English lit paper 1 - Macbeth

• What do the witches mean by "Fair is foul and foul is fair"?

  It indicates the deceptive nature of appearances
• How do the witches influence Macbeth's actions?

  They predict his rise to power, leading to murder
• What does "filthy air" symbolize in the play?

  It represents the witches' corrupting influence
• What title do the witches first give to Macbeth?

  Thane of Cawdor
• What does Macbeth's initial bravery in battle signify?

  His loyalty and respect from fellow soldiers
• How does Macbeth's perception of bravery change throughout the play?

  It shifts from noble to treacherous actions
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "the milk of human kindness"?

  She views kindness as a weakness in Macbeth
• What does Macbeth mean by "I must fall down or else o’er leap"?

  He sees Malcolm as an obstacle to overcome
• How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth's ambition?

  She questions his manhood and resolve
• What does Macbeth's hallucination of the dagger symbolize?

  His internal conflict about murdering Duncan
• What does Macbeth mean by "Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood from my hand?"

  He feels he cannot escape his guilt
• What does Lady Macbeth's reaction to Duncan's murder reveal?

  Her hypocrisy and foreshadowing guilt
• How does Macbeth's relationship with Lady Macbeth change?

  They grow apart as ambition consumes him
• What does Macbeth's statement about being "cabin'd, cribb'd, confined" indicate?

  His feelings of panic and entrapment
• What does the phrase "false face must hide what false heart doth know" imply?

  Macbeth will disguise his true intentions
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked the nipple from his boneless gums"?

  She would kill her child to keep a promise
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his downfall?

  It drives him to commit heinous acts
• What does the imagery of blood symbolize in the play?

  It symbolizes guilt and consequences of actions
• What does Macbeth's fear of Banquo indicate about his character?

  His paranoia and insecurity about power
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck"?

  She wants Macbeth to keep his plans secret
• How does Macbeth's perception of security change after Fleance's survival?

  He feels panic and vulnerability
• What does the phrase "the seed of Banquo kings" reveal about Macbeth's mindset?

  His fear of losing power to Banquo's lineage
• What does Macbeth's final decision in Act 1, Scene 7 indicate?

  He is convinced to proceed with the murder
• How does Lady Macbeth's language reflect her character?

  It shows her ruthless ambition and manipulation
• What does Macbeth's internal conflict reveal about his character?

  His struggle between ambition and morality
• What does the metaphor of "marble" and "rock" signify in Macbeth's speech?

  His previous sense of security and strength
• What does Macbeth's reaction to the witches' prophecies indicate?

  His ambition is awakened and corrupted
• How does the theme of ambition manifest in Macbeth's character?

  It drives him to commit murder for power
• What role does guilt play in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's actions?

  It ultimately leads to their downfall
• What does the recurring symbol of blood represent in the play?

  It symbolizes guilt and the consequences of ambition
• What does Lady Macbeth's manipulation of Macbeth reveal about her character?

  Her ambition and willingness to sacrifice morality
• How does Macbeth's character evolve throughout the play?

  He transforms from a noble warrior to a tyrant
• What does the imagery of "fog" and "filthy air" suggest about the witches' influence?

  It indicates their ability to obscure the truth
• How does the theme of fate versus free will manifest in Macbeth's actions?

  His choices lead to his tragic downfall
• What does Macbeth's final decision to kill Duncan signify?

  His complete surrender to ambition
• How does Lady Macbeth's perception of masculinity influence her actions?

  She equates masculinity with ruthlessness
• What does Macbeth's relationship with Lady Macbeth reveal about gender roles?

  It challenges traditional gender expectations
• How does the supernatural influence the events of the play?

  It drives characters to act against their morals
• What does the title "Thane of Cawdor" foreshadow for Macbeth?

  His eventual betrayal and downfall
• How does the theme of ambition affect Lady Macbeth's character?

  It drives her to manipulate Macbeth ruthlessly