Macbeth - Shakespeare's Techniques Flashcards
(153 cards)
1
Q
What is structure?
A
+Structure is one of the most important parts of a play.
+Structure is the skill of writing a play so all the bits fit together, in the right order, in a way that works on stage.
2
Q
What is a play’s structure?
A
+A play’s structure is the way it’s put together.
3
Q
What is one of the most important parts of stagecraft?
A
+One of the most important parts of stagecraft is the structure of the play.
+The structure is the overall design of the play - how the plot is revealed, what events happens when, which scenes focus on thoughts and feelings, and which scenes build towards a dramatic climax.
4
Q
What did Shakespeare not do?
A
+Shakespeare didn’t put the scenes in a random order - he had reasons to structure them in a certain way.
5
Q
How does Shakespeare emphasise important themes?
A
+He introduces the Witches right at the beginning in Act 1, Scene 1.
+That way the audience knows that there are supernatural forces at work.
6
Q
How does Shakespeare set the mood?
A
+The first scene of each act sets the mood for the rest of the act.
+Eg. in Act 2 Scene 1, Macbeth goes to murder Duncan.
+This sets the dark atmosphere for the whole of Act 2.
7
Q
What do tragedies have?
A
Tragedies have a set structure
8
Q
How is Macbeth a typical tragedy?
A
+Macbeth is a typical tragedy.
+The first part builds up to the turning point [Duncan’s murder], and the second part deals with the consequences of this, which lead to the main character’s downfall.
9
Q
How does the structure of the play help develop characters?
A
+The structure helps Shakespeare develop the characters - Macbeth starts off as an honourable, moral character, but he’s corrupted by ambition [his fatal flaw].
+In contrast, Lady Macbeth starts out cruel and remorseless, but she eventually goes mad from guilt.
10
Q
How does Macbeth have a circular structure?
A
+Macbeth also has a circular structure…
+It starts and ends with a battle to defeat a “merciless tyrant”.
+This shows that the events have come full circle and order is restored at the end of the play.
11
Q
What does Shakespeare vary the length of?
A
+Shakespeare varies the length of the scenes.
12
Q
Why does Shakespeare use short scenes?
A
+Shakespeare uses short scenes to speed up the action and make the play more exciting.
+For example, Act 5 is made up of nine short scenes - and a lot happens in this act.
+Lady Macbeth goes mad, the English army arrives, Lady Macbeth kills herself, Macbeth sees Birnam Wood on the move, Macbeth kills Young Siward, Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes King. Phew.
13
Q
Why does Shakespeare use long scenes?
A
+Long scenes let Shakespeare explore his characters’ emotions and reveal their true characters.
+In Act 4, Scene 3, Malcolm tests Macdff by claiming to be unfit to be King.
+Macduff’s reaction shows that he is loyal to Malcolm and passionate about his country.
+Later in that scene, Macduff learns that his wife and children are dead - his grief shows that he cares about his family too.
14
Q
Mention the play’s structure and the effects it has…
A
+Shakespeare didn’t want people getting bored - or finding the scary and tragic bits funny.
+He had to use every trick he knew to make the audience react as he wanted them to. Know these tricks for the exam.
15
Q
What does Shakespeare prepare you for?
A
+Shakespeare prepares you for what’s going to happen.
16
Q
What is a good way of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats?
A
+Hinting at what’s going to happen later on in a play is a good way of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
+Shakespeare does it a lot in Macbeth, especially near the start.
17
Q
How does Shakespeare use forshadowing in Act 1, Scene 1?
A
+In Act 1, Scene 1 the Witches let the audience know that they’re evil [“Fair is foul”] and that they’re going to meet Macbeth.
+This creates dramatic tension because it makes the audience wonder who Macbeth is and what the Witches are planning for him.
18
Q
How does Shakespeare use foreshadowing in Act 1, Scene 3?
A
+In Act 1, Scene 3 the Witches tell Macbeth he’ll be King, which plants the idea in both Macbeth’s and the audience’s minds and creates anticipation.
19
Q
How does Shakespeare use foreshadowing in Act 1, Scene 4?
A
+In Act 1, Scene 4 Macbeth hears that Malcolm is heir to the throne, not him - this suggests that for the Witches’ prophecy to come true, Macbeth will have to do something.
+The audience starts to wonder what Macbeth’s capable of, and how strong his ambition is.
20
Q
How does Shakespeare use foreshadowing in Act 4, Scene 1?
A
+The apparitions’ prophecies in Act 4, Scene 1 hint at the things to come.
