Macbeth-AMBITION

• What drives the plot of Macbeth forward?

  The Macbeths' manipulative ambition
• How do the Macbeths exploit those around them?

  To improve their position in the social hierarchy
• What role do the three Witches play in Macbeth's ambition?

  They spur on Macbeth's ambition through their prophecies
• What is the consequence of ambition for Macbeth?

  It causes him to lose his nobility and become violent
• What psychological effects do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience due to their actions?

  They suffer deep remorse and guilt
• What ultimately happens to Lady Macbeth?

  She kills herself
• What does Macbeth represent in terms of ambition and morality?

  A dramatic representation of the consequences of pursuing ambition without regard for morality
• When was Macbeth most likely written?

  In 1606
• What was the societal importance of status during the Jacobean period?

  Societal status was intensely important with a rigid class system
• Why does Macbeth take the Witches' prophecies seriously?

  Because they suggest he could become Thane of Cawdor and king
• What causes tension in Macbeth?

  A battle over names and titles among ambitious characters
• How is ambition viewed in modern Western society compared to Jacobean England?

  It is treated as a good quality in modern society
• What is the Great Chain of Being?

  A hierarchical structure of all beings in the universe, believed to be divinely ordained
• What happens to those who try to rise above their rank according to the Great Chain of Being?

  They are believed to be going against God
• How does Macbeth describe his ambitions?

  As "black and deep desires"
• What are the two key sources of Macbeth's ambition?

  The Witches' prophecy and Lady Macbeth
• What does Macbeth's initial reaction to the Witches' prophecies reveal?

  His thoughts jump to the possibility of murder
• What is Macbeth's tragic flaw?

  His insatiable ambition
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his madness?

  It causes him to experience visions and mental distress
• What does Macbeth admit about his ambition in Act One?

  It is the only spur for his intent to kill Duncan
• How does Macbeth compare his ambition to horse riding?

  He uses ambition as a metaphorical spur to motivate his actions
• What does Ross imply about ambition in Act Two?

  That it is an unnatural phenomenon
• How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth's actions?

  She criticizes his masculinity and pushes him to commit murder
• What does Lady Macbeth fear about Macbeth's nature?

  That he is too kind to seize power
• How does Lady Macbeth's ambition compare to Macbeth's?

  She is more ruthless and single-minded in her ambition
• What does Lady Macbeth's soliloquy reveal about her character?

  Her defining trait is her ambition
• How does Lady Macbeth use gender norms to manipulate Macbeth?

  She shames him into committing murder
• How is Lady Macbeth viewed by a Jacobean audience?

  As a masculine character who defies gender norms
• What does Shakespeare demonstrate about ambition in Macbeth?

  That overwhelming ambition leads to loss and suffering
• What is the central theme of Macbeth?

  Ambition and its resulting guilt
• How does guilt affect Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

  It torments them and undermines their sanity
• How is blood symbolically used in Macbeth?

  It symbolizes sin and is connected to guilt
• What does Macbeth say about the blood on his hands after killing Duncan?

  It cannot be washed away and will spread
• How does Macbeth's character change throughout the play?

  He changes from "noble" to "butcher" and "abhorred tyrant"
• What does the captain say about Macbeth at the beginning of the play?

  He describes Macbeth as "brave" and deserving of that name
• How does blood's meaning evolve in the play?

  It shifts from representing loyalty to symbolizing guilt
• What does Macbeth hallucinate about blood?

  He imagines a dagger with blood on it
• How does the audience's perception of Macbeth's character change?

  It evolves from seeing him as noble to viewing him as a tyrant
• What role do the three Witches play in influencing Macbeth's actions?

  They provide prophecies that ignite his ambition
• What is the significance of Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in revealing her character?

  It highlights her ambition and ruthlessness