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Macbeth
Revising Macbeth
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who wrote the play Macbeth? | William Shakespeare |
| Where is the majority of the action in Macbeth set? | In Scotland |
| What is Macbeth's only title at the start of the play? | Thane of Glamis |
| The witches greet Macbeth with two predictions, what are they? | They greet him as Thane of Cawdor, and then King. |
| What do the witches predict for Banquo? | Banquo will sire kings, but will not be king himself |
| Who is the king of Scotland at the start of the play? | King Duncan |
| Who are king Duncan's two sons? | Malcolm and Donalbain |
| What does King Duncan announce concerning Malcolm in A1S4? | Malcolm will be known as the Prince of Cumberland and is King Duncan's heir |
| Who is Macbeth's wife? | Lady Macbeth |
| How is Macbeth related to King Duncan? | They are cousins |
| Why does King Duncan give Macbeth the new title 'Thane of Cawdor'? (2) | He rewards Macbeth for his bravery in battle, and also because the previous Thane of Cawdor betrayed King Duncan and Scotland by siding with King Sweno from Norway. |
| Who is beheaded by Macbeth on the battlefield? | Macdonwald |
| Where is King Duncan's castle at the start of the play? | Forres |
| What is the name of the Macbeths' castle? | Inverness |
| What name do the witches go by? | The Weird Sisters |
| How many witches are there? | There are three witches |
| Who is the goddess of witchcraft? | Hecate |
| Where do the witches meet in the opening scene of the play? | A heath or wasteland |
| How did Macbeth become the Thane of Glamis? | He inherited the title from his father upon his death. |
| Which King does Macbeth murder? | King Duncan After he is approached by three witches that predict he will be 'Thane of Cawdor', then 'King', Macbeth murders King Duncan in a bid to make the prophecy a reality. |
| Where does Donalbain flee after his father's murder? | To Ireland |
| Which character says, "There's daggers in men's smiles? | Donalbain After King Duncan's murder is discovered and the rest of the thanes retire to change in order to later assess the situation, Malcolm and Donalbain are left alone on stage and discuss how to proceed. |
| What does Macbeth see in his hallucination before the murder of King Duncan? | A dagger dripping blood He believes the dagger beckons him to King Duncan's room |
| Which character was born by Caesarean section? | Macduff Macbeth believes that he cannot be killed by anyone born of woman, as seen in an illusion created by the witches, and chooses to believe that he is invincible and will not die at the hands of a man, but Macduff was not born naturally. |
| Who led the forces of Ireland against Scotland? | Macdonwald He is killed by Macbeth in battle |
| Whose ghost does Macbeth see sitting in his seat during the banquet? | The ghost of Banquo The ghost appears whenever Macbeth toasts to Banquo, ironically. The ghost also appears with gashes on the head, emulating the way Banquo was murdered with 20 stab wounds. |
| What is the significance of the appearance of Banquo's ghost at the banquet? | The appearance of Banquo's ghost signifies Macbeth's guilt. The ghost appears every time Macbeth makes a toast to Banquo, a deceptive action to cover the murder. |
| Who is Macbeth's armourer? | Seyton Macbeth's chief servant when his thanes are abandoning him. Seyton helps to arm Macbeth for the final battle and also reports the queen's death to him. |
| Who discovers King Duncan's body? | Macduff He is allowed into Duncan's chamber by Macbeth when Macduff and Lennox go to wake King Duncan the morning after the feast at Inverness. |
| Which of King Duncan's sons does he choose as his heir? | Malcolm In A1S4, after the execution of the Thane of Cawdor, King Duncan announces that Malcolm will henceforth be 'Prince of Cumberland' and as his eldest, will receive King Duncan's estate. |
| Who is the general of the English forces sent to aid Malcolm? | Siward The Earl of Northumberland is the leader of the English troops lent to Malcolm to retrieve his throne. |
| Who is Banquo's son? | Fleance Banquo's son survives Macbeth's attempt to murder him, keeping the witches' prophecy concerning Banquo's heirs, alive. |
| What have the witches been planning in the opening scene of the play? | Meeting Macbeth This meeting only takes place in A1S3 |
| Who gives Duncan the news of Macbeth's victories? | Wounded sergeant and Ross |
| What reward does King Duncan decide to give Macbeth for his victories? | The title 'Thane of Cawdor' Since the previous Thane of Cawdor's betrayal, and Macbeth's bravery and loyalty during battle, King Duncan decides to reward Macbeth with the title. |
