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The Tragedy of Macbeth by William ShakespeareStudy GuideRead the drama The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Then, reread the lines indicated with each question below. Answer each question, citing text evidence.Character List: Who is Duncan? Who is Macbeth in relation to Duncan? How will understanding this relationship help you as you read? What might you predict based on the character descriptions? ACT ISc. 1, Line 10: What do the three witches mean? Make a prediction about the significance of this statement to the drama as a whole.Sc. 2, Lines 8–9: Identify the figurative language in these lines and explain what comparison Shakespeare is making. What idea is Shakespeare trying to communicate through this figure of speech?Sc. 2, Lines 16–23: Explain what the Captain says Macbeth has done to Macdonwald. Make inferences about Macbeth using details in the Captain’s description of the act. How does your inference compare to the description of a tragic hero in the introduction to Shakespearean tragedy that appears on pages 210–212?Sc. 2, Lines 66–70: Summarize the exchange between Duncan and Ross. Why is Macbeth given this reward?Sc. 3, Lines 4–25: What are the witches discussing? What does the act they are discussing suggest about the witches?Sc. 3, Line 38: Why does Macbeth call the day both foul and fair? Explain how the line relates to the theme and why it is relevant that Macbeth is saying this line.Sc. 3, Lines 48–61; 65–76: What do the witches say to Macbeth? How does Macbeth respond? Explain what Macbeth’s response reveals about his character.Sc. 3, Lines 48–50; 70–76: How could the witches’ greeting and Macbeth’s reaction to it foreshadow his tragic flaw?Sc. 3, Lines 79–85: Summarize the exchange between Banquo and Macbeth. What do these different reactions suggest about their characters?Sc. 3, Lines 89–100: What does Ross say in these lines? Do you think this is a fair and accurate assessment of Macbeth? Why or why not?Sc. 3, Lines 118–126: Contrast Banquo’s and Macbeth’s reactions now that the first part of the witches’ prophecy has come true. What do these reactions tell you about Macbeth’s ambition?Sc. 3, Lines 143–144: What is another theme that has emerged involving Macbeth specifically? What does Macbeth mean in these lines and how does this help establish the theme? Sc. 3, Lines 146–147: What do these lines reveal about Macbeth’s beliefs?Sc. 4, Lines 11–14: What does Duncan say about the former Thane of Cawdor? Explain how Duncan’s first line supports the theme about appearance vs. reality.Sc. 4, Lines 27–30: What does Duncan plan to do? Why is he doing this? Given Duncan’s earlier statement, what does this reveal about Duncan’s nature? How do his words help develop the plot or hint at future events?Sc. 4, Lines 48–53: Paraphrase these lines. How do the lines contrast with Macbeth’s earlier thoughts about his destiny? How do Macbeth’s thoughts help develop the theme?Sc. 5, Lines 12–27: What can you infer about Lady Macbeth based on her soliloquy?Sc. 5, Lines 12–27: What “nature” of Macbeth does Lady Macbeth fear? Based on Macbeth’s words and actions so far, do you believe Lady Macbeth has reason to be concerned? Explain.Sc. 5, Lines 35–50: Which words and phrases in Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy have strong connotations? What mood do these words create, and what do they reveal about Lady Macbeth?Sc. 5, Lines 60–63: How do these lines reflect one or more of the themes? How do these themes relate to each other?Sc. 5, Lines 62–63: What does Lady Macbeth tell her husband to act like? Why is a serpent an appropriate comparison? Who do you think is more like a serpent—Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? Why?Sc. 6, Lines 24–31: How does the way the king addresses Lady Macbeth show dramatic irony? Sc. 7, Lines 1–28: What change has occurred in Macbeth’s character?Sc. 7, Lines 25–28: Predict what lines 25–28 foreshadow. Sc. 7, Lines 30–35: What do Macbeth’s thoughts and his declaration to Lady Macbeth reveal about his motivations and internal conflict?Sc. 7, Lines 36–45: What is the effect of the sarcasm in Lady Macbeth’s lines?Sc. 7, Lines 72–74: Paraphrase what Macbeth says to Lady Macbeth. Explain how this line reflects Lady Macbeth’s earlier request (Scene 5, line 