Macbeth Flashcards
What evidence is there early in this scene that Banquo has an uneasy mind?
- he can’t sleep, worrying about the witches. wondering about his prophecies.
What message regarding Duncan’s happiness does Banquo bring Macbeth? What is the dramatic purpose?
- He has given a diamond to Lady Macbeth to show his happiness.
- how happy he is on the day of his death.
what is Banquo’s initial comment to Macbeth regarding the witches? why does Macbeth reply as he does?
- that he (Macbeth) doesn’t think about the witches.
- so he doesn’t seem overly obsessed.
What does this scene tell us about the character of Banquo? what is the dramatic effect of having his character more fully developed?
- he is loyal to the king. very precise and quick to question.
- he’ll investigate, avenge.
Provide a key point summary of Macbeth’s soliloquy.
He is seeing this ghost dagger. ( what they use to kill Duncan)
Identify three incidents in this scene which portray a new side of Lady Macbeth.
- her getting herself drunk to feel powerful
- she’s nervous
- she would’ve killed Duncan herself but he looks to much like her father.
What preparations for the murder have been made by Lady Macbeth?
Layout the dagger, drunk the guards, and ring the bell.
Upon his return to the courtyard, Macbeth seems to be in half hysterical state.
a) what leads the reader to this conclusion?
b) why is lady macbeth concerned for him?
c) how did lady macbeth bring him back to a proper frame of mind?
a) the way he’s talking, guilt. what he’s saying. brought the dagger with him instead of leaving it like he was supposed to. hearing voices (he’ll never sleep)
b) cs she thinks he might confess, afraid of a witness.
c) tells him to wash his hands, change & calls him a coward.
Compare both Macbeth & Lady Macbeth’s comments regarding the blood on their hands.
M - feels guilty & will always remember. so much guilt the ocean will turn red.
LM - once she washes her hands the guilt will wash away with it.
What does the colour red symbolize?
Guilt.
What does the colour white symbolize?
Coward.
Macbeth demonstrated great courage in Act 1, yet in this scene he seems out of control and weak. How do you account for this change?
- became the traitor whom he resented. he killed for his king in act one, now he killed his king.
a) what are Banquo’s feeling regarding his prophecies?
b) what does this reveal about his character?
a) hopeful, jealous, suspicious
b) has a good judgement of character, skeptical, want what’s good for him and his family.
Macbeth tries in this scene to determine Banquo’s plans so he can set up the murder. How does Macbeth cover up his true intentions/ real motivation?
- seems like he’s worried about Banquo, and makes him feel special.
How does Macbeth prove to be very shrewd when dealing with murderers?
- blames all their misfortune on Banquo.
- manipulates them.
What two reasons does Macbeth have for fearing Banquo?
- his sons will take over.
- think Banquo is onto him
(his plan to kill him)
Macbeth hesitated to murder Duncan. What possible reasons could there be for his lack of hesitation in murdering his friend?
- there would be consequences to not killing Banquo unlike Duncan.
Quote lines that show Macbeth & Lady macbeth are tormented even though they have attained their ambitions.
” O full of scorpions…”
“…better to live with the dead…”
Explain the importance of the line “ but let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer.”
let Heaven and hell collide, let there be chaos.
explain how lady macbeth attempts to influence he husband in this scene. (act lll scene ii)
- pushing him to forget about it & to stop it all.
Scene two shows a reversal in character for both macbeth and lady macbeth. explain.
LM- more hesitant
M- more ruthless
There is a school of thought that Macbeth was the third murderer. what evidence is there? why would he?
- since he knows so much about Banquo.
- trust issues with the murderers, only one hidden.
The man who is guilty of the crime naturally feels that everyone suspects him, and in an effort to divert attention from himself, sometimes betrays his own guilt. how is this Macbeth?
- tries to act natural, but sees the ghost and goes crazy. Just killing Banquo.
What is the dramatic importance of having the murderers bring news of Banquo’s murder to Macbeth in the banquet scene?
Gives “Banquo” a chance to sit in MB chair.
- blood= guilt that was on the murderers face
