THE PLAY

• The play starts with the Rebellion against Scotland, where Macbeth kills the rebel Scottish leader McDonald in a personal killing
• Macbeth is a fantastic warrior who revels in killing and enjoys it
• The witches' prophecies do not explicitly tell Macbeth to kill King Duncan, but he immediately turns to murder despite fate ensuring he becomes king
• Macbeth writes a letter to Lady Macbeth, recognizing her greater ambition and seeking her help in realizing their greatness
• Lady Macbeth's assessment of Macbeth as full of the milk of human kindness is incorrect, as he revels in killing and takes pleasure in it
• Macbeth's ambition and Lady Macbeth's psychological understanding lead to the plan to kill Duncan, with Lady Macbeth providing the practicalities of the plan
• Macbeth's soliloquy before killing Duncan reveals his love for killing and excitement for the act, focusing on the dagger and blood
• Macbeth's murder of Duncan confirms his true nature and desire for bloodshed, leading to immediate regret and realization of his hamartia
• Macbeth's fatal flaw is not just ambition but his innate desire to kill, which leads him to take control of his fate and make decisions to fulfill the prophecies
• Macbeth's obsession with blood is revealed in his description of Duncan's dead body, showing his true nature and blood lust
• Macbeth's plan to kill Banquo is supported by Lady Macbeth, but he decides to protect her innocence by not involving her in the plan
• MC Beth feels guilty and believes he must kill Banquo and Fleance out of jealousy, not ambition
• The Witches' prophecy that Banquo's sons will become kings makes MC Beth feel threatened and prompts him to consider murder
• MC Beth's motivation for killing Banquo and Fleance is rooted in his jealousy that it's Banquo's children, not his own, who will inherit the throne
• MC Beth's love for killing and bloodlust drives him to act on his jealousy and commit the murders
• MC Beth's reaction to Banquo's ghost emphasizes his fascination with blood and violence
• MC Beth's guilt and despair over his child's death contribute to his murderous actions
• Lady MC Beth's mental illness and guilt over the killings lead her to recognize the monster she has helped create in MC Beth
• MC Beth's care for Lady MC Beth's well-being, even in the face of his impending doom, showcases his love for her
• MC Beth's realization that the witches' prophecies are lies and his impending death lead him to question the meaning and purpose of life
• MC Beth's nihilistic view of life and rejection of classical heroism demonstrate his internal conflict and despair
• MC Beth's final acceptance of death in battle as a way to maintain his self-image as a warrior and hero
• Shakespeare's portrayal of MC Beth as a "dead butcher" driven by bloodlust, not ambition, challenges traditional views of his character
• The assessment of Lady MC Beth as a "fiend-like queen" highlights her role in fueling MC Beth's actions and ambition
• "Look like th' innocent flower, but be the serpent under it." - Lady Macbeth Act 1 Scene 5
• 'vaulting ambition' which o'erleaps itself" - Macbeth Act 1 Scene 7
• "I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only
• “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” – Witches (Act 1, scene 1)
• “Out damned spot!” – Lady Macbeth (Act 5, scene 1)
• Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself” - Macbeth (Act 1, scene 7)