Macbeth

• What is Macbeth's primary character trait?

  Ambitious
• How does Macbeth's ambition affect his actions?

  He is willing to commit murder to become king
• What internal conflict does Macbeth experience?

  He doubts whether he is doing the right thing
• What does Macbeth often feel as a result of his actions?

  Guilt
• How does Macbeth's susceptibility to influence affect his character?

  It shows he can be weak
• What does Macbeth's language reveal about his state of mind?

  It reflects his uncertainty and guilt
• What question does Macbeth ask when feeling uncertain?

  "Whence is that knocking?"
• How does Macbeth's language change throughout the play?

  It becomes more certain and confident
• What does Macbeth say about his ambition?

  "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition"
• How is Macbeth described in terms of bravery?

  "Brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name"
• What does Macbeth question regarding his guilt?

  "Will all great Neptune's oceans wash this blood clean from my hand?"
• What are the key traits of Macbeth's character?

  • Ambitious
  • Brave
  • Guilty
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his downfall?

  • Drives him to commit murder
  • Causes internal conflict and guilt
  • Leads to manipulation by others
• How is Macbeth described at the start of the play?

  As a "valiant" warrior
• What does Rosse compare Macbeth to?

  Bellona's bridegroom, like Mars
• What title does the King give Macbeth?

  Thane of Cawdor
• What does the title Thane of Cawdor signify?

  Recognition of Macbeth's bravery and loyalty
• Where does Macbeth seem most comfortable?

  On the battlefield
• Why does Macbeth feel at ease while fighting?

  He avoids worrying about his guilty conscience
• How does Macbeth die?

  In battle
• How does Macbeth fight at the end of the play?

  He fights "bear-like" to the end
• What does Macbeth declare about yielding?

  He "will not yield"
• How does Macbeth's character change throughout the play?

  • Starts as a brave warrior
  • Becomes weak and uncertain in the middle
  • Returns to soldier-like bravery by the end
• What structural change occurs by the end of the play regarding Macbeth?

  He returns to being the soldier he was
• What type of murderer is Macbeth described as?

  Brutal murderer
• Why does Macbeth murder Duncan?

  He wants to become King
• Who else does Macbeth have killed besides Duncan?

  Macduff's family and Banquo
• What influences Macbeth's decision to kill Duncan?

  Persuasion from Lady Macbeth
• How does Macbeth's ambition affect his morality?

  His ambition is stronger than his morality
• What does Macduff call Macbeth at the end of the play?

  "Hell-hound"
• What term does Young Siward use to describe Macbeth?

  "Abhorred tyrant"
• What has ruined Macbeth's noble characteristics?

  His violent ambition
• What is the theme of Fate and Free Will in Macbeth?

  • Macbeth makes a deliberate decision to kill Duncan
  • He later claims he is controlled by fate
  • Suggests a conflict between ambition and guilt
• What does Macbeth mean when he says he is a "poor payer"?

  He feels controlled by fate
• How does Macbeth's perception of control change throughout the play?

  He shifts from feeling in control to feeling fated
• What does Macbeth struggle with regarding his actions?

  His conscience
• Why does Macbeth worry about the consequences of his actions?

  Because of earthly judgement and deep damnation
• How does Macbeth's sense of right and wrong affect his actions?

  It makes his actions more shocking
• Who does Macbeth hesitate to kill?

  Duncan
• What does Macbeth say when he decides against killing Duncan?

  "We will proceed no further in this business"