38) that the dark spirits “unsex her.”Sc. 7, Lines 77–82: How does the dialogue between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth reflect one of the themes of the play? ACT IIAnswer each question, citing text evidence.Sc. 1, Lines 6–20: Read ahead to find the probable cause of Banquo’s insomnia. What is it?Sc. 1, Lines 16–18: Paraphrase these lines. What makes these remarks ironic? How does this help build suspense?Sc. 1, Lines 25–28: What inference can you make after reading these lines? What specific information supports your inference?Sc. 1, Lines 32–42: How does Shakespeare use Macbeth’s dialogue to develop the theme of fate vs. free will?Sc. 2, Lines 15–19: Explain how Shakespeare creates tension in these lines. What specific examples support your answer?Sc. 2, Lines 24–38: What conflict arises in this passage that could develop into a major theme? How does Shakespeare use the exchange between Macbeth and his wife to develop this conflict?Sc. 2, Lines 39–41: What symbol is repeated here? What mental state might the inability to sleep reflect? How does this symbolism help develop the theme about guilt?Sc. 2, Lines 56–72: Reread the dialogue between Macbeth and his wife in these lines. Which details shape and refine the theme of guilt? Does Lady Macbeth feel the same guilt as Macbeth? How do you know? Based on your response, form a preliminary statement of a theme about guilt.Sc. 3, Lines 1–2: What ironic statement does the porter make? What makes this statement ironic?Sc. 3, Lines 1–16: How does Shakespeare use the porter as comic relief? What do you notice about the printed lines and how they differ from the lines in the rest of the drama? What is the effect of this choice by the playwright?Sc. 3, Lines 48–55: Which words set a foreboding mood in these lines?Sc. 3, Lines 65–67: What metaphor does Macduff make in these lines? Why is this metaphor effective?Sc. 3, Lines 75–80: Why are Lady Macbeth’s words ironic? How does this create suspense? How do Macduff’s words in lines 75–78 ironically echo Lady Macbeth’s speech in Act I, in which she calls on the spirits of evil to “unsex her”?Sc. 3, Lines 85–90: How is the theme of guilt refined in these lines?Sc. 3, Lines 102–112: How does Shakespeare invoke the theme of guilt here?Sc. 3, Lines 115–117: What is Donalbain’s fear?Sc. 3, Lines 129–140: What inference can you make about the kind of king Malcolm will be? What specific information supports your inference?Sc. 4, Lines 20–30: How does the exchange between Macduff and Ross support the theme of ambition?Sc. 4, Lines 38–39: What warning does Macduff convey in these lines through the clothing metaphor?ACT IIIAnswer each question, citing text evidence.Sc. 1, Lines 1–10: What specific dialogue supports the idea that Banquo is hopeful about the prediction of the Weird Women?Sc. 1, Line 3: Consider what you have learned about Banquo’s suspicions about Macbeth. Identify and explain Banquo’s tone as he addresses Macbeth.Sc. 1, Lines 15–18: Explain what double meaning might be intended by Banquo’s statement that his “duties/ Are with a most indissoluble tie/ Forever knit.”Sc. 1, Lines 29–71: What is an example of irony in Macbeth’s dialogue in lines 29–35?Sc. 1, Lines 29–71: What evidence in Macbeth’s soliloquy (lines 47–71) explains Macbeth’s assessment of Banquo? What is revealed about Macbeth’s character? Sc. 1, Lines 65–71: What theme is developed in these lines? Sc. 1, Lines 71–104: Explain how the state directions and dialogue further the action of the plot. Compare the nature of the First Murderer’s dialogue to Macbeth’s.Sc. 1, Lines 104–123: Scan the meter in lines 115–122 and identify the meter. Then change the sentence structure of the following line: “And though I could/ With barefaced power sweep him from my sight.” Restructure the sentence so that it sounds more like usual speech. Then scan the restructured lines. How does Shakespeare’s use of inverted sentence structure affect iambic pentameter?Sc. 1, Lines 114–139: How does the planning of this murder differ from the planning of Duncan’s murder? How does the change signal a change in Macbeth’s character, a deepening of his tragic flaw?Sc. 1, Lines 133–136: Examine Macbeth’s dialogue and explain the reason Macbeth gives for ordering Fleance killed in these lines. Explain the real reason Macbeth wants Fleance dead.Sc. 