| How does the first witch punish the sailor's wife, who would not give her chestnuts? | She will make the sailor unable to sleep, he will be caught at sea in wild storms and will not reach the shore for a very long time (7x9x9=567 days) |
| How do the witches greet Macbeth? (3) | 1. Thane of Glamis 2. Thane of Cawdor 3. King |
| What does Macbeth initially decide to do about the witches' prophecies? | He will leave it to fate/chance "If chance will have me king then chance may crown me without my stir." |
| How does Lady Macbeth find out about the witches' predictions? | She reads the news in a letter that was sent with a messenger from Macbeth. As A1S5 opens, she reads this letter aloud |
| What does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband in A1S5? | He does not possess the ruthlessness to kill King Duncan and so fulfil the prophecy. She says he is too good and kind to take by force what he really desires. |
| When Lady Macbeth is informed that King Duncan is approaching the castle and will be spending the night, what does Lady Macbeth decide to do? | She asks spirits to make her cruel so that she lacks kindness and weakness so that she can murder King Duncan. She will also persuade Macbeth to join in on her plan by poisoning his thoughts. |
| In A1S7, in a soliloquy, Macbeth decides against the murder of King Duncan. He has a few reasons. What are they? (4) | 1. King Duncan is his cousin 2. Macbeth is a subject of King Duncan and should be loyal. 3. Macbeth is King Duncan's host and should protect him from harm. 4. King Duncan is a well-loved king, and the people of Scotland would mourn. |
| There is only one factor for murdering King Duncan. What is it? | Macbeth's own ambition to become king |
| Who did the Thane of Cawdor assist in the skirmishes against Scotland? | Norway under King Sweno The Thane of Cawdor assisted Norway in an invasion led by King Sweno. The Norwegain army was overthrown with the help of Macbeth and Banquo and the Thane of Cawdor was exposed as a traitor. |
| What was the punishment given to the Thane of Cawdor? | Kind Duncan ordered his execution |
| How does Macdonwald die? | Macdonwald led a band of Irish mercenaries in the battle against Scotland but Macbeth and Banquo worked tirelessly to fend off the attack. Macbeth came face to face with Macdonwald and slices him open from his navel to his jaws before beheading him. |
| Why does the witches' prediction about Banquo lead to his death? | The witches declared that Banquo's descendants would be kings. Macbeth feels insecure as this means his own reign will be short-lived. He hires two murderers and gives them their own reasons (lies) for wanting Banquo dead. |
| True or False (Explain your answer) In A1S7 Macbeth is eager to kill King Duncan because the sooner he does it the less likely it is that there will be consequences. | False Macbeth has internal conflict. He knows that the murder of King Duncan will have dire consequences. |
| Describe the atmosphere created by the witches in the opening scene of the play. | Ominous, sinister, mysterious, troubled |
| Which themes are introduced by the witches in the opening scene? (3) | Appearance vs Reality Natural vs Supernatural Good vs Evil |
| Explain how a battle can be lost and won. | One side wins a battle, the other loses, but even the winning side will have lost something, especially in a war against Norway (Vikings) who were brutal warriors. King Duncan also loses two subjects - Macdonwald and the Thane of Cawdor |
| What is King Duncan's fatal flaw? | In A1S4 Duncan admits that he blindly and wholeheartedly trusted the Thane of Cawdor. He also trusts Macbeth and because of his loyalty, rewards him with the Cawdor title. Macbeth will also end up betraying King Duncan. |
| Define an 'aside'. | A remark/passage that is intended to be heard by the audience, but not other characters in the play. It can in some cases also be spoken to another character while other characters remain unaware. |
| Define 'soliloquy'. | A long speech spoken by a single character that is not intended to be heard by the other characters. A soliloquy articulates thoughts that might flash through a character's mind in the span of a few moments. |
| What is the gift that Banquo hands Macbeth in A2S1? | A diamond This is a gift from King Duncan to Lady Macbeth |
| When Banquo mentions to Macbeth that he could not sleep soundly because he dreamt of the witches, what is Macbeth's response? | He says that he doesn't think of them. This is deceitful and ironic - Macbeth's willingness to murder King Duncan hinges on what was prophesied by the witches |
| What signal does Lady Macbeth give to tell Macbeth that it is time to proceed with the plan? | She rings a bell |
| What is Macbeth carrying when he returns to Lady Macbeth after the murder of King Duncan? | The two daggers of King Duncan's grooms |
| Who does Macbeth meet on his way to murder King Duncan? | Banquo and Fleance |