+The audience suspects the prophecies will come true, but doesn’t know how, which builds suspense.
21
Q
How does the theme of the supernatural create tension?
A
+Theme - Supernatural: The Supernatural elements in the play [the Witches, the apparitions, Macbeth’s vision of a dagger and Banquo’s ghost] create tension.
+They make things seem uncertain and evil.
22
Q
What does Shakespeare leave the audience in?
A
+Shakespeare leaves the audience in littlle doubt it’s going to be a tragedy - but he still keeps a few questions open about what’s going to happen.
23
Q
How does Shakespeare create anticipation in Act 1, Scene 7?
A
+Act, Scene 7 Macbeth battles with his conscience before killing Duncan.
+Will he go through with it? - We don’t find out until Act 2.
24
Q
How does Shakespeare create anticipation in Act 3, Scene 1?
A
+Act 3, Scene 1 - Banquo suspects that Macbeth killed Duncan - Macbeth plots to kill Banquo.
+Will Banquo accuse Macbeth? Will Macbeth kill Banquo before he gets the chance? - We don’t find out until later in Act 3.
25
How does Shakespeare create anticipation in Act 4, Scene 3?
+Act 4, Scene 3 - Macduff learns that his family have been murdered and vows to take revenge on Macbeth.
+Will Macduff kill Macbeth? - We don't find out until Act 5.
26
How does Shakespeare create anticipation in Act 5?
+Act 5 - The scenes alternate between Macbeth preparing for battle and the English army advancing.
+Who will win? What will happen to Macbeth? - We don't find out until the end of the play.
27
What is the first part of the play structured around?
The first part is structured around Macbeth's rise to power.
28
What are the Key Scenes focused on in the _first part_ of Macbeth?
+In Acts 1 and 2 the key scenes are focused on Macbeth becoming King.
+The plot gradually builds up until the murder of Duncan is discovered and Macbeth is crowned.
29
What are the Key Scenes in *Act 1* of the _first part_ of Macbeth?
+Act 1 Scene 3 - Macbeth meets the Witches, who tell him he'll be King.
+Act 1 Scene 7 - Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to kill Duncan.
30
What are the Key Scenes in *Act 2* of the _first part_ of Macbeth?
+Act 2 Scene 1 - Macbeth goes to kill Duncan
+Act 2 Scene 3 - Macduff finds Duncan's body.
31
What is the purpose of the minor scenes in the _first part_ of Macbeth?
+The minor scenes build up the tension and delay the actual murder.
32
What are the Minor Scenes in *Act 1* of the _first part_ of Macbeth?
* Act 1, Scene 1 - The Witches are introduced
* Act 1, Scene 2 - Duncan talks about the battle.
* Act 1, Scene 4 - Macbeth starts to think about killing Duncan.
* Act 1, Scenes 5&6 - Lady Macbeth learns of the Witches' prophecy. Duncan arrives at Macbeth's castle.
33
What are the Minor Scenes in *Act 2* of the _first part_ of Macbeth?
+Act 2, Scene 2 - Lady Macbeth covers up the murder
+Act 2, Scene 4 - An old man talks about weird events. Macbeth is crowned.
34
What happens in the second part of Macbeth?
+In the second part of Macbeth, things fall apart for Macbeth.
35
What are the Key Scenes in the _second part_ of Macbeth about?
+In Acts 3, 4 and 5, the other characters learn how evil Macbeth is, and start to plot against him.
+This builds up to the climatic rebellion in the final act.
36
What are the Key Scenes in the _second part_ of Macbeth?
* Act 3 Scene 4 - Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost.
* Act 4 Scene 1 - Macbeth visits the Witches, and is shown three apparitions that predict his future.
* Act 5 Scene 1 - Lady Macbeth sleepwalks.
* Act 5 Scene 8 - Macduff kills Macbeth.
37
What is the purpose of the minor scenes in the _second_ _part_ of Macbeth?
+The minor scenes help develop the plot.
+The short scenes speed up the action.
38
What are the Minor Scenes in *Act 3* of the _second part_ of Macbeth?
+Act 3, Scenes 1-3: Macbeth realises that Banquo's a threat, so he has him killed.
+Act 3, Scene 5 - Hecate plans to ruin Macbeth.
+Act 3, Scene 6 - Lennox is told of a plot to overthrow Macbeth.
39
What are the Minor Scenes in *Act 4* of the _second part_ of Macbeth?
+Act 4, Scenes 2-3: Macbeth has Macduff's wife and son killed.
