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Macbeth Unit Test
Where do the witches say they will meet macbeth?
Upon the heath-uncultivated plains
How do the witches speak?
In rhyme,each witch has something to say three times,paradox
Paradox
statement that seems to contradict itself or to be impossible, but is actually true
What is the meaning of “Fair is Foul,Foul is Fair”
(witches)(paradox) What is good is bad and what is bad is good
What is the meaning of “When the battle’s lost and won”
(witches)(paradox) There is always a winner and always a loser in a battle.
OR you may win the battle but you lost a piece of yourself
What were the two fighting countries?
Norway and Scotland
Who is the King of Scotland?
Duncan
Who is Macdonald? How did he die?
Macdonald was the leader of Norway. Macbeth was brave and disemboweled him and beheaded him.
How are Duncan and Macbeth related?
They are cousins
What did Ross reveal?
Thane of Cawdor is a traitor and gave the title to Macbeth and ordered the execution of the thane of cawdor.
Dramatic Irony
A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character.
Macbeth doesn’t know that he will thane of cawdor yet the readers do…what is that an example of?
dramatic irony
Why did the first witch curse the woman’s husband?
She didn’t give the witch nuts
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen”
Macbeth felt good but the day itself wasn’t good (paradox)
How do they greet Macbeth? How did he react?
by calling him the Thane of Glamis and the Thane of Cawdor. He acted surprised because he wasn’t the thane of cawdor yet
What are prophecies the witches told Banquo? What was his reaction?
his descendants will be kings but he won’t be. Banquo is cautious
What are the prophecies the witches told Macbeth? What was his reaction?
He will be king hereafter. He realized that he wants to be king hereafter but the only way to receive that title he has to kill Duncan.
Who does Duncan name Prince of Cumberland? How does that affect macbeth?
He names his son, Malcolm that title which means he will be the next one to inherit the throne. But Macbeth can’t just simply kill Duncan and Malcolm because it would look suspicious
“There is no art to find the mind’s construction in the face”
Duncan meant that you cannot read one’s thoughts by just looking at their face. Their appearance can be deceiving
Soliloquy
speech by one actor alone on the stage to the audience
Aside
A dramatic convention by which an actor directly addresses the audience but it is not supposed to be heard by the other actors on the stage.
Who does Lady Macbeth receive a letter from? What is the letter about?
A letter from Macbeth which discussed his meeting with the witches, and his new title
What is the difference in form between the letter she is reading and her soliloquy?
The letter is prose and her soliloquy is poetry
What did Lady Macbeth fear about Macbeth? What does she do about it?
That he is too kind to kill Duncan, he has the ambition but no menace to do the job. She wants to persuade Macbeth and transfer her thoughts to him
Lady Macbeth wishes what?
That she can be more of a man, to be less feminine to take the action to kill Duncan
“Look like an innocent flower but have the serpent underneath it”
Said by Lady Macbeth. It relates to Duncan saying no one has the skill to read someone’s mind and fair is foul and foul is fair. It means to put a mask on, to hide your true intentions
How does lady Macbeth act when Duncan and Banquo come to their castle?
Innocent -ironic when she really wants to kill Duncan
What was Banquo’s purpose in that scene 6?
to show that he has no idea what Macbeth’s evil plan is
Dramatic Foil
a character who contrasts with another character in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character. can be exact opposite of each other or very similar except for crucial difference
Juxtaposition
putting two things right next to each other to compare them up close
What were macbeth’s three reasons not to kill Duncan?
Duncan is a good king, duncan is his kinsman and macbeth is his subject, and he is duncan’s host
What was Macbeth’s only reason to kill Duncan
his ambition
how did lady macbeth react when macbeth didn’t want to kill Duncan anymore?
She insulted his masculinity and told him she would smash her own child’s brains in order to complete her task. At her most feminine and delicate moment, she is more of a man than he is
What was their plan to kill Duncan?
Make the guards drunk, while Duncan is asleep then steal the guards’ dagger and kill Duncan. Smear the blood on the guards and return the dagger to make it seem that the guards did it.
What did Macbeth tell his wife?