2, Lines 11–27: What animal imagery does Macbeth use? What does he mean by “scorched the snake, not killed it”? In what way is the image of the snake ironic, coming from Macbeth?Sc. 2, Lines 29–34: What instruction does Macbeth give to Lady Macbeth with regard to speaking about Banquo? Which phrase suggests they should hide their true feelings? What does Lady’s Macbeth’s comment in line 34 tell the reader about the difference between Macbeth’s words and the way he might be acting?Sc. 2, Lines 51–52: Explain how Macbeth describes the ending of day. Which words describe the images of predators and prey? What might “black agents” refer to? How does this imagery contribute to the overall mood of Scene 2?Sc. 4, Lines 9–23: What evidence in Macbeth’s conversation with the Murderer in these lines reveals Macbeth’s abrupt change in tone and attitude regarding the events surrounding Banquo’s murder?Sc. 4, Lines 21–25: Which sentences are spoken by Macbeth as an aside? How can you tell where the aside begins and ends?Sc. 4, Lines 21–25: Point out and analyze the words Macbeth uses to indicate his feelings about the news of Fleance.Sc. 4, Line 26: What does Macbeth mean when he uses the word safe to describe the plan?Sc. 4, Lines 53–68: Describe what Lady Macbeth tells her guests about Macbeth’s outburst. What evidence supports the dramatic irony that Lady Macbeth believes Macbeth’s fears are still about Duncan?Sc. 4, Lines 74–96: Contrast the way the guests at the table would interpret Macbeth’s lines to the way the audience would interpret them.Sc. 4, Lines 136–138: Which words indicate that Macbeth has gone too far in his quest for power? Which theme is being developed in this scene?Sc. 5, Lines 136–138: What is the setting? What words does Hecate use that establish a particular mood? What are examples of Hecate’s use of rhyme? What is the rhyme scheme? How does this rhyme scheme, a departure from the usual iambic pentameter, affect the mood of the passage?Sc. 6, Lines 1–39: Paraphrase Lennox’s speech. Describe Lennox’s attitude toward Macbeth.Sc. 6, Lines 5–7: What is the specific, literal meaning of the lines “Banquo walked too late” and “men must not walk too late”? Also explain the figurative meaning.Sc. 6, Lines 29–34: What has life in Scotland under Macbeth been like? How do some noblemen plan to put an end to Macbeth’s rule?ACT IVAnswer each question, citing text evidence.Sc. 1, Lines 1–21: Describe the mood that is established in the scene description and stage direction at the beginning of Scene 1. What elements help to create that mood? What tone might readers expect in the dialogue that follows? How does the stage direction further readers’ understanding of the witches? Sc. 1, Lines 1–21: What is the repeated couplet in the witches’ dialogue? What point or idea does the couplet express?Sc. 1, Lines 50–61: What images does Macbeth use in his speech? Sc. 1, Lines 50–61: Who does Macbeth say can set loose these storms?Sc. 1, Lines 50–61: What does this speech suggest about Macbeth? How does the speech support a theme?Sc. 1, Lines 69–94: What might the armed head, or head wearing armor, symbolize?Sc. 1, Lines 69–94: Which part of the text here is related to the second apparition that may give Macbeth a false sense of security?Sc. 1, Lines 69–94: What does the third apparition represent? How might the apparition’s words affect Macbeth? How might the symbolism of the three apparitions foreshadow future events related to a theme?Sc. 1, Lines 97–105: What text reflects Macbeth’s ego and ambition? Sc. 1, Lines 97–105: Recall the witches’ prophecy to Banquo in Act 1, Scene 3. Make an inference about what is going through Macbeth’s mind after seeing the apparitions of eight kings that look like Banquo.Sc. 1, Lines 141–154: Describe Macbeth’s reaction to the news that Macduff has fled to England. What does Macbeth say he will do from now on, and what action is he planning to take?Sc. 1, Lines 150–153: Why does Macbeth decide to kill Macduff’s family?Sc. 1, Lines 144–154: What does Macbeth’s speech reveal about his changing character? How does his speech develop a theme of the drama?Sc. 2, Lines 3–17: Identify and explain the irony in these lines. Why does Lady Macduff tell her son that his father is dead, even though the boy heard her discussion with Ross?Sc. 2, Lines 32–50: What evidence of the