Key terms

• What is the definition of peripeteia in literature?

  The moment of reversal in the protagonist’s fortune, usually from good to bad.
• How does Macbeth exemplify peripeteia?

  Macbeth realizes that he is doomed despite his initial success.
• What is catharsis in the context of drama?

  The emotional release or purging experienced by the audience.
• What emotions typically contribute to catharsis?

  Feelings of pity and fear.
• What is an aside in a play?

  A brief remark by a character intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters.
• What purpose do asides serve in a play?

  They reveal the character’s true thoughts and feelings.
• What is iambic pentameter?

  A rhythmic scheme consisting of lines with ten syllables, alternating between unstressed and stressed beats.
• Why is iambic pentameter significant in Shakespeare’s plays?

  It is often used to create a rhythmic and poetic quality in the dialogue.
• What is conflict in literature?

  The struggle between opposing forces.
• What types of conflict does Macbeth experience?

  Both internal conflict with his conscience and external conflict with other characters.
• What defines the genre of tragedy?

  A genre of drama that deals with serious and important themes, often involving a heroic individual whose downfall is brought about by personal flaws and external forces.
• How does ambition function as a theme in Macbeth?

  Macbeth’s drive for power leads him to commit heinous acts and ultimately results in his downfall.
• How does Shakespeare use verse and prose in his plays?

  Noble characters often speak in verse, while lower-status characters use prose.
• What does the switch between verse and prose indicate in a play?


  It can reflect changes in tone or social status.
• What is anagnorisis?

  The moment of recognition or realization where the protagonist gains insight into their situation.
• When does Macbeth experience anagnorisis?

  When he realizes that the witches’ prophecies are coming true in an unexpected way.
• What is a soliloquy?

  A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts and feelings.
• Why are soliloquies important in Macbeth?

  They are crucial for understanding his psychological state and motivations.
• What is hubris?

  Excessive pride or self-confidence that leads to the protagonist’s downfall.
• How does hubris manifest in Macbeth?

  Macbeth's excessive pride contributes to his tragic downfall.
• What is hamartia?

  The tragic flaw or error in judgement that leads to the protagonist’s downfall.
• What is often identified as Macbeth's hamartia?

  His ambition and susceptibility to manipulation.
• What is characterisation?

  The methods used by the playwright to develop characters.
• How does Shakespeare characterize Macbeth?

  Through his actions, speeches, and interactions with others.
• What is trochaic tetrameter?

  A rhythmic scheme consisting of lines with eight syllables, alternating between unstressed and stressed beats.
• Who typically uses trochaic tetrameter in Macbeth?

  The witches.
• What is symbolism in literature?

  The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
• What symbols are significant in Macbeth?

  The dagger and blood represent ambition, guilt, and the consequences of murder.
• What is foreshadowing?

  The use of hints or clues to suggest future events in the play.
• How do the witches’ prophecies serve as foreshadowing in Macbeth?

  They hint at future events that will lead to Macbeth's downfall.
• What is a motif in literature?

  A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a play.
• What motifs are present in Macbeth?

  Blood, darkness, and sleep reinforce themes of guilt, evil, and the natural order.
• What is dramatic irony?

  When the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do.
• How is dramatic irony present in Macbeth?

  Macbeth is unaware that his actions are leading to his downfall, while the audience can see the consequences.