Macbeth Vocab #2

1) Mirth -n- amusement
The mirth that the lady showed when her daughter was killed indicated that she was a psycho.

2) Liege -n- a feudal supervisor or sovereign
The liege said, "Begone", to his disobedient vassal.

3) Parricide -n- the killing of a parent or near relative
The parricide of Mr. Borgeon by his daughter was horrendous.

4) Verity-n- true belief or principle
The verity of the man's actions is not under question, only his actions.

5) Avarice -n- extreme greed for wealth or material gain
The man had an avarice for gold and gems.

6) Avaunt -n- a exclamation meaning "go away/begone"
"Avaunt, you criminals!" the hero shouted at the little pocket thieves.

7) Posterity -n- all future generations of people
For the posterity of the human race, I will not create a bomb.

8) Homage -n- a special honor or respect shown publicly
The knight paid homage to his liege lord with a crown of moon stone on his coronation day.

9) Cloistered -adj-  kept away from 
The dog cloistered the bones to hide them from her owner.

10) Equivocator -vb- use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself 
The equivocator of people in awkward social situations are stupid relatives.

11) Eminence -n- fame or recognized superiority

His eminence, the king, requires you immediate presence in the throne room.

12) Avouch -vb- affirm

The dog will avouch his love by licking his master's hand.

13) Thralls -n- the state of being in someone's power or having great power overs someoneI was in the thralls of depressing when suddenly my mom bought me a present to cheer me up.

14) Malevolence -adj- having or showing a wish to do evil to others
The malevolence shown by the witch was more evil than anything I had ever seen.

Macbeth Act IV Questions

Macbeth

Scene 1

1) What are the four visions that Macbeth sees?

            -A person who declares that Macbeth should fear Macduff

            -A person who declares that Macbeth cannot be harmed by any born man

            -A child who declares that Macbeth shall not perish until Great Birnam Wood to high Dusinane Hill actually rise up and get him

            -Banquo and eight Kings parading in front of him

2) Which visions does he misread or misunderstand and why?

            -Although it doesn’t say he misinterprets vision 2 & 3

3) What news does Lennox bring Macbeth?

            -Macduff has fled to England

4) What does Macbeth decide from Lennox’s news?

            -Macbeth will seize Macduff’s castle and kill all of his kin and servants as a lesson

5) How might this scene be a possible climax for the play?

            -Macbeth sees his own downfall, whether he realizes it or not

            -The height of Macbeth’s madness, he plans to kill everyone without reason or reasoning. He plans to do what he feels like doing, without thought.
       

Scene 2

1) Why does Shakespeare include a scene with Lady Macduff and her son?

-To show the true victims and extent of cruelty/bloodlust/tyranny and madness of Macbeth's reign
-Lady Macduff is completely innocent, she has done nothing
-Shows what Macduff is loosing

2) What is important about this scene?

            -Shows that Macduff has had to make difficult decisions regarding family
            -It show the extent of Macbeths cruelty and how it is/ has/ will effect the Kingdom

3) List one motif or symbol from this scene?

            -The wren and the owl; wren symbolizing Lady Macduff and owl symbolizing Macbeth

Scene 3

1) Why has Macduff come to England?

         -To convince Malcolm & King of England to support him in displacing Macbeth on the throne

2) What is Malcolm’s fear in lines 10-19?

         -He would be given as a sacrifice to Macbeth from Macduff; ie beytrayed

3) Who does the lamb represent in these lines?
         -A sacrifice and Malcolm
         -Purity

4) What is significant in the lines “Angles are bright still, though the brightest fell./Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,/ yet grace must still look so.”

         -Lucifer was the best angel
         -Macbeth is being compared to Lucifer
         -He still tempts mankind as the beautiful devil
         -Relates to the theme of appearance vs reality

5) What is significant in the line, “Bleed, bleed, pour country!”

         -The country is going to ruin under Macbeth
         -The bloodshed within the country is profuse
         -It needs a helper (Macduff) to staunch the bleeding

6) What does Malcolm call Macbeth?  What list of adjectives does he use?

