Guilt, innocence & paranoia

• What unchecked ambition causes the Macbeths' fall from grace?

  Their amoral ambition
• What emotions break the Macbeths according to the text?

  Guilt and paranoia
• How does guilt affect the Macbeths' mental state?

  It drives them insane
• What might have happened if the Macbeths had not felt paranoia?

  Their murder spree might have ended with Duncan's death
• What significant event occurred in England around the time 'Macbeth' was written?

  Elizabeth I died without an heir
• Who became the new king of England after Elizabeth I?

  James VI of Scotland
• What political tension is referenced in the context of 'Macbeth'?

  The Gunpowder Plot of 1605
• How does Shakespeare illustrate the consequences of regicide in 'Macbeth'?

  By showing how guilt destroys the Macbeths
• What was the religious context of Jacobean Britain?

  It was a very religious, Christian country
• What belief did people hold about God in Jacobean Britain?

  God was all-seeing and would judge every sin
• How does Shakespeare depict the Macbeths' experience of guilt?

  As a form of hell, despite no one else knowing their crime
• What does the destruction of the Macbeths suggest about innate goodness?

  It suggests their innate goodness rebelled against their immorality
• Who is portrayed as the rightful king of Scotland?

  Malcolm
• How does Macbeth's guilt manifest after killing Duncan?

  It transforms into paranoia
• What does Shakespeare suggest about the relationship between guilt and ambition?

  Guilt and conscience are more powerful than ambition
• What does Macbeth acknowledge about the afterlife when contemplating Duncan's murder?

  That he would sacrifice his life in Heaven
• What does Macbeth's inability to pronounce 'Amen' signify?

  His fear of being denied God's forgiveness
• How does Macbeth describe his fear after killing Duncan?

  As an intense fear of knowing himself
• What does Ross's statement about Scotland reflect about Macbeth's guilt?

  It shows how Macbeth's guilt has clouded the country in uncertainty
• How is paranoia depicted in Macbeth?

  As a relentless and inescapable poison
• How does Lady Macbeth's guilt differ from Macbeth's?

  Her guilt leads her to weakness and insanity, while Macbeth's makes him more violent
• What does Lady Macbeth's call to "unsex" her indicate?

  She wants to rid herself of guilt, which she associates with weakness
• What does Lady Macbeth's statement about being "spent" suggest?

  It indicates her mental exhaustion and awareness of the cost of guilt
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "What’s done, is done"?

  They cannot change their fate and must live with the consequences
• How does blood function as a symbol in Macbeth?

  It symbolizes guilt and death
• What does Lady Macbeth believe about washing their hands?

  That it will rid them of both physical blood and mental guilt
• How does Macbeth react to the blood after Duncan's murder?

  He is shocked and deeply affected by it
• What are the key themes related to guilt in 'Macbeth'?

  • Guilt leads to insanity and paranoia
  • Guilt is associated with religious consequences
  • Guilt is depicted as an inescapable burden
  • The Macbeths' differing reactions to guilt reveal their character

  
• How does Shakespeare portray the consequences of ambition in 'Macbeth'?

  • Ambition leads to regicide and guilt
  • Guilt transforms ambition into paranoia
  • The Macbeths' ambition is punished, not rewarded
  • The play illustrates the moral consequences of unchecked ambition

  
• What role does the supernatural play in 'Macbeth'?

  • Ghosts and hallucinations symbolize guilt and death
  • The supernatural reflects the characters' inner turmoil
  • It emphasizes the existence of an afterlife
  • It serves as a reminder of the consequences of their actions

  
• How do Lady Macbeth and Macbeth react differently to the blood on their hands?

  Lady Macbeth believes washing their hands will remove both physical blood and mental guilt, while Macbeth is shocked and feels that nothing can wash away his guilt.

  
• What does Lady Macbeth order her husband to do regarding the blood on their hands?

  She orders him to "Go get some water / And wash this filthy witness from your hand."
• What does the term "water" symbolize in Lady Macbeth's dialogue?

  "Water" symbolizes purity and life.
• What does Lady Macbeth's use of euphemisms like "filthy witness" and "deed" suggest about her character?

  It suggests she cannot confront the reality of her actions.
• How does Macbeth's reaction to blood differ from Lady Macbeth's?

  Macbeth is shocked and feels that nothing can remove the metaphorical blood on his soul, while Lady Macbeth is focused on the physical aspect of blood.

  
• What does Macbeth ask regarding the blood on his hands?

  He asks, "Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand?"
• What does the reference to "Neptune" imply about Macbeth's state of mind?

  It implies he has turned his back on God.
• What does Macbeth experience as a result of his guilt?

  He experiences blood-soaked hallucinations.
• What does the dagger symbolize in Macbeth's hallucination?

  The dagger symbolizes the violence and guilt to come.
• What does Macbeth's question about the dagger reveal about his mental state?

  It reveals he cannot distinguish between reality and imagination, indicating his guilt has taken hold.