Key themes

• What are the two forms of governance contrasted in the play?

  Tyranny and kingship
• How are kingship and power related in the play?

  Kingship and power are intrinsically linked
• What motivates Macbeth's actions throughout the play?

  The possibility of ascending the throne
• How does Shakespeare contrast characters' behavior towards power?

  He contrasts their behavior before and after gaining power
• What type of king does Shakespeare depict as virtuous and benevolent?

  A virtuous and benevolent king
• What does Shakespeare suggest about ambition in the play?

  Ambition can be dangerous when motivated by greed
• How do Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's ambitions differ from Banquo's?

  Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are driven by greed, while Banquo is content to let the future unfold
• What role does violence play in the structure of the tragedy?

  Violence supports the typical structure of the tragedy
• What event opens the play?

  A bloody battle between Scotland and Norway
• How does Shakespeare portray the consequences of violent transgressions?

  They lead to more violent acts, even with selfless intentions
• What must Macbeth do after committing regicide to maintain his crown?

  He must continue to use violence
• How is Macbeth's initial violence characterized?

  It is born from loyalty and honour
• What does Macbeth's outward appearance allow him to do?

  It enables him to commit regicide and ascend the throne
• What theme does Shakespeare explore through the supernatural?

  How appearance can be manipulated and altered
• What natural orders does the play subvert?

  Macbeth disrupts royal succession and Lady Macbeth breaks gender norms
• How do the witches' prophecies affect Macbeth's fate?

  They may be self-fulfilling as his ambition takes over
• What conflicting loyalties does Macbeth experience?

  His loyalties are conflicted between Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macbeth
• What fatal decision does Macbeth make regarding the witches' prophecies?

  He chooses to trust the witches' prophecies and betray Duncan
• How does Macbeth's loyalty fluctuate throughout the play?

  His loyalty and bravery are rewarded but he is tempted by the supernatural
• What motivates Macbeth to betray Banquo?

  Paranoia and guilt
• What motifs does Shakespeare use to explore guilt?

  Blood, sleeplessness, and hallucinations
• How does guilt manifest in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

  It haunts them as a ghost and weighs on their conscience
• What do the Macbeths pursue while plotting regicide?

  A façade of innocence
• What societal structure is depicted in Jacobean society?

  Patriarchal
• What was expected of women in Jacobean times?

  To marry, bear children, and be subservient to men
• How does Shakespeare associate Lady Macbeth's femininity?

  With the biblical allusion of the fall of man
• How does Shakespeare use the witches in the play?

  To terrify and disturb the audience
• How does Macbeth's fearlessness contrast with Banquo's behavior?

  Macbeth's curiosity outweighs his fear, while Banquo demonstrates caution
• What role does Lady Macbeth play in the plot of King Duncan's regicide?

  She is presented as fearless and constructs the plot
• How does Macbeth's paranoia evolve after achieving power?

  He becomes increasingly paranoid, leading to tyranny
• What does Shakespeare warn about the pursuit of power?

  It can lead to tragic consequences if not rightfully bestowed
• How does Lady Macbeth feel about her husband's actions later in the play?

  She feels powerless to his increasingly tyrannical actions
• What motivates Macduff to seek vengeance?

  His powerlessness when his family is slaughtered