Midterm

• What does Macbeth mean by "stars hide your fires"?

  He wants to conceal his ambitions.
• What do light and darkness symbolize in Macbeth's quote?

  Mortality versus evil.
• How does Macbeth's ambition contribute to his downfall?

  It is his hamartia leading to destruction.
• What does Macbeth acknowledge about his ambition?

  He wants to keep it hidden.
• What does Macbeth mean by "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent"?

  He lacks motivation to kill Duncan.
• What does the metaphor of "vaulting ambition" suggest?

  Ambition that leaps forward leads to downfall.
• How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth's actions?

  She drives him to commit murder.
• What does "sleep no more" signify in Macbeth?

  He realizes he destroyed his peace of mind.
• What does sleep symbolize in Macbeth?

  Innocence and weakness.
• How does blood imagery reflect Macbeth's state of mind?

  It shows he feels trapped in murder.
• What does Macbeth mean by "I am in blood stepped in so far"?

  He feels too deep in murder to stop.
• What does Macbeth reflect on after Lady Macbeth's death?

  "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow."
• What does the repetition of "tomorrow" suggest?

  Monotony and hopelessness.
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his tragic downfall?

  It results in meaningless pursuits and isolation.
• How is Duncan portrayed as a king?

  As the ideal king representing divine right.
• What does Macbeth mean by "his virtues will plead like angels"?

  Duncan is morally pure and respected.
• How does Duncan's murder symbolize chaos?

  It disrupts rightful kingship.
• What qualities does Malcolm represent as a ruler?

  Wisdom and responsibility.
• How does Malcolm test Macduff's loyalty?

  By pretending to be unworthy of kingship.
• What does Malcolm's list of good qualities emphasize?

  Fairness and moral authority.
• How does Shakespeare present Malcolm in contrast to Macbeth?

  As a ruler who understands kingship.
• What does "angels are bright still though the brightest fell" imply?

  Even good people can turn evil.
• How does Shakespeare use juxtaposition in Macbeth?

  To contrast Duncan's kingship with Macbeth's tyranny.
• What are Macbeth's two fatal flaws (hamartia)?

  • Ambition
  • Paranoia
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to moral decay?

  • Consumed by ambition
  • Engages in murder
  • Isolated from others
• What does Shakespeare warn against through Macbeth's character?

  • Dangers of unchecked ambition
  • Consequences of moral decay
• How does Shakespeare portray Duncan as the ideal king?

  • Represents divine right
  • Rewards loyalty
  • Morally pure and gracious
• What does the imagery of angels suggest about Duncan?

  • Morally pure
  • Protected and divine
  • Respected leader
• How does Malcolm serve as a foil to Macbeth?

  • Represents rightful kingship
  • Exhibits wisdom and responsibility
  • Understands moral authority