act 1 scene 4 events and quotes Flashcards
What is Duncan’s language like in this scene?
sycophantic (overly flattering)
What quote shows that Malcom will be a better Thane?
“To throw away the dearest thing he owed, As ‘twere a careless trifle”
-Malcolm is more angry with the traitor than Macbeth is
What quote shows that Duncan is a poor judge of character?
“There’s no art To find the mind’s construction in the face: He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust”
Why does Duncan feel betrayed by the previous thane?
He has a very good trust and relationship with him and he feels very shocked- Duncan is reflective and sensitive
What literary device does Shakespeare use when Macbeth walks in when the men are talking about the previous treacherous Thane?
Dramatic irony- Macbeth is planning on being treacherous!
What does Duncan say to Macbeth that is deeply ironic and again shows he is a poor judge of character?
“O worthiest cousin!”- ironic as Macbeth is not worthy at all- he wants to kill Duncan
What quotes that Macbeth says juxtapose his inner thoughts of killing Duncan and also his lack of loyalty to the king?
“The service and loyalty I owe”
“Safe toward your love and honour”
What quotes does Duncan say which shows he is a very unconventional and untraditional king (at that time)?
” I have begun to plant thee, and will labour To make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo, That hast no less deserved, nor must be known”
What is weird/ unusual about what Duncan says about Banquo?
He is using very feminine language which is strange as at that time, Kings were supposed to be harsh and dominant (masculine)- adds to how he is also a poor judge of character, which is unlike a king
What does Duncan commonly refer to Macbeth as?
“My worthy Cawdor!”
What does Macbeth say that shows how he either needs to kill Malcom, as he is the rightful heir, or give up being king entirely?
“The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap”
What quote that Duncan says and then what quote that Macbeth says are in complete juxtaposition with eachother?
“But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine”- Duncan
“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires:” -Macbeth
The quote “Stars hide your fires” is significant towards light, why?
stars emit light- Macbeth doesn’t want people to shine light on his evil and treacherous thoughts
“Stars hide your fires” is significant towards fate, why?
stars link to fate- heavily believed in during the Jacobean time- links to the supernatural element- the 3 witches- they can control fate
What technique is used when Macbeth says “The Prince of Cumberland!”?
excalamatory mode- he’s jealous which links to his ambition which is his fatal flaw which adds to his tragic hero status
