Macbeth

• Who is the main character analyzed in the video?

  Macbeth
• What is Macbeth characterized as in Shakespeare's play?

  • Macbeth is a tragic hero.
  • He experiences a reversal of fortune from good to bad.
  • His misfortune is caused by a personal error or frailty, known as his hamartia or tragic flaw.
• How does Aristotle define a tragic hero?

  A tragic hero is someone who is highly renowned and experiences a reversal of fortune due to a personal error or flaw.
• Why is it important to consider what other characters say about Macbeth?

  It provides insight into how he is perceived by others and adds depth to his character analysis.
• What does the sergeant say about Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 2?

  The sergeant describes how brave Macbeth killed Macdonwald on the battlefield.
• What does the imagery of Macbeth killing Macdonwald indicate about the play's setting?

  It indicates a violent world where honor is proven through actions on the battlefield.
• How does Siward feel about his son's death in battle?

  He is pleased that his son's wounds were to his front, indicating he faced his foe head-on.
• What does Dr. Emma Smith describe about the society in which Macbeth is set?

  • The society has no principle of rule other than strength.
  • Might, not right, rules in this world.
• How does King Duncan refer to Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 2?

  Duncan refers to Macbeth as noble.
• Who repeats Duncan's description of Macbeth as noble in Act 1, Scene 3?

  Banquo repeats Duncan's description of Macbeth as noble.
• How does Banquo serve as a foil to Macbeth?


  • Both are in favor with the king after their performance in battle.
  • Both receive prophecies from the witches.
  • Banquo is skeptical and uninterested in the prophecies, while Macbeth is ambitious and startled.
• What does Banquo mean when he says he does not beg nor fear the witches' favors or hate?


  He expresses skepticism and a lack of interest in the witches' prophecies.
• Why might Macbeth be startled by the witches' prophecy?

  Because it gives voice to his inner ambitions of becoming king.
• What does Macbeth admit in Act 1, Scene 7 regarding his ambition?

  He admits that it is his own vaulting ambition that spurs him on to kill King Duncan.
• What actions does Macbeth take after killing King Duncan?

  • He orders the murders of Banquo.
  • He orders the murder of Lady Macduff and her children.
  • He descends into a deep pit of evil.
• How does Lenox describe the country in Act 3, Scene 6?

  Lenox refers to the country suffering under a hand accursed.
• What do the witches say about Macbeth in Act 4, Scene 1?

  The witches note that something wicked this way comes, referring to Macbeth.
• How does Malcolm describe Macbeth in Act 4, Scene 3?


  Malcolm calls Macbeth a tyrant whose soul name blisters our tongues.
• What does Macduff call Macbeth in Act 5, Scene 8?


  Macduff calls Macbeth a hellhound.
• What does Malcolm call Macbeth after he is killed?

  Malcolm calls Macbeth a dead butcher.
• How does Macbeth's attitude towards Lady Macbeth change throughout the play?

  • Initially, he addresses her as "my dearest love" in Act 1, Scene 5.
  • By Act 5, Scene 5, he shows indifference to her death, saying she should have died hereafter.
• What does Aristotle state about the purpose of tragedy?

  • To excite pity and fear.
  • To teach lessons about the dangers of being over-ambitious.
• How does Shakespeare maintain some sympathy for Macbeth despite his actions?

  • Key moments of violence, like Duncan's murder, occur off-stage.
  • Macbeth does not personally commit the murders of Banquo and Lady Macduff's family.
• What does Hecate say about Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 5?


  Hecate describes Macbeth as a wayward son who loves for his own ends, not for others.
• How does Shakespeare portray Macbeth in Act 5 as the play nears its end?


  Shakespeare paints Macbeth as heroic and brave, similar to his portrayal at the beginning of the play.
• What does Macbeth refuse to do when he learns of Macduff's advantage?

  He refuses to surrender, stating, "I will not yield."
• What does Macbeth's statement about throwing his warlike shield signify?

  It signifies his bravery and honor in battle.
• What lessons does the audience learn from Macbeth's character arc?

  • The dangers of being over-ambitious.
  • The importance of recognizing one's tragic flaws.
  • The complexity of human nature, evoking both fear and pity.
• What does the video suggest about future character analysis videos?

  It suggests that there will be more ways to look at the character of Macbeth in future videos.
• What resource is linked in the description for further study on Macbeth?

  Mr. Bruff's guide to Macbeth.