Mood and Atmosphere

• Shakespeare creates atmosphere in different ways

  Shakespeare uses different methods to create different atmospheres, which are an important part of the play. Some of the techniques he uses are:

  . Setting

  . Use of the supernatural

  . Humour

  . Different senses

  . Language

  In particular, imagery helps to create different moods
• What do different settings create in a play?

  Different moods
• Why did Shakespeare choose settings carefully?

  They add to the atmosphere of the play
• Where do the Witches usually appear?

  In spooky, deserted places
• What does the Witches' setting convey?

  A sense of isolation and secrecy
• How does "thunder and lightning" affect the Witches' portrayal?

  It makes them seem menacing
• What happens with each apparition of the Witches?

  It is introduced with more "thunder"
• Where do many scenes take place in Macbeth?

  In and around Macbeth's castles
• What does the setting of Macbeth's castles remind the audience?

  That the Macbeths are noble
• How do the Macbeths' actions contrast with their noble setting?

  Their actions are not noble at all
• What highlights the violence in Act 5 of Macbeth?

  Malcolm's army advancing
• What does the setting of Malcolm's army advancing signify?

  It highlights the violence throughout the play
• How does language set the scene in literature?

  It creates atmosphere and context for events
• Why was dialogue important in Shakespeare's time?

  Sets and props were limited
• What effect does the Witches' appearance in "fog and filthy air" have in Act 1, Scene 1?

  It creates a gloomy atmosphere and ambiguity
• What dramatic irony is present in Act 1, Scene 5 regarding Duncan's view of Macbeth's castle?

  Duncan calls it "pleasant" unaware of his fate
• What does Banquo say about the night in Act 2, Scene 1?

  "Candles are all out" indicating no stars
• How does language create atmosphere in Act 4, Scene 1 with the Witches?

  Gruesome language reflects their evil intentions
• What violent language does Lady Macbeth use to reveal her true nature?

  She describes killing her own child
• What effect do short lines of dialogue and exclamations have in the play?

  They create feelings of panic and confusion
• What are the key ways language sets the scene and creates atmosphere in Shakespeare's works?

  • Dialogue helps describe the setting
  • Gloomy imagery creates an ominous mood
  • Dramatic irony enhances tension
  • Gruesome language reflects character intentions
  • Short lines evoke panic and confusion
• How does Shakespeare use the senses in his plays?

  He makes characters describe what they see or hear
• What effect does Macduff's statement about Duncan's body have on the audience?

  It emphasizes the horror of the discovery
• What does Macduff say will "destroy your sight"?

  "With a new Gorgon"
• How does the introduction of Duncan's arrival contrast with his death?

  It uses a "Flourish" versus a "hideous trumpet"
• What does the change in atmosphere signify when Duncan arrives and when he dies?

  It shows the shift from celebration to horror
• What does Lennox hear on the night of Duncan's murder?

  "Strange screams of death"
• What atmosphere do the "strange screams of death" create?

  A dark, frightening atmosphere
• What sound approaches the army in the play?

  A "Drum"
• What do the sounds of battle highlight in the play?

  The violence that happens throughout
• How do Shakespeare's techniques of sound contrast with moments of silence?

  • Noises highlight tension and action
  • Silence emphasizes calm before chaos
  • Example: Quiet before Duncan's murder
• What is the significance of the quiet calm before Macbeth murders Duncan?

  It contrasts with the ensuing violence
• What types of events create tension in the text?

  Unnatural and supernatural events
• How do seemingly supernatural events affect the atmosphere in the text?

  They create a tense, uneasy atmosphere
• What is the effect of Macbeth seeing the dagger and Banquo's ghost?

  It raises questions about Macbeth's sanity
• What unnatural events occur after Duncan's murder?

  Horses eating each other and day turning to dark night
• What atmosphere is created by the unnatural events following Duncan's murder?

  A troubled atmosphere due to disturbed natural order
• What is the effect of the Witches' appearances in the text?

  They create a dark, spooky atmosphere
• What elements contribute to the atmosphere created by the Witches?

  Their imperfect speech and filthy appearance
• How does the setting contribute to the mood when the Witches appear?

  The setting adds to the dark, spooky atmosphere