-Bloody
-Luxurious
-Avarcarious
-False
-Deceitful
-Sudden
-Malicious
-He calls him a devil and thus evil

7) How has Malcolm changed since Act II?

         -He has become more cynical, grown up, and selfish
         -He has become a bad person ie a coward

8) What is the atmosphere of this scene?  Why is this important?

        -Tense
        -Somber
        -Resolute
        -In that order, the atmosphere and the actions and news that causes those to arise. It shows how now everyone is resolute in their desire to dethrone Macbeth and bring Scotland to power again.

9) What news does the doctor bring?  How is this symbolic to the scene, especially to

Malcolm?
        -The Doctor tells Malcolm & Macduff that King Edward of England is curing some ill people
        -The symbolism is that England is going to be/ has been the cure for Malcolm's resistance to follow Macduff. It also means that England will help heal Scotland with an army to right the throne.
        -Also, Malcolm is going to be cured of his lust, greed, and all that good stuff

10) How many men did England lend Macduff?

        -10,000 and Lord Siward to command them

11) What does Macduff mean when he says, “But I must also feel it as a man.”
        -He may be a Lord, but he still loved his wife and children
        -This is another thing for Macduff to use as fuel in felling Macbeth


What excuses did Malcolm give to Macduff?
        -Thinks Macduff might betray him
        -Too Lustfull
        -He is greedy (murder people for their stuff ie lands)
        -Too Young

Act 3 In Modern English

Act 3

Scene 1

-Banquo says a soliloquy about how he is worried that Macbeth has done something horrible to (or to acquire) Duncan’s throne and Duncan’s death.

-Macbeth and Banquo speak about the feast that will happen tonight and how Malcolm and Donalbain have fled the country. Macbeth says not to miss the feast, Banquo promises he won’t miss it.

-Banquo goes riding with his son Fleance. He plans to be gone until around dark, right before the feast.

-Macbeth has a soliloquy. He talks about how Banquo is much smarter, and valiant than himself. He fears Banquo will discover, suspects, or knows about what he has done to make himself King.

-Enter three murders whom have been hired/summoned by Macbeth.

-Macbeth convinces the three men to kill Banquo by asking them if they are so good as to ignore the past wrongs Banquo has committed against them and himself, as their King.

-They answer no and Macbeth says a bit of flattery about their great characters and sends them on their way with promise of instruction as to where Banquo and Fleance will be when it is time to kill them. He specifically mentions to kill not only Banquo, but Fleance as well.

Scene 2

-Lady Macbeth and a servant are conversing about the whereabouts of Banquo.

-Lady Macbeth tells the servant to tell Macbeth that she would like to speak with him.

-Enter Macbeth; Lady/Queen Macbeth and Macbeth start talking about Macbeth’s actions. She suspects something is going on with him and cautions that not being satisfied with a goal can lead to misfortune.

-Macbeth retorts that they are hardly at their goal, they must keep going until absolutely everything is secure and they have no enemies so close to home. She tells him to stop being so paranoid and snap out of it.

-Macbeth hints that he has plans to get rid of Banquo and Fleance, as they are two possible thorns in his side. He tells Lady Macbeth not to worry about his plans, just to be happily surprised at the end result.

-He then talk about how perfect the timing is to do bad things as night is coming.

Scene 3

-The three murderers talk about Macbeth asking them to kill Banquo and how he approaches.

-banquo walks for a while with his horse to give it a cool down

-Enter Banquo into the barn; The murderers knock the torch that Banquo and Fleance have with them out.

-It is dark and they attack

-Banquo dies and tells Fleance to escape, which he promptly does.

-The murderers confer amongst themselves and relize that Fleance escaped and ask who put the torch out

-They say they have failed in half their mission

Scene 4

-The Banquet commences and Macbeth bids everyone to come and sit and be merry

-Enter a murderer; Macbeth and the murderer speak.

-Macbeth praises the muderer for killing Banquo and inquires about Fleance.