+Malcolm tests Macduff, and Macduff learns of the murders.
40
What are the Minor Scenes in *Act 5* of the _second part_ of Macbeth?
+Act 5, Scenes 2-4&6: The English Army advances, disguised as Birnam Wood.
+Act 5, Scenes 5&7: Lady Macbeth kills herself and Macbeth kills young Siward.
+Act 5, Scene 9 - Malcolm becomes King.
41
How does Shakespeare creaet atmosphere?
+Shakespeare creates atmosphere in different ways
42
How does Shakespeare create different atmospheres?
+Shakespeare uses different methods to create different atmospheres, which are an important part of the play.
+Some of the techniques he uses are?
* Setting
* Use of the supernatural
* Humour
* Different senses
* Language
43
In particular, what helps create different moods?
+In particular, imagery helps to creat different moods.
44
What do different settings create?
+Different settings create different moods
45
How did Shakespeare choose the settings?
+Shakespeare chose the settings of his scenes very carefully - they add to the atmosphere of the play.
46
What setting do the Witches appear in?
+The Witches always appear in a spooky setting, usually in deserted places.
+This gives a sense of isolation and secrecy, and highlights the fact that they are separated from the rest of the characters.
+They are often accompanied by "thunder and lightning", which makes them seem menacing - Each apparition is introduced with more "thunder", so they appear threatening.
47
What setting do the Macbeths appear in?
+A lot of the scenes take place in and around Macbeth's castles in Scotland.
+This reminds the audience that the Macbeths are noble.
+However, the way they act contrasts sharply with this - their actions are not noble.
48
What does most of Act 5 take place in?
+Most of Act 5 takes place as Malcolm's army advances, which highlights the violence that occurs throughout the play.
49
What does Language set?
+Language sets the scene and creates atmosphere
50
Sometimes, what helps set the scene?
+Sometimes what the characters say helps to set the scene.
+Using dialogue to describe the setting and atmposphere was important in Shakespeare's time because sets and props were limited.
51
How does dialogue describe the setting in Act Scene 1?
+In Act 1, Scene 1, the Witches appear in "fog and filthy air".
+This creates a gloomy atmosphere, and also makes them seem ambiguous as they can't be seen properly.
52
How does dialogue describe the setting in Act 1 Scene 6?
+In Act 1, Scene 6, Shakespeare uses dramatic irony.
+Duncan describes Macbeth's castle as "pleasant", not knowing that he's going to be murdered there.
53
What is dramatic irony?
+Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something a character doesn't.
54
How does dialogue describe the setting in Act 2 Scene 1?
+Act 2, Scene 1 takes place on a dark night - Banquo says the "candles are all out" [there are no stars].
+This is an appropriate setting for murder.
55
What atmosphere can language create?
+Language can create an atmosphere of its own - one that isn't linked to the setting, but more to do with what's going on in the characters' minds.
+In Act 4 Scene 1, the Witches talk about "poisoned entrails" and "Finger of birth-strangled babe".
+This unpleasant, gruesome language reflects their evil intentions.
56
What does Shakespeare use violent language to reveal?
+Shakespeare uses violent language to reveal Lady Macbeth's true nature.
+Her description of how she would kill her own child creates an evil atmosphere.
+"I would, while it was smiling in my face,/Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums/And dashed the brains out" [Act 1, Scene 7].
57
What does Shakespeare also use to create feelings of panic and confusion?
+He also uses short lines of dialogue, questions and exclamations to create feelings of panic and confusion.
58
What does Shakespeare use senses to set?
+Shakespeare uses the senses to set the scene.
59
How does Shakespeare make the scenes more vivid?
+By making the characters describe what they can see or hear, Shakespeare makes the scenes more vivid.
+It helps the audience imagine what's happening, especially as there wouldn't have been many props.
60
How does Shakespeare use Macduff's description of Duncan's body to make the scene more vivid?
+When Macduff has just discovered Duncan's body, he says it will "destroy your sight/With a new Gorgon".
+This emphasises the horror of the discovery - he feels he's gone blind from seeing something so terrible.
61
How does Shakespeare use sound to make the scenes of Duncan to appear more vivid?
+Earlier in the play, Duncan's arrival is introduced by a "Flourish" [or fanfare].
+This contrasts with the "hideous trumpet" and "alarum bell" that announce his death, and shows how the atmosphere has changed.
62
On the night of Duncan's murder, how does Shakespeare use Lennox's description to make the scene more vivid?
