Act 5 Scene 6

• What happens in Act 5 Scene 6 in Macbeth?

  1. The scene takes place on the outskirts of Macbeth’s castle.
  2. Malcom, Macduff and their army are preparing for battle against Macbeth.
  3. They have cut down branches from Birnam Wood to use as camouflage, fulfilling the witches’ prophecy that Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.
  4. As the army advances, they march toward the castle, ready to confront Macbeth. This scene marks the beginning of the final battle.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'I have almost forgot the taste of fears'?

  The witches convinced M that he has no reason to fear. M lost his humanity and his emotions because of this.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'I have supped full with horrors'?

  M has now become accustomed to horror, so he has grown bored of it.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'She should have died hereafter'?

  1. Uncaring- she was going to die anyway.
  2. M has no time for grief.
  3. LM should still be alive to deal with the consequences.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player'?

  Macbeth is reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of human existence in the grand scheme of things.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing'?

  1. 'tale' It's not reality
  2. 'Full of sound' Life goes fast and is powerful in the moment.
  3. 'Signifying nothing' No one will remember you after you die.