Macbeth's Character

Question 1

Act 1 Scene 2

Answer 1

Macbeth is praised as ‘brave Macbeth’ and ‘worthy gentleman’ after a heroic battle.

Question 2

Act 1 Scene 5

Answer 2

Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to seize ambition:
‘What beast was’t, then, That made you break this enterprise to me?’ - this is the tipping point/push that ignited his furious ambition.

Question 3

Act 3 Scene 4

Answer 3

Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost and descends into paranoia and cruelty - clearly showing how unstable he had become.

Question 4

Act 5 Scene 5

Answer 4

Macbeth shows his despair and belief that life is meaningless with this quote: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player/ That struts and frets this hour upon the stage…”