+On the night of Duncan's murder, Lennox hears "strange screams of death", which create a dark, frightening atmosphere.
+**_Writer's Techniques:_** These noises contrast with the moments of silence - eg. the quiet calm when everyone's sleeping, just before Macbeth murders Duncan.
63
How does Shakespeare use sound to make the scene of the battle appear more vivid?
+The army approaches to the sound of a "Drum".
+The sounds of battle highlight the violence that happens throughout the play.
64
What do unnatural and supernatural events create?
+Unnatural and supernatural events create tension.
65
What events create a tense and uneasy atmosphere?
+Seemingly supernatural events, such as the dagger Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost, create a tense, uneasy atmosphere.
+It's uncomfortable because it's not clear if these visions exist of if Macbeth is going Mad.
66
What are the unnatural events that happen after Duncan's murder?
+After Duncan's murder, there are a numbr of "unnatural" events, eg. horses eating each other and day turning to "dark night".
+This creates a troubled atmosphere, because the natural order has been disturbed.
67
What does every appearance of the Witches have?
+Every appearance of the Witches have a dark, spooky atmosphere.
+It's not just the setting that creates this mood - their "imperfect" speech and "Filthy" appearance add to the atmosphere.
68
What does the Porter provide?
+The Porter provides light relief - but also increases the tension.
69
What is one of the few bits of comedy in the play?
+One of the few bits of comedy in the play comes in Act 2, Scene 3, when a drunken Porter rambles for a bit.
+This comic interlude delays the discovery of Duncan's body, which increases the tension.
70
What atmosphere does the Porter create?
+Even the atmosphere is dark - the Porter talks about "hell" and "Beelzebub" [the devil].
+He refers to Macbeth's castle as "hell-gate" and calls himself a "devil-porter".
+This suggests that the visitors are entering hell to greeted by the devil [Macbeth].
71
Where else in the play does Shakespeare give the audience a bit of light relief?
+Shakespeare also gives the audience a bit of light relief in Act 4, Scene 2, when Lady Macduff and her son chat and joke.
+However, their jokes are dark and touch on serious subjects: "there are liars and swearers enow to beat the honest men and hang up them."
+Since Macbeth ordered their murder in the previous scene, their banter also increases the audience's suspense.
72
Give examples of how Shakespeare creates different moods...
+There's all sorts of dark and sinister language throughout the play - especially from the Witches and Lady Macbeth.
+Learn some key phrases and quote them to show how Shakespeare creates atmosphere.
73
What does Shakespeare mainly use?
+Shakespeare mainly uses blank verse for main characters.
74
What is blank verse?
+Blank verse is a type of poetry that follows these three rules:
* The lines usually don't rhyme
* Each line has 10 or 11 syllables.
* Each line has 5 big beats
+So _foul_ and _fair_ a _day_ I _have_ not _seen._
75
What does Shakespeare usually stick to in short choppy bits of conversation?
+Even in short, choppy bits of conversation Shakespeare usually sticks to five big beats a line.
+The words are staggered to show that they're all part of one line of poetry:
Macbeth: Your **_child_**ren _shall_ be _kings_.
Banquo: You _shall_ be _King_.
76
When in the play is the rhythm regular?
+For serious and important bits the rhythm is regular.
+Most of the characters are lords, and they nearly always talk in this regular rhythm - it makes them sound posh:
Thou _hast_ it _now_ - King, **_Caw_**dor, **_Glam_**is, _all_
77
What does the Porter speak in?
+The Porter, like most lower-class characters, talks in prose and without much set rhythm,
+This sets him apart from the upper-class characters and makes his speech sound more natural.
78
When does Lady Macbeth talk in?
+Lady Macbeth talks in prose when she sleepwalks - her madness has made her lost control.
79
What do the Witches always speak in?
+The Witches always speak in rhyme
80
How do the Witches speak in a different way to other characters?
+The Witches speak in a different way to the other characters:
* They speak in rhyme - usually rhyming couplets.
* Each line has 7 or 8 syllables.
* Each line has 4 big beats.
**_Dou_**ble, **_dou_**ble _toil_ and **_trou_****ble**,
_Fire burn,_ and **_caul_**dron **_bub_**ble,
81
What does the way the Witches speak emphasise?
+The way they speak emphasises the fact that they are different to the other characters - they exist outside the natural order of the world, so they speak unnaturally.
+In Act 4, Scene 1, the rhyme and rhythm they use make their speech sound like a chant - this is appropriate, as they are casting a spell.
82
How does Hecate and the apparitions speak?
