Macbeth

• What does Macbeth say is the only spur to his ambition?

  Vaulting ambition
• What metaphor does Macbeth use to describe his ambition?

  He compares it to a horse that vaults but falls due to overreaching.
• Who does Macbeth imply is the rider controlling his ambition?

  Lady Macbeth
• What does Macbeth's reflection on his ambition suggest about the influence of the witches?

  It suggests that the witches' prophecies are not enough to compel him to kill Duncan.
• What do most teachers identify as Macbeth's fatal flaw?

  Ambition
• How does Macbeth's soliloquy contribute to our understanding of his character?

  It reveals his internal conflict and acknowledges that ambition alone is insufficient for action.
• What theme does the quote "fair is foul and foul is fair" introduce?

  The theme of duality and the unreliability of appearances.
• What does the weather described by the witches suggest about their power?

  It hints at their supernatural abilities and influence over the natural world.
• How does Duncan's inability to read intentions relate to the theme of fate?

  It suggests that fate is inevitable and that appearances can be deceiving.
• What is the significance of Macbeth's rush to fulfill his prophecies?

  It highlights his tragic flaw of impatience and desire for power.
• What literary device is used in the phrase "hover through the fog and filthy air"?

  Alliteration
• How do the witches' words reflect their nature?

  They convey a sense of ambiguity and duality in their intentions.
• What does Lady Macbeth's quote "out, damned spot" reveal about her character?

  It reveals her overwhelming guilt and realization of her moral corruption.
• What does "hell is murky" suggest about Lady Macbeth's state of mind?

  It suggests her fear of the consequences of her actions and her guilt.
• How does Lady Macbeth's perception of power change throughout the play?

  She initially feels powerful but later becomes consumed by guilt and fear.
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "who knows it when none can call our power to account"?

  She believes they can act without fear of being held accountable.
• How does the theme of gender roles manifest in Lady Macbeth's character?

  She rejects traditional femininity to gain power and influence.
• What does the phrase "come spirits that tend on mortal thoughts" indicate about Lady Macbeth's desires?

  It indicates her wish to be filled with cruelty to achieve her ambitions.
• How does Shakespeare portray the witches in relation to Lady Macbeth?

  He presents them as both sinister and childlike, reflecting duality in their nature.
• What does the quote about Banquo suggest regarding his character compared to Macbeth?

  It suggests that Banquo will be noble and virtuous, contrasting with Macbeth's moral decline.
• How does the prophecy about Banquo serve to flatter King James?

  It connects Banquo to noble ancestry, suggesting divine favor and legitimacy.
• What does the divine right of kings imply in the context of the play?

  It suggests that kings are chosen by God and should not be overthrown.
• How does Macbeth's behavior contrast with Banquo's in the play?

  Macbeth acts on his ambition and commits regicide, while Banquo remains honorable.
• What does the phrase "something wicked this way comes" imply about Macbeth's character?

  It implies that Macbeth has become inherently evil through his actions.
• How does Lady Macbeth's horrific imagery about her child reflect her character development?

  It shows her complete rejection of femininity and her willingness to embrace evil.
• What does Lady Macbeth's ambition reveal about her role in the play?

  It reveals her desire for power and her willingness to manipulate Macbeth.
• What does the prophecy suggest about the future happiness of the character who does not act on evil thoughts?

  He is going to be much happier than Macbeth.
• What does the phrase "Something Wicked This Way Comes" imply about Macbeth from the witches' perspective?

  It suggests that Macbeth is inherently evil.
• How does Lady Macbeth's horrific imagery about her baby reflect her character?

  It shows that she has abandoned all sense of femininity and her duty as a mother.
• What deeper meaning does Lady Macbeth's violent imagery about her baby convey?

  It reflects her grief over the death of her child and her desire for revenge against Duncan.
• Who is considered God's representative on Earth in the context of the play?

  The king.
• How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth regarding his promise to her?

  She suggests that his promise is more important than a matter of life and death.
• What does the consonance of B's and D's in Lady Macbeth's speech signify?

  It reflects her aggression and suggests the urgency for Macbeth to act.
• What does Lady Macbeth's desire for her milk to be turned to gall signify?

  It indicates her wish to rid herself of feminine qualities and embrace cruelty.
• How does Shakespeare portray Lady Macbeth in relation to societal expectations of women?

  He presents her as a figure who exceeds her societal role, leading to her punishment.
• What does Macbeth's quote "Out, out brief candle" suggest about his view on life?

  It reflects his nihilistic perspective that life is meaningless.
• How does Macbeth's use of Lady Macbeth's language indicate their connection?


  It emphasizes their shared evil and deep emotional bond.
• What does the imagery of light in Macbeth's speech symbolize?

  It symbolizes a Christian image, contrasting his love for Lady Macbeth with his love for God.
• How does the concept of fate in the play relate to the characters' actions?

  It suggests that characters believe they are following a predetermined script, limiting their free will.
• What does Macbeth's desire to destroy the world signify about his character development?

  It reflects his nihilism and rejection of responsibility for his actions.