Act 1 Scene 5

• What happens in Act 1 Scene 5 of Macbeth?

  Lady Macbeth reads Macbeths letter about his meeting with the witches, however, she fears Macbeth isn't ruthless enough to kill King Duncan.
• What does it mean when Lady Macbeth says, 'I fear thy nature; It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness'?

  Lady Macbeth is expressing her concern that Macbeth is too kind and compassionate to carry out the ruthless actions necessary to seize power. Lady Macbeth also believes Macbeth is too feminine.
• What does it mean when Lady Macbeth says, 'I may pour my spirits in thine ear'?

  Lady Macbeth wants to change Macbeths nature/ poison his brain. This emphasises how powerful and manipulative Lady Macbeth is.
• What does it mean when Lady Macbeth says, 'The raven himself is hoarse'?

  Many people (Including Duncan) will die. This shows LM (Lady Macbeth)s lack of compassion. It also shows how LM subverts the female stereotype.
• What does it mean when LM says, 'come, you spirits that tend on moral thoughts, unsex me here'?

  1. LM is engaging with witchcraft.
  2. LM rejects femininity.
  3. LM values power more than anything.
• What does it mean when LM says, 'Make thick my blood'?

  1. LM doesn't want emotions.
  2. LM only cares about power.
• What does it mean when LM says, 'take my milk for gall'?

  1. LM wants every part of her to be evil.
  2. LM should nurture but she wants to kill.
  3. LM will do anything for power.