-The murderer tells Macbeth that Fleance escaped and Banquo was killed and put in a ditch with 20 gashes on the head

-Macbeth says good job, but he is still worried about Fleance and is not complete in his safety. However, he says that right now, Fleance is not a threat, later he will grow into one.

-Exit the murderer; Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to cheer up and start being a better host.

-Enter Banquo’s ghost; Macbeth says, in a general comment, that Banquo shouldn’t have promised to be at the banquet if he wasn’t going to make it.

-Ross, Lennox, and other Lords ask Macbeth to sit and make merry. Macbeth tells them there is no seat for him.

-Macbeth is the only one who can see Banquo’s ghost and his talk about not being able to sit gets more angry.

-Lady Macbeth tries to smooth the situation over by saying Macbeth has always been afflicted by fits such as this and talking to him only encourages it.

-Lady Macbeth tells him to man up and deal with any misgivings he has been having. Macbeth tells her that the dark past is creeping up again. She tells him to be reasonable and join the feast or else risk suspicion.

-Exit Banquo’s ghost; Macbeth says to the Lords that he is sorry and toasts to everyone’s good health and also to Banquo.

-Enter Banquo’s ghost; Macbeth yells at the ghost and says that it is the only thing that could disturb him.

-Exit Banquo’s ghost; Lady Macbeth tells him he has ruined the banquet and dismisses the guests.

-Exit Lords and guests; Macbeth says that because blood has begun to spill, more will come and inquires after Macduff. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth talk about how Macduff is missing and how Macbeth needs to rest and be rid of these wicked thoughts. Then they go to bed.

Scene 5

-The First Witch and Hecate talk.

-Hecate (queen of the witches) is angry at the witches for interfering without her permission and says a monologue about her anger.

-Hecate is called away and the First Witch leaves quickly, fearing her return and wrath.

Scene 6

-Lennox and an unnamed Lord are speaking about the events that have gone on recently.

-Lennox says that it is strange how Duncan and Banquo have both died and implies that he doubts their deaths are due to their respective sons. He says that Macbeth did rightfully slay the guards. However, he acted badly at the feast. Then Lennox asks after Macduff.

-The Lord replies that Malcolm is in England and Macduff has gone there to consult with him and hear his side of the story. Macduff plans to get assistance and resolve these dark matters, with force if necessary.

-Lennox asks if Macbeth sent for Macduff to the feast they just had.

-The Lord replies that yes, Macbeth did send for him and Macduff says I can’t come.

-Lennox says that Macduff should keep away from Macbeth. He hopes Macduff can provide some resolution to these dark going-ons in Scotland. 

Macbeth Act III Questions

ACT 3 Study Questions

Scene 1

1) What is Banquo’s opening soliloquy about? Please translate it line by line.

         -Banquo is worried that Macbeth has done something horrible to or to acquire Duncan’s throne and his death.

         Line 1 –You (talking about Macbeth) are thane of Cawdor, Glamis, and King

         Line 2 - You have everything the witches predicted you would, I fear

         Line 3 – That you did a horrible deed for it, However

         Line 4 – Despite what you did, your kids won’t be Kings

         Line 5 – But I will have sons and descendants

         Line 6 -  Who will be Kings. If the Witches were truthful

         Line 7 – There predictions seem favorable to you

         Line 8 – And they seem to have come true for you

         Line 9 – I hope the witches don’t tell my future

         Line 10 – Because then I would hope (implication of hoping leads to destruction) But people are coming, I will be quiet

2) Why does Macbeth wish Banquo dead (name at least 2 reasons)—look at his speech in lines 50-76?

         -He fears/knows Banquo is more intelligent and cunning than him

         -He is jealous that Banquo will become the father of Kings, while he shall not

3) What is significant about the following quote, “For them the gracious Duncan I have murder;/ Put rancors in the vessel of my peace/ only for them,”

         -Macbeth acknowledges that he feels bad for murdering Duncan. This is significant because he states that he killed Duncan for not himself, which is a bit of a lie, and he wants more than what the witches predicted. He has killed for Banquo;s sons. Banquo and his kin, not Macbeth will reap the rewards.

