting to kill/overthrow the monarchy or Government.
Betrayal
Being disloyal to a person/group/ one’s country.
Anagnorisis
A moment in a play when a character makes a critical discovery, such as the tragic hero’s sudden awareness of a real situation usually as a result of downfall.
Catharsis
The process of letting go of, or providing liberation from, strong or supressed emotions
Foil
A character with qualities that are in contrast with another character (e.g. Macbeth and Banquo).
peripeteia
A sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal.
tragic hero
character who is usually depicted as perfect and honourable, yet the character has a hamartia (fatal flaw).
protaganist
The leading (or main) character in the play.
antagonist
A character who actively opposes or is hostile to another character – particularly the protagonist.
foreshadow
A warning of something that will follow later.
paranoia
A mental condition characterised by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance.
motif
A dominant or recurring idea in a literary text – e.g. the motif of blood in Macbeth.
