Character: Macbeth

Question 1

Macbeth as violent

Answer 1

-At first celebrated for his bloodthirsty nature (highlights capacity for violence) -> ironic as violence will be his downfall. “with his brandish’d steel which smok’d with bloody execution” (metaphor)
-kills innocent people
-By end his violent ambition has turned him into an ‘abhorred tyrant’ and ‘hellhound’

Question 2

Macbeth as a brave hero

Answer 2

-At beginning fighting for the king:
-described as a ‘valiant’ warrior
-compared to ‘Bellona’s bridegroom’ - God of war.
“brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name”
-has noble characteristics

Question 3

Macbeth as ambitious

Answer 3

-wants to become king and will do anything to make this happen even commit regicide
“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition”
=his ambition is stronger than his morality

Question 4

Macbeth as easily influenced by LM

Answer 4

-LM emasculates him and belittles his manhood -> masculinity linked to strength and courage: persuades M to kill king by suggesting he’ll be “more the man” -> acts to not seem unmanly/ a “coward”
-LM influence declines after M kills king -> M acts alone for other murders

Question 5

Macbeth as easily influenced by the supernatural

Answer 5

-he trusts witches straightaway: “two truths are told” (in contrast to Banquo’s suspicions)
-sees dagger that leads him to D “A dagger of the mind” (ex. Of witches influence )