| Why can't Lady Macbeth murder King Duncan? | He resembled her father as he slept |
| Which part of the murder plan does Lady Macbeth carry out in place of Macbeth? | She returns the daggers to the grooms, smearing them with blood so that they appear guilty. |
| What does Lady Macbeth do when Macbeth announces that he killed the grooms in a 'blind rage'? | She faints |
| Give two possible reasons for Lady Macbeth fainting in A2S3. | 1. She is actually shocked that Macbeth went beyond their plan and she did not know about this. 2. She wants to remove attention from Macbeth. He is revealing too much and arousing suspicion. |
| What do Duncan's sons do when they hear that their father has been murdered? | They decide to flee Malcolm goes to England and Donalbain to Ireland |
| What do people believe when Malcolm and Donalbain run away? | Their running away makes them appear guilty of bribing the grooms to murder King Duncan. |
| Where does Macduff go to persuade Malcolm to come back to Scotland? | To King Edward's castle in England |
| What is Macduff's title? | Thane of Fife |
| Who is Macduff's wife? | Lady Macduff |
| In A3S1 when Banquo says, "I fear thou play'dst most foully for't" What does he mean? | He thinks that Macbeth has done something horrible (like murder King Duncan) in order to get the crown. |
| Why does Macbeth want to know about Banquo's plans for the afternoon before the banquet? | He wants to know where Banquo will be so that he can get rid of him. |
| Why does Macbeth feel insecure about Banquo? | 1. Banquo is dignified and benevolent 2. Banquo is fearless 3. Banquo is wise in his bravery 4. Macbeth is worried about the prophecy of the witches that named Banquo the father of kings. |
| What is patricide? | The killing of one's own father |
| What is regicide? | The killing of a monarch or regent (king or queen) |
| How does Macbeth persuade the two men to murder Banquo? | He lies to them about Banquo's involvement in their misfortune, essentially giving them their own reasons for wanting Banquo dead. |
| How has the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth changed since Act 1, now that Macbeth is King in Act 2? | They were 'partners in greatness'. He shared his ambitions with her. They planned and executed the murder of King Duncan; as partners. Now, Macbeth hides his intention of murdering Banquo and Fleance from her, calling her 'dearest chuck'. |
| Where do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth make their home in Act 3? | The castle at Forres |
| Which theme is evident in the following quote by Macbeth, "Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill"? | Good vs Evil/Light vs Darkness Macbeth says that the more he commits evil, the easier it becomes. His moral decline is clear. |
| What surprises the first two murderers as they are lying in wait for Banquo? | A third murderer was sent by Macbeth. |
| Why, do you think, Macbeth would send a third murderer? | He needed to make sure that Banquo and Fleance are murdered so that the prophecy of the witches does not come true. Banquo is also an accomplished warrior, and would easily overcome two attackers. |
| What is expected of a host at a state banquet? | 1. The host has to greet guests 2. He should make his guests feel welcome and at ease 3. He should spend time with guests |
| Who brings Macbeth news at the Banquet of the murder of Banquo? | The first murderer |
| What does the first murderer reveal to Macbeth concerning Fleance? | Fleance fled the murder scene and is still alive. |
| What is the significance of Fleance's escape? | The witches' prophecy said that Banquo would be the ancestor of kings. By leaving one of Banquo's descendants alive, this prophecy could still come true. Macbeth would not be at ease knowing this. |
| There is antithesis between the way the banquet starts and the way that it ends. Explain the contrast. | The banquet starts in order: guests are welcomed and seated according to rank. The banquet ends in disorder: guests are unceremoniously dismissed by Lady Macbeth in no specific order. |
| Who does not attend the banquet? | Macduff |
| How has Macduff shown opposition against Macbeth in the first three acts in the play? | 1. He did not attend Macbeth's coronation 2. He did not attend the banquet |
| After the banquet, what does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth he will do the next day? | He will go to the witches to find out more. |
| Why is Hecate angry with the witches? | They have meddled with Macbeth without her permission, not showcasing their power properly. |
| What are Hecate's feelings towards Macbeth? | She believes he is self-willed, headstrong and selfish |
| What is Hecate planning for Macbeth? | She will create illusions to trap Macbeth into believing in his own security, bringing him to his downfall. |
