Ambition and Power

• What drives the plot of Macbeth?

  The Macbeths' manipulative ambition
• What role do the three Witches play in Macbeth's ambition?

  They spur on his ambition with prophecies
• What is the consequence of Macbeth's ambition?

  He loses his nobility and becomes violent
• What psychological effects do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience?

  Deep remorse and guilt over their actions
• What ultimately happens to Lady Macbeth?

  She commits suicide
• What does Macbeth represent in terms of ambition?

  The psychological consequences of unchecked ambition
• Why does Macbeth take the Witches' prophecies seriously?

  He is ambitious and values titles highly
• What causes tension in Macbeth?

  A battle over names and titles
• What is Macbeth's tragic flaw?

  His insatiable ambition
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his madness?

  It causes him guilt and hallucinations
• What does Macbeth see that reflects his madness?

  A bloody dagger
• What does Macbeth admit about his ambition in Act One?

  It is the only spur for his intent
• What does Ross imply about ambition in Act Two?

  It is an unnatural phenomenon
• How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth's actions?

  She criticizes his masculinity and urges him
• What does Lady Macbeth fear about Macbeth's nature?

  He is too kind to seize power
• How does Lady Macbeth's ambition compare to Macbeth's?

  She is more ruthless and single-minded
• What does Lady Macbeth believe is necessary to achieve greatness?

  To sacrifice or ignore moral compass
• How is Lady Macbeth viewed by Jacobean audiences?

  As untrustworthy for defying gender norms
• What does Shakespeare demonstrate about ambition in Macbeth?

  It leads to loss and suffering
• How does guilt affect Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

  It undermines their sanity
• How does the apparition of Banquo's ghost function in the play?

  As a projection of Macbeth's guilt
• What does blood symbolize in Macbeth?

  Sin and guilt
• How does blood's symbolism change throughout the play?

  From loyalty to guilt and sin
• How is Macbeth initially introduced in the play?

  As a brave soldier
• How does Macbeth's character change throughout the play?

  From noble to butcher and tyrant
• What do Macbeth's hallucinations of blood represent?

  His guilt and mental distress
• How does the audience's perception of blood change in Macbeth?

  It shifts from loyalty to guilt
• What does the changing symbolism of blood reflect in Macbeth?

  Macbeth's changing character and morality