Macbeth (theme)

Question 1

Quote 1

Answer 1

“First as I am his kinsman and his subject”

Question 2

Quote 2

Answer 2

“Brave Macbeth”

Question 3

Quote 3

Answer 3

“I am settled and bend up”

Question 4

Quote 4

Answer 4

“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent”

Question 5

Quote 5

Answer 5

”When you durst do it you were a man”

Question 6

Quote 6

Answer 6

“O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman”

Question 7

Quote 7

Answer 7

“Not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damn’d in evils to top Macbeth”

Question 8

Quote 8

Answer 8

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Question 9

Quote 8

Answer 9

“I am in blood stepp’d so far that returning we’re as tedious as go’oer”

Question 10

“Kinsman” quote analysis

Answer 10

Macbeth is characterised as loyal and sympathetic through this extract, as well as the excessive listing throughout this monologue. He appears to be devoted to his king and friend Duncan, making his later actions appear as out of character.

Question 11

“Settled” quote analysis

Answer 11

The abandonment of iambic pentameter in this line indicates that something is out of the ordinary, as well as creating a matter-of-fact tone. This indicates that these actions are unusual as well as showing how manipulatable he is, due to his ambition.

Question 12

“Spur” quote analysis

Answer 12

Dramatic irony is utilised here as well as immediate foreshadowing as directly after stating this, lady Macbeth enters- indicating that she is the driving force behind his ambition. This develops how easy it is to manipulate Macbeth as he struggles to find motivation without his wife, showing how heavily influenced he is by her.

Question 13

“Durst” quote analysis

Answer 13

The use of emasculative language exploits Macbeth’s immense pride, by making him seem less masculine. This causes him to act irrationally as he is desperate to prove his masculinity to his peers and wife. This is ultimately when Macbeth’s ambition is shown to be his hamartia.

Question 14

“Brave Macbeth” quote analysis

Answer 14

Affectionate language used here indicates how well respected and loved Macbeth was by his peers at the exposition of the play. This is developed through high praise such as “o valiant cousin, worthy gentleman”.

Question 15

“Legions” quote analysis

Answer 15

Aggressive, metaphorical language indicates how Macbeth is now viewed as a demonic murder in the eyes of his peers. This indicates that they have lost all respect towards him and are now established as the antagonists.

Question 16

“Blood” quote analysis

Answer 16

This indicates Macbeth’s ultimate fall from sanity into a demonic killer through his lack of remorse and how he has no desire to achieve redemption, instead carrying on his murderous ways.

Question 17

Conclusion final statement

Answer 17

Through the use of techniques such as the abandonment of iambic pentameter and dramatic irony, Shakespeare paints a stark image of a bloodthirsty animal that was once a respected warrior. The remorseless depiction of Macbeth at the denouement of the play creates a disturbing warning of the dangers of ambition, a theme that is still relevant today.

Question 18

Introduction opening sentence

Answer 18

The play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare follows the life of the eponymous hero, Scottish thane and warrior: Macbeth.

Question 19

Introduction (ambition)

Answer 19

Macbeth’s rise and eventual fall from power signifies the dangers of over ambition, the prédominent theme in the play. Through his pursuit of the throne, Macbeth becomes a demonic shadow of his previous self and loses sanity. Shakespeare uses a host of dramatic techniques throughout the play to paint a stark image of a broken man.