Macbeth

• What is the most important event about Macbeth's character at the beginning of the play?

  The Rebellion against Scotland
• Who does Macbeth kill that reveals his character?

  Macdonald, the rebel Scottish leader
• What does the manner of Macbeth's killing of Macdonald suggest about his character?

  It shows that he revels in killing and enjoys the act
• What does Macbeth's act of shaking hands with Macdonald after killing him signify?

  It indicates a personal and intimate nature of the killing
• How does Macbeth's character change from a hero to someone with a hamartia?

  His enjoyment of killing reveals his tragic flaw
• What do the witches' prophecies lead Macbeth to contemplate?

  The desire to kill King Duncan to become king
• What do the witches never explicitly tell Macbeth to do?

  They never tell him to kill King Duncan
• What does Macbeth's immediate thought after learning he is Thane of Cawdor reveal about his character?

  It shows his inclination towards murder despite the witches' prophecies
• What does Macbeth mean when he says, "If chance may crown me, without my stir"?

  He believes fate may make him king without his actions
• Why does Macbeth write to Lady Macbeth about the witches' prophecies?

  To inform her and seek her input on their future
• What does Macbeth's reference to Lady Macbeth as "my dearest partner in greatness" imply?

  It shows he views her as an equal in ambition
• What does Lady Macbeth's desire to be "unsexed" reveal about her character?

  It shows her wish to gain the ruthlessness needed for power
• How does Lady Macbeth's perception of Macbeth's character differ from reality?

  She believes he is too kind, while he revels in killing
• What does Lady Macbeth's reaction to Duncan's murder reveal about her character?

  She initially believes she can handle the guilt but later succumbs to it
• What does Macbeth mean when he says, "To know my deed, 'tis best not know myself"?

  He realizes that the murder has revealed his true nature
• How does Macbeth's ambition relate to his tragic flaw or hamartia?

  His ambition leads him to act against his better judgment
• What does Macbeth's description of Duncan's body reveal about his character?

  It shows his obsession with blood and violence
• Why does Lady Macbeth agree with Macbeth's plan to kill Banquo?

  She believes it is necessary to secure their power
• Why does Macbeth choose not to involve Lady Macbeth in the plan to kill Banquo?

  He wants to protect her from the guilt of the murder
• What does Macbeth's decision to kill Banquo reveal about his character?

  It shows he is willing to act out of fear rather than ambition
• How does Macbeth's view of the witches' prophecies influence his actions?

  He believes he must take action to secure his kingship
• What is the significance of Macbeth's psychological understanding of Lady Macbeth?

  It shows he recognizes her ambition and manipulates it
• What does Lady Macbeth's reaction to the murder of Duncan reveal about her character?

  She initially appears strong but ultimately succumbs to guilt
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his downfall?

  His ambition drives him to commit murder and betray his values
• What does the phrase "vaulting ambition" imply about Macbeth's character?

  It suggests his ambition is excessive and leads to his downfall
• What does Macbeth's soliloquy before killing Duncan reveal about his state of mind?

  It shows his inner conflict and obsession with the act of killing
• How does Macbeth plan to frame the grooms for Duncan's murder?

  By using their daggers to kill Duncan and leaving them on the bodies
• What does Macbeth's reaction to Duncan's murder reveal about his character?

  He feels immediate regret and recognizes his true nature
• How does the concept of the "great chain of being" relate to Macbeth's actions?

  His murder of Duncan disrupts the natural order and divine right of kings
• What does Macbeth's description of Duncan's death reveal about his character?

  It highlights his obsession with blood and violence
• Why does Macbeth decide to kill Banquo despite the witches' prophecies?

  He fears Banquo's descendants will threaten his kingship
• What does Lady Macbeth's agreement to kill Banquo suggest about her character?

  It shows her willingness to commit further violence for power
• How does Macbeth's decision to kill Banquo reflect his character development?

  It shows his descent into tyranny and moral corruption
• What does Macbeth's fear of Banquo reveal about his character?

  It shows his paranoia and insecurity about his power
• How does Macbeth's ambition ultimately lead to his downfall?

  His ambition drives him to commit heinous acts that destroy him
• What does the phrase "vaulting ambition" suggest about Macbeth's character?

  It implies that his ambition is excessive and self-destructive
• What does Macbeth's soliloquy before killing Duncan reveal about his state of mind?

  It shows his inner conflict and obsession with the act of killing
• How does Macbeth plan to frame the grooms for Duncan's murder?

  By using their daggers to kill Duncan and leaving them on the bodies
• What does Macbeth's reaction to Duncan's murder reveal about his character?

  He feels immediate regret and recognizes his true nature
• Why does Macbeth feel guilty about his actions?

  He feels guilty because his actions are driven by jealousy rather than ambition.