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 prophecies of the three Witches play in Macbeth's actions?

  They spur on his ambition
• 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 ambition?

  They suffer deep remorse and guilt
• What ultimately happens to Lady Macbeth as a result of her ambition?

  She kills herself
• How does Macbeth represent the consequences of pursuing ambition without morality?

  He illustrates the devastating psychological effects
• When was Macbeth most likely written?

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

  Societal status was intensely important
• Why does Macbeth take the Witches' prophecies seriously?

  Because he is told he will potentially become Thane of Cawdor and king
• What causes tension in the play 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
• 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
• 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 guilt
• What does Macbeth compare his ambition to in Act One, Scene Seven?

  Horse riding
• What does Macbeth mean by "vaulting ambition"?

  Ambition that overestimates one's abilities
• What does Ross imply about ambition in Act Two, Scene Four?

  That ambition can be an unnatural phenomenon
• Who is the ultimate catalyst for Macbeth's actions?

  Lady Macbeth
• How does Lady Macbeth view her husband's nature?

  She believes he is too kind to act on his ambitions
• What does Lady Macbeth's quote about "the milk of human kindness" suggest?

  That she equates evil with ambition
• How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth into committing murder?

  By questioning his masculinity and resolve
• How does Lady Macbeth's ambition compare to Macbeth's?

  She is more ruthless and single-minded
• What does Shakespeare imply about gender norms through Lady Macbeth's character?

  That she defies traditional gender roles
• What is the outcome of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's ambition?

  They both end up dead and less powerful
• How does guilt manifest in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

  It torments them and undermines their sanity
• What does blood symbolize in Macbeth?

  Sin and guilt
• How does Macbeth's perception of blood change throughout the play?

  It shifts from representing loyalty to symbolizing guilt
• What does Macbeth's hallucination of blood signify?

  His overwhelming guilt and mental distress
• How is Macbeth introduced in the play?

  As a brave and noble soldier
• How does the captain describe Macbeth's actions in battle?

  As ruthless and commendable
• How does the changing meaning of blood reflect Macbeth's character development?

  It mirrors his transition from noble to tyrant
• What does Macbeth predict about his guilt after murdering Duncan?

  That it will grow and cannot be washed away
• How does the audience's perception of the ghost of Banquo differ between modern and Jacobean times?

  Modern audiences may see it as a psychological phenomenon, while Jacobean audiences may view it as real
• What does the apparition of Banquo's ghost represent for Macbeth?

  His guilt and mental unravelling
• 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 willingness to commit evil
• What does the title "Thane of Cawdor" signify in the context of ambition?

  It represents a step towards Macbeth's ultimate goal of becoming king
• How does the play explore the relationship between ambition and morality?

  It shows that unchecked ambition leads to immoral actions