| What is Macbeth's fatal flaw? | His ambition |
| Where does Macbeth meet the witches in A4S1? | In a dark cave |
| What are the witches doing before Macbeth meets with them in A4S1? | They are brewing up a spell, making a potion full of evil things in a cauldron. |
| Comment on Macbeth's tone when he meets the witches in the cave in A4S1. | He is disrespectful, calling them, "black, and midnight hags." He is also demanding, "answer me to what I ask you." |
| How many illusions do the witches show Macbeth in total? | Four |
| What is the first illusion shown to Macbeth by the witches? | A helmeted head telling Macbeth to be careful of Macduff This represents Macbeth, a warrior, who will be beheaded after his battle with Macduff. |
| What is the second illusion shown to Macbeth by the witches? | A bloody child telling Macbeth that he cannot be killed by any man born of woman. This represents Macduff, who was born by C-section and not naturally through the birth canals of a woman. Macbeth chooses to believe that he is invincible. |
| What is the third illusion shown to Macbeth by the witches? | A crowned child holding a branch in his hand telling Macbeth that he will be safe until Birnam Wood moves towards Dunsinane. Representing Malcolm using the branches of Birnam Wood to launch his attack on Dunsinane |
| After the first three apparitions, what is still bothering Macbeth? | He wants to know about the prophecy concerning Banquo and his descendants. He wants to know if they will ever reign in Scotland. |
| What is the third apparition shown to Macbeth by the witches? | A lineup of eight kings all resembling Banquo. The last king carries a mirror in his hand, showing even more of Banquo's descendants as kings. |
| What does Macbeth decide concerning Macduff after his last meeting with the witches? | He will launch a surprise attack on Macduff's castle at Fife, and kill everyone including Lady Macduff, Macduff's children, and their servants. |
| Comment on the theme of 'Kingship vs Tyranny' as it applies to King Duncan and Macbeth. | 1. King Duncan reigned peacefully while Macbeth brings chaos to Scotland 2. King Duncan ruled fairly and offered rewards where due. Macbeth rules through fear and punishment 3. King Duncan was loyal to his country, whereas Macbeth seeks personal power |
| Why does Malcolm lie to Macduff about his shortcomings? | He wants to test Macduff's loyalty to see if he can be trusted. Malcolm has already decided to return to Scotland, but he needs to be sure that Macduff was not sent by Macbeth to capture him. |
| Who arrives in England with news of Macduff's family's murder? | Ross |
| Which themes are emphasised in the murder of Macduff's family? | 1. Good vs Evil 2. Kingship vs Tyranny 3. Guilt vs Innocence |
| What is the strategic importance of Dunsinane? | Dunsinane is a strong fortress on a hill, providing a defensive advantage, and Macbeth has further fortified it |
| What are the doctor and gentlewoman doing in A5S1? | Watching Lady Macbeth as she sleepwalks |
| Mention a few things Lady Macbeth does during her sleepwalking. | She always has a light by her She removes paper from her closet, folds it, writes on it, and reads it. She then seals it again. She rubs her hands together constantly, muttering about a spot of blood she cannot wash clean. |
| What does Malcolm instruct the soldiers to do before they enter Birnam Wood? | Every soldier should cut a branch from the trees and carry it before them as they march through the forest to Dunsinane to obscure their numbers. This is an example of the witches' equivocation. |
| Who brings Macbeth news of Lady Macbeth's death? | Seyton |
| Who is killed by Macbeth in battle at Dunsinane? | Young Siward Siward's son, a youth who fought bravely |
| Malcolm tells Siward, "We have met with foes that strike beside us." What does this paradox mean? | During the battle, those who fought under Macbeth switched their allegiance and joined the English soldiers under Malcolm and Siward. They started as enemies, but ended the battle as friends. |
| How does Macduff reveal to Macbeth that the witches have misled him? | Macduff reveals that he was from his 'mother's womb untimely ripped', born by C-section and not from a woman. He could therefore technically kill Macbeth. |
| Who eventually kills Macbeth? | Macduff kills Macbeth Macduff reveals to Macbeth that he 'was not born of woman', they fight and Macduff kills him. |
| What is the first thing Malcolm does as king of Scotland? | Malcolm rewards the thanes loyal to him with new titles. He makes them Earls, the first of their kind in Scotland. |
| What is the significance of Colmekill in the play 'Macbeth'? | This is the ancient burial site of Scottish kings. King Duncan is laid to rest here. |
Created by:
Rouxne Smal
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