son’s maturity is in these lines? Describe the son’s character in one or two words.Sc. 2, Lines 69–79: Paraphrase Lady Macduff’s thoughts about “this earthly world.” What theme developing since Act I do the ideas in this soliloquy support?Sc. 2, Lines 69–79: Describe how the son feels about his father. Sc. 3, Lines 2–8: What is ironic about Macduff’s speech?Sc. 3, Lines 8–17: Explain the irony in Malcolm’s speech.Sc. 3, Lines 44–102: What kind of king does Malcolm claim he would be? Why would he admit to this huge character flaw?Sc. 3, Lines 73–110: Summarize the conversation between Macduff and Malcolm. Does Macduff seem honorable? Why or why not?Sc. 3, Lines 114–132: At what point does the audience know Malcolm has been testing Macduff all along? Review lines 125–132. What qualities does Malcolm say he truly has?Sc. 3, Lines 141–159: What does the reader learn about King Edward from the doctor’s and Malcolm’s speeches? Think about how Scotland under Macbeth’s rule can be used in an analogy to a sick patient. Carry the analogy further to explain how King Edward’s healing powers may be related to conditions in Scotland.Sc. 3, Lines 164–180: What series of events described by Ross will likely lead to a disastrous conclusion for Macbeth? What cascade of character flaws in Macbeth has likely caused these events to unfold?Sc. 3, Lines 164–180: Explain the ambiguity of Macduff’s use of “at their peace” in line 179 and Ross’s response of “at peace” in line 180.Sc. 3, Lines 200–224: Use the dialogue between Ross and Macduff to make inferences about these characters’ feelings. How does Ross feel about having to tell Macduff about the murders of his wife and children? How does Macduff feel about his family’s death?Sc. 3, Lines 200–224: How do Malcolm’s and Macduff’s ideas of manhood differ?Sc. 3, Line 238: What does Malcolm mean by this?ACT VAnswer each question, citing text evidence.Sc. 1, Lines 1–17: What does the gentlewoman want the doctor to do? Why? Sc. 1, Lines 27–31: Identify an example of a contraction that would sound unfamiliar to modern ears and one that would sound familiar. Explain the meaning of each.Sc. 1, Lines 30–38: What appears to have happened to Lady Macbeth? How can you tell? Base your response on what you know about Lady Macbeth’s words and actions earlier in the play.Sc. 2, Lines 6–13: Where are Menteith and the other noblemen in this scene going to meet up with the English soldiers to march against Macbeth? Why is this setting important?Sc. 2, Lines 16–22: What does Angus mean when he says “Those he commands move only in command/ Nothing in love”? What simile does Angus use in these lines? What does it mean? How is it an effective use of language?Sc. 3, Lines 1–18: How is Macbeth’s attitude here different from his previous attitude in the play, particularly in the way he treats the servant?Sc. 3, Lines 38–46: What ails Lady Macbeth? What does Macbeth wish the doctor could do?Sc. 3, Lines 49–56: What does Macbeth’s dialogue to the doctor in these lines say about Macbeth? What is ironic about Macbeth asking the doctor to cure Scotland’s “disease”?Sc. 4, Lines 4–7: What event on this page relates to prophecies?Sc. 4, Lines 14–16: Compare Macduff’s attitude toward warfare with Macbeth’s.Sc. 4, Lines 17–28: Explain how these lines reflect Macbeth’s state of mind in the latter part of the play. Sc. 5, Lines 33–52: Describe Macbeth’s attitude toward the upcoming fight. Use details from the text to explain why he feels this way.Sc. 7, Lines 1–13: How does Macbeth’s attitude toward fighting change over the course of this scene with Young Siward? Why? Sc. 7, Lines 14–23: What are two examples of verbs ending in -est (or -st)? How is each verb used?Sc. 8, Lines 1–14: What are some character traits that Macbeth shows in this final scene? Sc. 8, Lines 27–34: Examine how Macbeth faces death and compare his character here to characterizations earlier in the play, such as the Captain’s description of him in Act I, Scene 2. What traits have stayed the same throughout the entire play?Sc. 8, Lines 46–50: What does Siward wish to find out about the way his son died? Why is this important to him? How might this relate to Macbeth’s behavior throughout the play? What theme might you formulate based on these observations. ................
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