Macbeth (guilt)

Question 1

Key points on how Shakespeare presents and uses the theme of guilt in Macbeth?

Answer 1

Within the tragic, Jacobean play Macbeth, Shakespeare depicting the eponymous, tragic hero Macbeth as a character who grapples with his guilty conscience as a direct result of his immoral actions.

Question 2

What guilt quote does Macbeth say when being psychologically tormented by the ghost of Banquo?

Answer 2

‘Thou cans’t not say I did it; never shake thy gory locks at me’
Macbeth Act 3 Scene 4

Question 3

What quote does Macbeth say that highlights the motif of blood representing Macbeths constant inner turmoil?

Answer 3

‘Will all great Neptunes Ocean wash this blood clean from my hands’
Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2

Question 4

What does Macbeth say in Act 2 Scene 2 that represents how guilt destroys peace for the character?

Answer 4

‘Sleep no more; Macbeth does murder sleep’ Act 2 Scene 2

Question 5

What does Lady Macbeth say when she hallucinates her hands covered in blood?

Answer 5

‘All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand’
Act 5 Scene 5

Question 6

What does the Doctor say during Lady Macbeths sleep walking scene that shoes the effects of unnatural acts?

Answer 6

‘Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles’
Doctor Act 5 Scene 5

Question 7

What does Lady Macbeth say in Act 5 Scene 5 that shows that sacrilegious actions and guilt are eternal?

Answer 7

‘What’s done cannot be undone’ Lady Macbeth Act 5 Scene 5

Question 8

What quote mirrors ‘what’s done cannot be undone’ during Act 3 Scene 2?

Answer 8

‘What’s done is done’ Act 3, Scene 2

Question 9

What quote does Macbeth and Lady Macbeth say that shows guilt even haunts their sleep?

Answer 9

‘These terrible dreams that shakes us nightly’ Macbeth Act 3 Scene 2

Question 10

What quote does Macbeth say that highlights the endless cycle of violence?

Answer 10

‘Blood will have blood’ Macbeth Act 3 Scene 4

Question 11

Context for guilt within Macbeth

Answer 11

Written during the Jacobean period, an era of political and religious turmoil, Shakespeare evidences his allegiance to King James I though condemning regicide by portraying the torturous, physiological effects that Macbeth’s guilt has on his psyche. This would have not only appeased King James by validating his right to the English throne but also depicts Macbeths guilt as a cautionary tale for the Jacobean audience on the consequences of disobeying God King and Country.

Question 12

First sentence of introduction for guilt

Answer 12

Within the tragic, Jacobean play Macbeth, Shakespeare depicting the eponymous, tragic hero Macbeth as a character who grapples with his guilty conscience as a direct result of his immoral actions.

Question 13

Second sentence of introduction for guilt

Answer 13

Written during the Jacobean period, a time of political and religious turmoil, Shakespeare evidences his allegiance to King James I through is condemning of regicide, highlighting the torturous, eternal and inescapable effects that guilt has on Macbeths psyche .

Question 14

Last sentence of introduction for guilt

Answer 14

This would have not only appeased King James I by validating his right to the English throne but also portrays Macbeths guilt as a cautionary tale to the Jacobean audience of the consequences of disobeying God, King and country