To bring forth only sons because there is no way she could bear daughters
Why did Banquo give Fleance a sword?
to ward off his nightmares
What did Macbeth ask Banquo?
to join him and Banquo will benefit from it
What was Banquo’s response to Macbeth
as long as I feel morally ok I will go along your plan
What was Macbeth’s soliloquy about in Sc.1 in Act 2
he saw a dagger which is his instrument of death that he would use to kill DUncan. It pointed to the direction of Duncan’s room
What were two physical manifestations of Macbeth’s guilt?
He heard a voice that said “Macbeth killed sleep” and Macbeth couldn’t say amen
What happens after Macbeth kills Duncan?
Feels guilt, and brings back the bloody daggers by accident
What does Lady Macbeth respond to his reaction of killing Duncan
scolded him to bring the daggers back but he refused so she did it herself; she says she is more of a man than him
“twere best not know myself”
(Macbeth)relates to macbeth and Lady Macbeth saying that they want the dark to hide their evil deeds, wants to forget it
Porter
gate-keeper,comic relief
What is ironic about what the porter says?
He might as well be the gate keeper to hell- doesnt know DUncan was murdered
Who was there to wake up Duncan?
Macduff and Lennox
Who finds Duncan’s dead body?
Macduff
What ironic thing did Macduff tell Lady Macbeth
couldn’t tell the news of Duncan’s death because she is an innocent woman-she isnt innocent
What was Macbeth’s reaction to Duncan’s death
killed the two servants
What was Banquo’s reaction to Duncan’s death
told everyone to calm down and that they will investigate it later
What did Malcolm and Donalbain plan to do?
To leave, Malcolm was planning to go to England and Donalbain was planning to go to Scotland
“there are daggers in people’s smiles”
(malcolm)there are people who are supposed to protect them, actually wants to kill them
How did Duncan’s horses act after he died
They acted like they were in war, and ate eat other -symblizing scottish humans who ultimately fight one another
Who becomes king at scone?
Macbeth
What is meant by the old man when he says,”… A falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place, was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed?
The falcon symbolized Duncan and the owl symbolized Macbeth, the owl wouldn’t normally kill the falcon; their roles reversed
What did Banquo say about the prophecies in act 3 sc.1?
that since the prophecies came true for Macbeth it will come true for him too
Why did Macbeth wanted to kill Banquo and Flenance?
He was afriad of Banquo because of his noble nature, and because of his prophecy- that his descendants will be kings
What did Macbeth meant by “the witches put a fruitless crown and barred scepter”
he will have no sons that will be kings,
What does Macbeth want?
more
How does Macbeth plan to solve his problem with Banquo and Fleance?
Hired two murderers to kill them when they are out
How does Macbeth persuaded the murderers to do his bidding?
tells them that Banquo was their reason for all the bad things that happened to them. They cannot raise themselves because of Banquo
What did Lady Macbeth say about her happiness?
That she has verything but she isn’t happy. It was safer to be dead than live in a life of uncertainity. She can’t reach the level of happiness that she thought she would have now
How did the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth change?
They had reversed roles; Macbeth was the one to tell her to make Banquo feel welcomed and to put a mask on
What did Macbeth not tell his wife?
the plan to kill Banquo
Why was Macbeth envious of Duncan?
Because he is dead and nothing could hurt him anymore. He rather be dead than thinking about what he did
Why was there an extra murderer ?
A physical manifestation of Macbeth’s paranoia; He needed to be reassured that the job will be done
Were the murderers successful?
No, they were only able to kill Banquo but not Fleance
Who sat at Macbeth’s spot at the table?
The Ghost of Banquo; only Macbeth could see him
HOw did Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth’s reaction toward the ghost?
She makes excuses-this happened as a child and it was only momentarily; she was afraid that he willl let out a sercet
What did Macbeth tell the ghost
that if he came in a different form, he wouldn’t be afraid
What did Macbeth ask his wife? How did she respond?
What time was it. She responded that she didn’t know if it was day or night-example of fair is foul and foul is fair
Who didn’t come to the feast?
Macduff didn’t come and it made Macbeth angry. Macbeth sent someone to spy on him
Why was Hecate mad with the other witches ?
They told Macbeth- who is selfish and petty- his prophecies without her consent
What was Hecate’s plan?
She says that they are going to meet with him again and tell him that he is invincible because when humans feel invincible, their ambition is their downfall. She is going to raise these visions and it will confuse him and make him feel invincible
What was Lennox’s tone when he was speaking to The Lord? Why?
