Loyalty and Betrayal

• How do characters show loyalty in Macbeth?

  Through their actions
• What is the difference between characters who claim loyalty and those who demonstrate it in Macbeth?

  Some claim loyalty while others act loyally
• Who is an example of a character that talks about loyalty but plots against it?

  Macbeth
• To whom is Macduff loyal?

  Scotland
• What choice does Macduff make to show his loyalty to Scotland?

  He goes to England to seek help
• Why does Macduff prefer to leave Scotland?

  To avoid a bad king ruling
• Why are the thanes loyal to Duncan?

  Because he is a "great" king
• What does Macbeth offer Duncan in Act 1?

  "Service and loyalty"
• What does Banquo value that shows his loyalty?

  His own sense of honour
• What does Banquo say about his allegiance?

  He will keep it "clear"
• What typically happens when characters betray their loyalty in Macbeth?

  They pursue their own selfish desires
• What are the different types of loyalty shown by characters in Macbeth?

  • Loyalty to country (Macduff to Scotland)
  • Loyalty to king (Thanes to Duncan)
  • Loyalty to beliefs (Banquo's sense of honour)
• What are the consequences of betrayal of loyalty in Macbeth?

  • Characters pursue selfish desires
  • Leads to conflict and tragedy
• What happens to the old Thane of Cawdor?

  He is executed for disloyalty
• Why does Duncan reward Macbeth?

  For his loyalty to Scotland
• How does the play's structure relate to loyalty and betrayal?

  It ends with Macbeth's betrayal and death
• What does Macbeth betray according to the text?

  His own sense of right and wrong
• What are the consequences of Macbeth's betrayal?

  Loss of self-worth and eventual death
• How is betrayal linked to power in the play?

  Power can be given or taken based on loyalty
• How do loyalty and betrayal interact in the play?

  • Loyalty can lead to betrayal
  • Example: Macduff betrays his family for Scotland
  • Betrayal often results in punishment
• To whom is Macbeth initially loyal?

  Duncan
• Why is Macbeth's betrayal of Duncan shocking?

  He prioritizes his desires over loyalty
• What does Lady Macbeth tell Duncan about her and Macbeth's loyalty?

  They are "Your servants ever"
• What does Lady Macbeth's faked loyalty reveal about her character?

  She can easily pretend to be loyal
• How does Shakespeare juxtapose Lady Macbeth's actions regarding Duncan?

  She plots his murder while welcoming him
• What theme is highlighted by Lady Macbeth's actions?

  • Theme: Reality and Appearances
  • Lady Macbeth's two-faced nature
  • Betrayal of Duncan
  • Duncan trusts her as a "Fair and noble hostess"