         -Macbeth is angry that Banquo will win, though he has payed

4) How does Macbeth convince the murders?

         -He says that Banquo is both their enemies

         -He asks them is they are so good as to simply forget that Banquo has wronged them

         -He also says that everyone finds peace in death

Scene 2

1) What is significant about the quote, “We have scotched the snake not killed it./ She’ll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice/ remains in danger of the former tooth.” What does Macbeth mean?

         -Macbeth means that by getting rid of Duncan they have only started to achieve their goal of ruling and power. Now Macbeth’s ambitions have stretched beyond what they originally were. He has gotten a taste of the power and wants more. He is also getting paranoid that everyone suspects him, so he wants to eliminate them before they can get to him. Lady Macbeth thinks he is being ridiculous and is happy being queen

2) Why does Macbeth tell his wife, “Be innocent of the knowledge dearest chuck,/ till thou applaud the deed.”? 

         -He wants to surprise her with what he has done

         -I suspect, with the recent character shift/change, that he is thankful for the …encouragement…. Lady Macbeth gave him

3) What is significant in the quote, “Come, seeling night, Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day,/ and with bloody and invisible hand/ cancel and tear to pieces that great bond/ which keeps me pale.” What is Macbeth saying and what is the great bond?

         -Macbeth is trying to keep his deeds hidden and wants to be rid of the friendship he feels for Banquo

4) Explain the symbolism of crows, night and sleep in this scene. What does it suggest?

         -Macbeth is no longer interested in fair play and is not sated with the crown, he wants more

         -This is reflected by night, as magic, darkness, and foul things (overt ambition) are seen as happening in the night

         -Crows are signs of ill omen because they are scavengers and often their pray is they dead, they often occupy battlefields after war. They will be a foreshadow for murder and death

         -They are a symbol of the murderers

         -Sleep is a symbol for death

Scene 3

1) What happens in this scene? What is botched?

         -The three murderers kill Banquo as he comes into the stables, walking his horse for a cool down.

         -Fleance is with him, but he escaped and the murderers have failed in half their duty

Scene 4

1) What event is most important in this scene?

         -When Banquo’s ghost appears and Macbeth has a freakout in the middle of a feast

2) Why does Macbeth say, “There the grown serpent lies; the worm that’s fled/ hath nature that in time will venom breed,/ no teeth for the present.” What is he talking about? Who is he talking about?

         -Fleance will want revenge for his father and will become a powerful enemy, but right now he is not worth the trouble of going after him

3) What is significant about Banquo’s ghost? What does it suggest? How does Macbeth react to it? Is it real or in Macbeth’s mind?

         -Macbeth is now either dillusional or more magic is coming out to play

         -He is very frightened and tells the ghost to be gone with almost panic. This suggests that he is both guilty and worried about the situation. He also completely believes in the power of the ghosts and witches and therefore in magic

         -I think that the ghost is most likely real, but it only wants to haunt Macbeth because it knows he was behind his murder

4) Discuss how blood is used in this scene? What does it symbolize?

         -Blood is used to represent murder and Macbeth’s guilt.

         -Besides Macbeth’s guilt, it represents the evidence left behind after  a deed that evokes guilt is completed

5) How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth’s visions?

         -She thinks that his conscience is getting the better of him and he is being overwhelmed by his guilt and

         -She tells the rest of the guests that he has always had these little panic attacks/freakouts/illness and that nothing is out of normal

Scene 5

1) Most critics think this scene was placed into Macbeth by a different/later author (someone other Shakespeare). Do you agree or not? Why?

         -I would agree that this scene was placed in the play by someone else. My reasoning/conclusion is that Shakespeare may feature certain characters, like the old man, randomly, but he does not hint that they ar coming. He hints that the witches are servants/vessels/subjects of Hecate, so why would he need to blatantly show this? Shakespeare is usually a tad more subtle than that.

Scene 6

1) What does Lennox say in this scene about Fleance and Banquo?

