The Macbeths Plot to Kill

• Who arrives at Macbeth's castle in Scene 6?

  Duncan
• How does Duncan feel about Macbeth's hospitality?

  Duncan is grateful for Macbeth's hospitality
• What is ironic about Duncan's description of Macbeth's castle?

  Duncan describes it as "pleasant" while the audience knows Macbeth is plotting against him
• What does Lady Macbeth do when she first appears in Scene 6?

  She flatters Duncan and thanks him for the honors he has given them
• How does Shakespeare contrast Lady Macbeth's behavior in this scene with the previous one?

  He shows her to be false and deceptive
• What is ironic about Duncan's description of Macbeth's love for Lady Macbeth?

  Duncan describes it as "sharp as his spur," but it is actually Macbeth's ambition that drives him
• What does the term "spur" refer to in Duncan's description of Macbeth's love for Lady Macbeth?

  It refers to encouragement that drives Macbeth into action
• How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth's actions according to the text?

  She acts as the spur that encourages him to plot Duncan's murder
• What is the main conflict Macbeth faces in Scene 7?

  Whether to kill Duncan or not
• What does Macbeth mean when he says that murder can "return/To plague th'inventor"?

  It suggests that killing Duncan could lead to Macbeth's own death
• Why does Macbeth feel he has a duty to protect Duncan?

  Because Duncan is his kinsman and host
• How does Macbeth describe Duncan as a king?

  Duncan is a good king who is "clear in his great office"
• What does Macbeth recognize as his hamartia?

  His own ambition
• How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth into agreeing to the murder?

  By questioning his masculinity
• What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says Macbeth will be "so much more the man"?

  He will be more of a man and also become King
• What extreme statement does Lady Macbeth make to show her ruthlessness?

  She says she would kill her own child
• What is the effect of suspense in Act 1 of Macbeth?

  • The murder has been planned but not executed
  • Builds anticipation for the audience
  • Creates tension regarding the outcome
• How does Shakespeare use imagery related to alchemy in Lady Macbeth's language?

  • References to "A limbeck" and "receipt"
  • Suggests transformation and ambition
  • Hints that Macbeth will not become a good king