Themes

• What is the setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth?

  Medieval, feudal Scotland
• What themes in Macbeth are still relevant today?

  Themes of ambition and power
• What are the key aspects of ambition and power in Macbeth?

  • Fatal flaw
  • Leadership
  • Greed
• What does the term "fatal flaw" refer to in a tragedy?

  A defect in someone's character that leads them to a bad end
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his downfall?

  His need for power sets him on a path to destruction
• What motivates Macbeth to consider murdering Duncan?

  His ambition
• How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth's decision-making?

  She interrupts his thoughts and encourages him to act on his ambition
• How does Shakespeare portray different leaders in Macbeth?

  • Duncan: Kind but weak
  • Macbeth: Strong but a bullying dictator
  • Malcolm: Balanced leader with good qualities
• What qualities does Malcolm list as essential for a good king?

  Justice, verity, temperance, stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage, fortitude
• How does Macbeth's character change throughout the play?

  He becomes greedy and selfish, losing his virtues
• What does Macbeth's reaction to Banquo's descendants reveal about his character?

  His inability to accept that they will inherit the throne shows his greed
• What does Macbeth mean by "vaulting ambition"?

  Ambition that overreaches and leads to disaster
• How does Lady Macbeth's ambition compare to Macbeth's?

  Lady Macbeth is ambitious for herself and her husband, driving the plan for Duncan's murder
• What is the main theme introduced in Macbeth regarding the setting of medieval Scotland?

  The theme of evil and the supernatural.
• How do the ambitions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth affect their relationship?

  Their shared ambition and guilt eventually tear their marriage apart
• How does Shakespeare's portrayal of evil and the supernatural in Macbeth relate to the 21st century?

  Some themes highlighted by Shakespeare are still relevant today.
• What is the significance of the Witches' predictions in Macbeth?

  They fuel Macbeth's ambition and lead him to believe he can alter fate
• What are the key aspects of evil and the supernatural in Macbeth?

  • Wicked thoughts and actions
  • The activities of the Witches
  • The disruption of nature
• What was the public perception of witches and witchcraft during Shakespeare's time?

  Witches and witchcraft were thought to be real.
• What does Macbeth mean when he says, "For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind"?

  He is troubled by the thought that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne
• Who led the fascination with witches during Shakespeare's time?

  King James I.
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead him to make secretive decisions?

  His greed causes him to exclude Lady Macbeth and act alone
• What book did King James I publish related to witchcraft?

  Demonology.
• How does Shakespeare use the theme of evil and the supernatural in Macbeth?

  As a background to all the events that take place.
• What role do the Witches play in Macbeth's actions?

  Their predictions encourage Macbeth to think wicked thoughts and carry out evil deeds.
• What does Lady Macbeth mean when she tells Macbeth to "screw your courage to the sticking-place"?

  She is urging him to be brave and commit to their plan
• What does Macbeth feel before committing his first murder?

  He wrestles with his conscience.
• How does Shakespeare leave the audience to decide who is more ambitious, Macbeth or Lady Macbeth?

  By showing their different motivations and actions throughout the play
• What does Macbeth's quote "Present fears / Are less than horrible imaginings" suggest about his state of mind?

  His wicked thoughts are almost worse than the actual deeds.
• How does the Witches' appearance set the tone for the play?

  It occurs in the middle of a thunderstorm, creating a dark atmosphere.
• What supernatural abilities do the Witches possess?

  They can predict the future, control the weather, and cast evil spells.
• What does the Witches' plan for revenge on the sailor's wife involve?

  She plans to drain the sailor's life by not allowing him to sleep.
• What does "sennights nine times nine" represent in the Witches' plan?

  It represents 567 days of sleep deprivation.
• What natural disruptions occur following Duncan's murder?

  Strong winds, strange cries, and an earthquake are reported.
• How does the natural world react to the unnatural killing of a king in Macbeth?

  The natural world is disturbed and disrupted.
• How does Shakespeare set up the theme of evil and the supernatural in the opening scene of Macbeth?

  • Introduction of three mysterious witches
  • Setting in a wild and unruly place
  • Language that emphasizes confusion and chaos (e.g., "Fair is foul, and foul is fair")
• What is the significance of the Witches' chant in the opening scene?

  It establishes the theme of chaos and the supernatural.
• What is the setting of Macbeth?

  Medieval, feudal Scotland
• What themes in Macbeth are still relevant today?

  Ambition, power, evil, and the supernatural
• What are the key aspects of the theme of appearances and reality in Macbeth?

  • Seeing things
  • Sleep and dreams
  • Fake hospitality