         -Banquo was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and some say was murdered by his son, Fleance. However, Lennox give an undertone that he doesn’t believe Fleance killed his father exemplified by the line “whom you MAY say”

2) What would have happened to Duncan's sons if Macbeth had them under lock and key?

         -They would be accused and found guilty of Murder of their father, Duncan

3) Where did MacDuff go?

         -To Northumberland to collect their support in order to restore peace/rightness to the land. IE raise an army to go against Macbeth

Macbeth Act II Questions

Objectives for 1/11: List five elements of Tragedy and Tragic Hero; Define Dramatic Foils and give two sets; List three themes and give two examples of each.

MACBETH: ACT II Questions

Scene 1

1) Who says the following: “Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, and yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives away in repose.” What is significant about the quote? How has the atmosphere of the castle been changed?
     -This is spoken by Banquo. He has been having nightmares and he knows that something is changing/happening. The darkness is coming, the moon (magic) is out and heavy. Inverniss is starting to transform into something not as pleasant as it once was.

2) Why does Banquo mention his dream of the Weird Sisters? Hint: Ironically this is his last dream.
     -He is worried about his nightmares about the weird sisters in connection with Macbeth. He is worried about Macbeth and his possible actions/ suspects Macbeth.

3) What does Macbeth say he and Banquo will talk about later in private?
     -His reoccurring dreams about the weird sisters. He might want to get Banquo on his side when he becomes King.

4) Reread lines 42-70. Briefly summarize what Macbeth is saying in this soliloquy.
      -3 parts
        -His eyes and wants have lead him to this dirty deed
        -He talks about how the moon (magic) and darkness is out
        -He is scared someone or thing will hear/catch him in the act
        - 
5) How does the illusion of the dagger play into the mindset of either witchcraft or Macbeth losing it.
     -Macbeth and witchcraft are starting to become close companions. He is starting to become unhinged because of the guilt of even maybe killing Duncan.

Scene 2

1) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold”?
     -The drink (alcohol) has made her emotionless and brave
     -Duplicitous Lady Macbeth, a false type of Bravery

     -The drink she gave the guards has made them drugged


2) Symbolically what does the fatal bellman toll? More than one thing here. And who is the fatal bellmen—the one Lady Macbeth hears?
     -Death; a point of no return for Macbeth and his actions
     -The owl is the fatal bellman Lady Macbeth hears

3) How do you read the lines, “Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done ‘t.” What does this say about Lady Macbeth?
     -Lady M would have killed Duncan but he looks like her father
     -She still has some human emotions

4) Sleep is an important symbol in this play. Please keep a list of all the times (with line numbers) that sleep is mentioned in Act II. Attach and turn this list in with these questions.
     -Scene 1, Line 6-9, Banqu
     -Sc. 1, Line 12, Banquo
     -Sc. 1, Line 20, Banquo
     -Sc. 1, Line 29-30, Banquo & Macbeth
     -Sc. 1, Line 32, Macbeth
     -Sc. 1, Line 49-51, Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 4, Lady Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 13, Lady Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 25-29, Macbeth & Lady Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 38-42, Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 44-46, Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 52, Lady Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 57-58, Lady Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 69, Lady Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 73, Lady Macbeth
     -Sc. 2, Line 77, Macbeth
     -Sc. 3, Line 20, Macduff
     -Sc. 3, Line 25, Porter
     -Sc. 3, Line 32, Porter
     -Sc. 3, Line 38-39, Macduff
     -Sc. 3, Line 54, Lennox
     -Sc. 3, Line 73-74, Macduff
     -Sc. 3, Line 78, Lady Macbeth
     -Sc. 3, Line 100, Lennox
     -Sc. 4, Line 8-9, Ross

5) What is meant when Macbeth says, “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep”?
     -Macbeth, because of his deeds, will sleep no more. I.E. he is feeling guilty
     -He also murders Duncan while he is sleeping (innocent)

6) Why is Lady Macbeth upset with Macbeth towards the end of scene 2?
     -He could not bear to dispose of the daggers with the guards, so she goes and spreads blood on the guards and lays them near them