Sarcastic; he begun to think that Macbeth killed Duncan and Banquo.
Why didn’t Lennox tell his theory?
Doesn’t want to commit treason
How was Scotland under Macbeth’s rule?What do they want?
bad; free from our feasts and banqueets bloody knives,sleep to our nights,give to our tables meat,do faithful homage and receive free honors
Where is Macduff?
He was at England, to go to Malcolm to get aid from King Edward of England to help Scotland
What was the first apparition?
An armed head
What was the second apparition?
Bloody child
What was the third apparition?
A crowned child with a tree in his hand
What did the first apparition tell Macbeth?
to beward Macduff, thane of fife
What did the second apparition tell Macbeth?
That he won’t be harm by any man born from a woman
What did the third apparition tell Macbeth?
He won’t be vanquished until the Great Birnam Wood-a forest- moves to the high Dunsinane Hill-Duncan’s castle
What was the last thing the witches showed Macbeth?
Banquo’s line of kings, and the eigth king had a glass in his hand, and Banquo last
What was Lady Macduff mad with Macduff?
Because Macduff left her and their son without no warning nor goodbye
What was Ross’ reaction to Lady Macduff’s anger
He said to relax and that Macduff was doing something important
What did Lady Macduff tell her son?
That his father died and was a traitor
What was her son’s reaction to Lady Macduff’s comment about Macduff being a traitor
Liars and swearers are fools, for there are lars and swearers enough to beat the honest men and hang them
What did the messenger tell Lady Macduff?
Danger was approaching and told her to get out of the castle with her children
Whereto do harm is oftern praise, and to do good sometime accounted dangerous folly
(Lady Macduff)when people do bad things, they get praise, and when people do good things they get in trouble- when doing good might actually hurt you
WHo does the murderer kill in the caste?
Lady Macduff, and her son, as well as everyone in the castle
Why was Macduff with Malcolm in England?
He was pleading Malcolm to take back his throne
How does Malcolm refer to himself and Macbeth?
He says that he is a weak lamb and Macbeth is an angry god
Why didn’t Malcolm trust Macduff?
He thought that Macduff was going to him to bring him back to Macbeth
that which you are, my thoughts cannot transpose. Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell”
Malcolm said this-reminded of Duncan- appearrances can be deceiving , all bad things look good on the outside
What was Malcolm’s first reason why he would be a worst ruler compared to Macbeth? How does Macduff react?
His first reason that he wouldn’t be a good king is his voluptuousness-but Macduff assured that he could convey his pleasures in sercet
What was Malcolm’s second reason why he wouldn’t be a good king? How does Macduff react?
His second reason that he wouldn’t be a good king is his greed but Macduff will help them
How does Macduff prove his loyalty
Macduff says that he isnt even fit to govern or live and crys for scotland. Says that Duncan was a most sainted king and Malcolm was a disgrace to their family
What did Malcolm tell Macduff?
That he lied about his vices so Macduff can prove his trustworthyness
What do the doctor and gentlewoman see Lady Macbeth doing? What do they decide to do?
She is sleepwalking and talking about the murders. The doctor decides his best move is to not mention that he heard anything, and he tells the woman to keep an eye on Lady Macbeth.
This is rather ironic, considering she was the one who told Macbeth to wash his hands and forget about it. She had no problem with these actions then, but now her conscious has caught up with her!
What three things does she recall while she is doing this?
murder of Duncan, murder of Banquo, murder of Lady Macduff and her children
What does Macbeth want the doctor to do for his wife?
He wants the doctor to ease her suffering, to give her something to make her oblivious to her weighty troubles
What do we learn about the English forces opposing Macbeth from Menteith and Lennox at the beginning of scene two?
led by Malcolm, Old Siward, & Macduff,fight for revenge (for their country & countrymen (and Macduff for his family),”unrough youths”
In scene two, Caithness and Angus reveal what the people and the troops think of Macbeth, as well as how he is handling his position . What are they saying about him
Most think he’s crazy; those who support him think his anger is justified. It is well known that he must be responsible for the murders, and that he has been unable to fill the role of king. (clothing motif: belt & giant’s robe comparisons)
What trick does Malcolm use to hide the number of men in his army?
