Themes

• What is Macbeth's hamartia?

  His ambition
• What does the term 'hamartia' mean?

  Fatal flaw
• What does Macbeth mean by "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent"?

  He lacks motivation to act on his ambition
• Who is considered the spur for Macbeth's ambition?

  Lady Macbeth
• How does Lady Macbeth react to the witches' promises?

  She encourages Macbeth to pursue ambition
• What does Macbeth call Lady Macbeth when discussing their ambitions?

  My dearest partner
• What is Banquo's attitude towards the witches' prophecies?

  He is curious and wants to know more
• How does Banquo's ambition serve as his hamartia?

  It leads to his destruction
• What does Banquo dream about that indicates his ambition?

  He dreams of the Weird Sisters
• How does Macbeth attempt to bribe Banquo?

  By offering titles and honor
• What does Banquo mean by "keep my bosom franchised and allegiance clear"?

  He wants to remain loyal and free
• What is the witches' motivation in the play?

  To manipulate Macbeth for their own ends
• How does Hecate describe Macbeth?

  As a wayward son
• What do the witches lack that drives their actions?

  Love and acceptance
• How does Lady Macbeth's desire for power manifest?

  She wishes to become more masculine
• What does Lady Macbeth ask to be unsexed?

  To remove her womanhood
• How does Macbeth view masculinity?

  As associated with cruelty
• What does Malcolm teach Macduff about masculinity?

  It should include compassion
• What does Malcolm's reaction to Seward's son's death signify?

  Compassionate masculinity
• What is the Divine Right of Kings?

  God appoints the king
• How does Shakespeare portray King Duncan?

  As a virtuous king
• What warning does Macbeth give about killing nobles?

  It teaches others to kill
• What does Shakespeare suggest about tyranny in the play?

  It invites rebellion
• How does Banquo's character serve as a message to King James?

  He represents noble ancestry
• What does Shakespeare imply about the consequences of being a bad king?

  It leads to rebellion and chaos
• What does Shakespeare's exploration of psychology in his plays signify?

  Understanding human motivations
• What was Shakespeare's potential motive for opposing King James?

  To protect himself and his family
• What did earlier playwrights focus on in their works?

  Political intrigues and historical facts
• How did Shakespeare elevate playwriting?

  By introducing psychological depth
• What literary device did Shakespeare invent?

  Soliloquy
• What does Banquo's dream signify in the play?

  His ambition and possible supernatural influence
• What does Macbeth's vision of the dagger represent?

  His fractured psyche and moral conflict
• What does Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking indicate?

  Her fractured mind and guilt
• How does Macduff's guilt affect him in the play?

  It haunts him for leaving his family defenseless
• What theme does Shakespeare explore regarding fate and free will?

  Whether our lives are controlled by fate or free will
• What do the three fates represent in classical literature?

  Control over human lives
• How does Macbeth interpret the prophecies he receives?

  As a sign he doesn't need to act violently
• What does the prophecy about Birnam Wood suggest?

  It can be interpreted through military tactics
• What does the prophecy to beware Macduff imply?

  Macduff's opposition to Macbeth is obvious
• How does Macbeth's belief in his fate lead to his downfall?

  It causes him to underestimate Macduff