7) What is symbolic about the knocking that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hear?
     -It is a symbol of a higher power because Duncan has been killed

     -Mcduff will be the agent of the higher power; he is literally knocking at the door
     -It is supposed to represent Death knocking at the door of their castle, their lives, and others' lives

8) What does Lady Macbeth say about washing of hands at the end of the scene? Do you believe her?
     -Tells Macbeth to go wash his hands with a little water all will be better

     -I do not believe this macbeth already states an ocean will run red with the blood



Scene 3

1) How is the Porter a humorous character? What does he say about drink? How does he metaphorical set the atmosphere of the scene?
     -He is a babbling drunk

     -Drink = sleeping, desire, nose painting, urine

     -He also talks about how he is the gate keeper of hell; sets up the idea that the castle is hell and he is letting in hellish characters


2) Who is at the gates? (more than 1 person)
     -Lennox & Macduff

3) What does Macduff mean when he says, “Confusion now hath made his masterpiece!”?
     -It is a personification

     -Duncan (the Good King) has been killed, this is now chaos and chaos is bad, stuff is starting to fall apart



4) How does Macbeth react to the news of the king’s murder? How does Lady Macbeth react?
     -Macbeth says he killed the guards he was so angry
     -Lady Macbeth is distressed, she is faint and asks to be helped to rest, ie lies through her teeth and is a fair actress


5) Where do Donalbain and Malcolm decide to go? Why?
     -Danalbain goes to Ireland

     -Malcolm goes to England

     -They are worried about their safety, they worry about the others' intentions towards them now


Scene 4

1) What is meant by the old man when he says, “On Tuesday last, a falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place, was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed”? What is symbolically suggested here? Hint: Relate the birds to scene ii.
     The mighty falcon was killed by an owl. This is unnatural. This suggests Macbeth(owl) kills Duncan(falcon). Owls are symbols of evil.

2) What does Macduff say about Malcolm and Donalbain?
      -That Malcolm and Donalbain are under suspicion of killing the King because they ran away to Ireland and England.


3) What does Macduff say about Macbeth?
     -Macbeth is going to Scone to be crowned King.



4) What is meant by the line, “Lest our old robes sit easier than our new”?
      -Perhaps the old King will be better than the new one. IE Duncan might be a better King than Macbeth will be. Also a foreshadow. Macduff to Ross (who is going) to Scone to ensure that the coronation goes well so he may judge the outcome.

5) Why doesn’t Macduff go to the coronation?
     -Macduff has suspicions about the killing affair. He is not quite sure who killed him. He is going home to think about things. He thinks Macbeth has killed him. By skipping the coronation, he does not have to swear allegiance.

Macbeth Act I Questions

Macbeth Study Questions
ACT I

Scene 1:

1) The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter. What does this tell us about the mood of the play? What do the witches symbolize beyond just superstition? Do you really believe that they are witches?
     -The mood is: gloomy, dark, threatening

     -The witches could symbolize a few things. A) The three fates, B) An irony of the holy trinity as Christianity tells it, and C) They could also represent the evil and duplicity. They only truly predict two events, Banquo's sons will be Kings and Macbeth will be King.

     -They are definitely witches! They make predictions, cast spells, can disappear without a trace, and have animal familiars.

2) What doe the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”? What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the play?
     -“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” most likely means that the play's characters, actions, motives, and outcomes will become convoluted. Deception will run rampant and foul things ie lying, murder, betrayal will also be prominent.

3) How can a battle be “Lost and won”? What foreshadow might this set-up? What is the real battle in this play?
     -A battle can be won, but by loosing a lot of men or loosing respect or something of equal value, the battle could be not worth it.

     -Obviously Macbeth (and the entire play) is going to gain a lot, but the winning probably won't won't be worth the effort.

     -The battle will be set up as a battle pitting what is thought of good and evil against each other.

4) Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad). What does this suggest about the action of the play? What might they symbolize?
    -The play is set up by outside forces. The evil is setting up Macbeth and the others to use their shortcomings against them to bring Chaos and harm.