He has his men cut off tree branches and use them as camouflage.
Malcolm says, “And none serve with him but constrained things Whose hearts are absent,
too.” What does that mean?
Macbeth’s armies are there in body only, not in spirit, and there should not be any serious opposition.
What is Macbeth’s state of mind before he hears Birnam Wood is moving?
frenzied, boastful, fearless—He believes nothing can harm him based upon the witches prophesies.
What is Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death?
He takes it very calmly, saying she would have died sooner or later, anyway.
What comparison to life does Macbeth make in the “Tomorrow” soliloquy as he reflects Macbeth’s life?
to a player on stage whose part is soon over and forgotten (We play our parts, but when that part is over, there is no more and no purpose to our lives.)
What is Macbeth’s reaction to the news that Birnam Wood is moving?
“Arm, arm, and out!” He’s going to fight to the bitter end and take down the whole universe with him, if necessary.
Who first fights Macbeth? What happens?
Young Siward fights Macbeth and is slain
. Macbeth says to Macduff, “But get thee back, my soul is too much charged With blood of thine already.” To what is he referring?
Macbeth doesn’t want to fight Macduff; he has already killed Macduff’s family.
When does Macbeth know he’s in trouble?
He knows this is his end when Macduff tells him he was taken from his mother’s womb instead of being “born of woman.”
How does Macbeth die? Does he retain any admirable characteristics? Explain.
Macduff fights him and beheads him.
He dies fighting like a soldier, instead of giving up, even though he is aware the prophesies have turned against him. In that way, he retains some of that which made him great in the beginning of the play.
How does Lady Macbeth die?
She commits suicide. (learn this in the final speech, not when Macbeth hears news of her death)
Who will be King of Scotland?
Malcolm will be king.
When was Shakespeare born?
1564 in Stratford upon Avon
Who did Shakespeare marry?
Anne Hathaway and had 3 kids with her, the moved to London in the 1850s
What was the play company, Shakespeare was a part of?
Lord Chamberlain’s Men; 1630- the company received backing from King James I and renamed themselves The King’s Men
Three main characteristics in shakespearean tragedy
1.)a person who has potential to have the whole world, has everything going for him, round character,hero. 2) a hero however they have a tragic flaw. 3) a series of events that the hero goes through which encourages their downfall
How does the real Duncan differ from the fictional Duncan?
The real Duncan is young and weak while the fictional Duncan was old, wise, and respected
How does the real Macbeth compare to the fictional Macbeth?
The real one had manny accomplices in overthrowing the king…including Banquo, Macbeth was a good king who successfully rule for 10 years
How does the real Lady Macbeth compare to the fictional one?
The real Lady Macbeh had a first name, Gruoch and she was not as malevolent or manipulative according to the Chronicles
When did Shakespeare die?
april 23,1616
What are the three types of the Shakespearean works?
comedies,histories, and tragedies
What genre is Macbeth?
It is a tragedy and historical
Bad violence vs. Good violence
BAD-Macbeth killed Duncan who was a good king to seize the throne because of his ambition. GOOD- Macduff killed Macbeth in order o protect his country- it is noble. Both killed a king but Macduff’s motivation was different compared to Macbeth
Fate vs. Free Will
Macbeth may be fated to be king, but he decides all on his own that he will murder Duncan in order to obtain the crown. His actions suggest that fate may be predetermined, but free will determines how a people reach their destinies.
“Stars hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires”
(macbeth)this is him referring to his acknowledgement of the wrong he foresees himself doing, and how he is already ashamed of it.
How is Lady Macbeth’s guilt manifested?
Sleepwalking
FOIL between Banquo and Macbeth
Banquo is promised glory by the witches, but he figures out quickly that they’re no good. Rather than become obsessed with their prophetic promise, he just sits on it, always promising to talk about it later. But Macbeth ignores prudence, caution, good sense in order to carry out his own nefarious interpretation of the prophecy. Banquo highlights Macbeth’s greed in Macbeth
FOIL between Macbeth and Macduff
When Macduff learns that his family has been killed, he is stricken with grief. Macduff also says that sensitivity and expressing emotion when it comes to death are important characteristics of a man. Macbeth believes that ridding of all emotion is what makes a man, and has a very indifferent reaction when his wife dies.