Macbeth Key terminology

Question 1

Tragedy

Answer 1

A serious play or drama typically dealing with the problems of a central character, leading to an unhappy or disastrous ending brought on, as in ancient drama, by fate and a tragic flaw in this character

Question 2

the 5 acts

Answer 2

Macbeth is a typical tragedy. The first part builds up the turning point (Duncan’s murder) and the second part deal with the consequences of this, which leads to the main character’s downfall

Question 3

Hubris

Answer 3

excessive pride or self confidence. Seen in the character of Macbeth especially when the witches give the last prophecies. Macbeth becomes arrogant until he realises that Macduff was ‘not born of women’

Question 4

Hamartia

Answer 4

Fatal flaw, Macbeth’s is unchecked ambition (also Lady Macbeth) as well as a desire for power and position, as well as King

Question 5

Soliloquy

Answer 5

Speaking one’s thoughts out loud on stage

Question 6

juxtaposition

Answer 6

two things closely placed together that contrast

Question 7

dramatic irony

Answer 7

when the readers know more than the characters e.g. the reader realises the dead body in Stave 5 is Scrooge

Question 8

symbolism

Answer 8

a mark, sign or word that represents something else.

Question 9

symbolism of blood?

Answer 9

blood initially represents violence then comes to represent Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s guilt

Question 10

symbolism of Sleep?

Answer 10

sleep symbolises peace of mind, which is why Macbeth states he will sleep ‘no more’ after killing Duncan

Question 11

Similes

Answer 11

a comparision using like or as - “look like the innocent flower”

Question 12

metaphor

Answer 12

a comparison saying something is something else - “but be the serpent under it”