           -The power is held by others, not by the characters themselves.

    -They can symbolize demons

Scene 2

1) What does the bloody man report?
     -That Macbeth fought bravely and won the battle for King Duncan.
     -The Norwegian king surrendered to the Scots

2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel?
     -He is merciless, a betrayer, and barely puts up a fight in comparison with Macbeth.


3) What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to describe Macbeth and Banquo? What is significant about these descriptions?
     -Macbeth: Valour's minion
     -Both Banquo and Macbeth: Eagles, lions
     -He is showing them great respect by comparing them so favorably. It also shows the power they hold as thanes and men. Perhaps this is a hint of sorts. They are powerful, but power can be either used for good or evil.

4) “Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another Golgotha.” What is the allusion? What is significant about the statement? What does it suggest? Please keep in mind the religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented.
     -Golgotha is the site where Christ was crucified according to the Christian religion.
     -A site where someone is killed is never pleasant. Macbeth was creating a place that death stewed. He is clearly blood thirsty and can create this unhappiness that is battle with ease. This ease can translate into an ability off the battlefield as well.

5) Who was Scotland fighting?
      -Norway

Scene 3

1) Why do the witches talk in poetry?
      -It is supposed to be reminiscent of traditional spell casting and also to emphasize their words.

2) What do the witches predict for Macbeth? What is the dramatic irony involved?
     -They predict that he will be made thane of Cawdor and King eventually. One of the predictions is actually just a deliverance of news, as Macbeth had already been made thane of Cawdor. However, to an unknowing Macbeth, this sounds like a prediction.

3) What do they witches predict for Banquo? What irony is involved in this promise?
     -The witches predict that Banquo's sons will be Kings.
     -Banquo is both the looser and winner in this situation. Although he is included in a sense in the prophecies, he does not benefit directly. At the time this probably seems very unfair, but we also know that because of the prophecies bestowed upon Macbeth, great unhappiness comes to him. Banquo will not suffer so greatly as he is not directly involved in the prophecy.

4) What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii? What is your first impression of Banquo?
     -Macbeth appears to be very hot headed, with a warrior's temperament. He is ambitious, brave, and a proven warrior.
     -Banquo is the more reasonable and foresighted of the two. He has great battle prowess, but is definitely Macbeth's "side-kick".

5) How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions? What does this tell us about their characters?
     -Macbeth sees the witches and hear the prophecy and is immediately convinced of their truth. He wonders how and what will cause this to happen, but in a more curious and a less cautious way.
     -Banquo encounters the witches and upon hearing the prophecy is very cautious and tells Macbeth to disregard the possibly duplicitous witches.
     -Banquo is cautious and the cautious usually survive. Macbeth will be brash, brave, and probably not survive.

6) What message does Ross bring?
     -Ross tells Banquo and Macbeth that Macbeth is now the thane of Cawdor by King Duncan's orders.

7) “But ‘tis strange! And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence.” Who speaks the above quote? What is the significance or meaning of the quote?
     -Banquo speaks this rather wise quote. This means often times people or things(instruments of darkness) will use the knowledge of what someone wants against them. They do not tell lies, but rather convince the people of what to do. This essentially wraps up the entire play and Macbeth's fate in one tidy package. In my mind, this also counts as a foreshadow.

Scene 4

1) What is Malcolm’s description of Cawdor’s execution?
-He goes to death as if he has practiced it

2) What is the King’s response to this description?
-He says you can never guess a man's character by his face.
-He says this because of the betrayal, as Cawdor was one of Duncan's closest confidants.

3) Who does the King name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this information?
-Malcolm, his son, is the successor
-Macbeth is not pleased by the news; it is just one more thing to get in the way of him being King of Scotland

4) “Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.” Who speaks this quote and what is the significance of it?
-Macbeth says this
-He plans on doing the act (killing Duncan) despite misgivings. He doesn't want anyone to know what he is thinking or planning, even heaven above.

