Lady Macbeth

Question 1

“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it”

Answer 1

Language: Metaphor
Context: biblical reference to tale of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Snake tricks the lady who tricks the man. The witches are the snake.

Question 2

“Unsex me here, fill me from the crown to the toe top full of direct cruelty”

Answer 2

TS2: Lady Macbeth develops the theme of the supernatural in the play, invoking spirits to assist her
TS3: Lady Macbeth inverts traditional gender roles, appearing assertive and dominant and mocking effeminate behaviour. plans.

Question 3

“Like the poor cat I’th’ adage?”

Answer 3

TS1: The character of Lady Macbeth drives the plot forward as she manipulates Macbeth into committing regicide.
TS3: Lady Macbeth inverts traditional gender roles, appearing assertive and dominant and mocking effeminate behaviour.
Cats too timid/afraid to get its paws wet to get the fish. LMB is mocking MB for being too timid to get his hands dirty (blood) by killing Duncan to gain kingship.
Attacks MB’s masculinity

Question 4

She would have “dashed the brains out” of her own infant!

Answer 4

TS1: The character of Lady Macbeth drives the plot forward as she manipulates Macbeth into committing regicide.
TS3: Lady Macbeth inverts traditional gender roll appearing assertive and dominant and mocking effeminate behaviour.
Verb: “dashed” - striking/ knocking angrily.
Threatens him, makes him afraid and overpowers him

Question 5

“She has light by her continuously” - Gentlewomen

Answer 5

TS2: Lady Macbeth develops the theme of the supernatural in the play, invoking spirits to assist her plans.
Darkness symbolises evil, she wants to keep the darkness away to keep away from the sin. Light protects her.