Macbeth Flashcards
what is the result of Macbeths ambition to become king
he overthrows the natural order and directly sins against God
how could macbeth be described
1 first impression brave capable warrior but after meeting the witches courage becomes ambition
2 as a tragic hero who start off good but suffers a terrible downfall
what does Shakespeare use Macbeth to do
show the terrible effect that ambition and guilt can have
what convinces him to kill Duncan
before he kills Duncan he is worried and almost doesn’t do it but Lady macbeth pushes him into it
what emotions does the prediction of being king bring him
joy and inner turmoil
what is Macbeths attitude to the supernatural
1 trusting
2 shocked and influenced when he becomes Thane and this fuels his ambition
3 he does feel guilty for trusting the supernatural and hides his feelings in an asides and thinks “this supernatural soliciting can not be ill can not be good” - doesn’t share his thoughts with Banquo showing he knows he shouldn’t let the supernatural influence him - ambition is proving to great
at the start of the play how is Macbeths violence portrayed
1 as being honourable “valours minion”
2 in the context of battle his violence is an acceptable form and celebrated
3 “smoked with bloody execution” shows he has no problem shedding the blood of a rebel
4 his violence is proving his loyalty
5 In the battle at the start his violence is depicted as justified he enforces the law and maintains the rightful chain of command
6 audience would admire his skill and comittment - yes he is violent but it is acceptable
when doe the audience see another side to his violence
1 when his violence becomes cowardly because he is influenced by witches, wife and ambition
2 he abuses his power and forces others to commit violence for him
3 his desire turns to regicideal treason
4 his murder of Duncan is not on the battlefield it is calculated and unforgiveable act of betrayal
when do the audience realise Macbeth has lost all conscience
1 when they are shocked by the killing of Macduff’s family-
2 he seems to have lost all control
3 the violence he uses to protect himself is what destroys him in the end