Scenes 5-7

1. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him?
-She thinks he has ambition, but not the grit to carry out the plans that will enable him to acquire his desires.

2. What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing?
-Asks them to take away any human emotions in her.
-Invites spirits into the house

3. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
-Look like an innocent flower, but be the serpent beneath it.
-AKA Look perfect and innocent (physically and verbally) but be ready to annihilate anyone in your path.

4. What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan ?
-Duncan is a GREAT king
-Duncan is his uncle
-Duncan is a guest and you are supposed to protect, not kill or harm, your guests

5. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder?
-She says he is cowardly and not a man if he won't kill him
-She says she could kill her own son for this, so essentially guilt trips him

6. What is Lady Macbeth’s plan?
-Drug the guards, kill Duncan while he is sleeping (with guards daggers), then finally blame the death on his guards.

FIVE ELEMENTS OF TRAGEDY:
1) Play must have a tragic hero
2) The hero must be fated to fall
3) The hero must have dramatic foils
4) The hero must have internal and external conflicts
5) The play raised some question about the nature of existence

ELEMENTS OF A TRAGIC HERO:
1) The tragic hero is a man of noble stature. Usually he is of noble birth
2) The tragic hero is good, though not perfect, and his fall results from his committing what Aristoltle calls “an act of injustice” either through ignorance or from a conviction that some greater good will be served. This act is, never-the-less, a criminal one ad the good hero is responsible for it even if he is totally unaware. Translated: the hero is usually virtuous in many ways, loyal to friends and family, has high moral standards, but some flaw in personality and it is this flaw that causes his downfall.
3) The hero’s misfortunate is not wholly deserved and the punishment far exceeds the crime. The audience leaves saddened by the sense of waste of human potential.
4) Though the hero may be defeated, he has dared greatly, and he gains understanding from his defeat and must become an example for others.
(Simplified: 1) Noble birth and of noble character; 2) Virtuous and loyal; 3) Has a tragic flaw; 4) Tragic flaw causes downfall; 5) The audience learns something through the characters failing).

Macbeth Vocab #1

Surmised - vb- suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it
The dog surmised another dog had stolen his food because the bowl was licked clean.


Bounteous -adj- generously given
The bounteous man gave his neighbor a golden statue of a cat for good luck.


Consort -n- a wife, husband, or companion,  esp. particularly the spouse of a reigning monarch
The beauty queen did not consort with the likes of the homeless.


Corporal -adj- of or relating to the human body
The body was suddenly corporal, whereas just a moment ago it was a ghost. 


Prate -vb- talk foolishly or tediously about something
The guy will prate about the lame new 2011 Porsche Fire Cat that just came out.


Dauntless -adj- showing fearlessness and determination
The dauntless man climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro during the worst recorded storm in history.


Chastise -vb- rebuke or reprimand severely
The owner will chastise the dog for peeing on the floor.


Chalice -n- a large cup or goblet
I held the Holy Grail in my hand, a chalice worth more than all the gold in the world.


Undivulged -adj- not make known; remain secret
The man could not undivulge the information he gave away to the news reporter, despite how much he regretted it.


Surfeit -n- an excessive amount of something
There was a surfeit amount of hot air in Melanie's head.

Act 1 Scene 1-3

Act 1 Scenes 1-3
List of Characters who Appear
Witch 1
Witch 2
Witch 3
Duncan
Malcolm
Captain
Lennox
Ross
Banquo - Foil of Macbeth
Macbeth - Foil of Banquo


Summaries of Scenes
Scene 1 - Three witches are introduced as characters. They give at least one theme of the plot and that is all that is fair will be foul and vise-versa. They also say the plot in a vague way, so they are the intro/expostition.


Scene 2 - We fins out how very loyal, brave, and noble Macbeth is and how highly others think of him. Macbeth receive's an outcasted man's lands.


Scene 3 - The witches confront Macbeth and his dramatic foil, Banquo. They make 3 predictions about the future of Macbeth and Banquo, thus setting up the play.


-Macbeth is the tragic hero: What is going to cause him to fall? 

         -His ambition.