+Hecate and the apparitions speak in the same way [with rhyme and rhythm] - this links them to the Witches, and shows that they are supernatural too.
83
What other characters occasionally speak in rhyme?
+Some other characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth occasionally speak in rhyme - usually to make two lines of speech sound more final or to emphasise that it's important.
## Footnote
Macbeth: Hear it not; Duncan, for it is a **_knell_**
That summons thee to heaven or to **_hell_**.
[Act 2, Scene 1]
84
What does Shakespeare change?
Shakespeare changes the pace
85
What do long words and sentences do?
+Long words and sentences slow things down - Eg. in this bit Macbeth sounds thoughful:
## Footnote
"My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is,
But what is not"
[Act 1, Scene 3]
86
What do short words and sentences do?
+Short words and sentences speed things up - Here Shakespeare does this to make Macduff sound upset.
## Footnote
"All my pretty ones?
Did you say all? O hell-kite! All?"
[Act 4 Scene 3]
87
Why does Shakespeare use different rhythms?
Shakespeare uses different rhythms to show different emotions.
88
How does Shakespeare often change the rhythm of lines?
+Shakespeare often changes the rhythm of lines by messing around with the punctuation and choice of words.
89
Give an example of how Shakespeare uses a steady rhythm.
+This bit's got a steady rhythm - Duncan's making small talk with Banquo.
## Footnote
"This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Unto our gentle senses."
[Act 1 Scene 6]
90
Give an example of how Shakespeare uses a fluctuating rhythm.
+Here, the punctuation's very choppy and the rhythm's all over the place.
+Macbeth has just seen Banquo's ghost - the rhythm and short words show that he's scared and tense; His questions show his uncertainty and disbelief.
"Why do you show me this? - A fourth? Start, eyes!
What, will the line stretch out to th'crack of doom?"
[Act 4, Scene 1]
91
What does Word order emphasise?
+Word order emphasises different words
92
Why does Shakespeare change the word order?
+Shakespeare changes the word order to make important words stand out more.
93
Give an example of how Shakespeare changes the word order to make important words stand out more.
"Macduff was from his mother's womb
Untimely ripped."
[Act 5, Scene 8]
+The natural way to say this would be: "Macduff was untimely ripped from his mother's womb."
+Having "Untimely ripped" at the end of the sentence makes it more dramatic - The whole sentence builds tension by saving the key information until the end.
94
What do Soliloquies show?
+Soliloquies show the characters' thoughts and feelings.
95
What is a soliloquy?
+A soliloquy is a long speech by one character that is not spoken to any other character on stage.
+It's just them thinking out loud about their emotions, so it's a good way of showing the audience how a character is honestly feeling.
96
What are some important soliloquies in Macbeth?
+Some important soliloquies in *Macbeth*:
* Lady Macbeth's speech to the spirits in Act 1, Scene 5.
* Macbeth's speech about killing Duncan, in Act 1, Scene 7.
* Macbeth seeing the dagger just before he kills Duncan in Act 2, Scene 1.
{There are lots more examples of soliloquies in Macbeth, these are just a few to get you started].
97
Mention poetic features such as rhyme and rhythm...
+Don't just describe what kind of poetry Shakespeare uses - always write about how he uses poetry to create different effects.
+Try reading some of the text out loud - it'll help you spot the effects.
98
What did Shakespeare use a lot of?
+Shakespeare used a lot of puns [using words that look or sound the same but have different meaning].
+Sometimes the characters make deliberate puns, but at other times they don't seem to do it on purpose.
99
What did Shakespeare love?
+Shakespeare loved puns - his plays are full of them - they were really popular at the time he was writing.
+Sometimes they're funny [though it's often very dark humour] and sometimes it's just clever wordplay.
100
How does Shakespeare have Malcolm use a pun?
Malcolm: There's **warrant** in that theft
Which **steals** itself when there's no mercy left. [Act 2 Scene 3]
* "Warrant" can mean either "justification" or "arrest warrant".
* "Steal" can mean either "to sneak" or "to thieve"
+The double meanings of both "warrant" and "steal" reveal why Malcolm and Donalbain's actions could be viewed as suspicious - they are running away because they fear for their lives but it could be interpreted as running away out of guilt.
101
How does Shakespeare have Lady Macbeth use a pun to reveal what she is thinking?
+Shakespeare uses puns to reveal what characters are thinking.
+In this example, Lady Macbeth isn't making a deliberate pun - she's using "crown" to mean head, but it shows her desire to become Queen is always on her mind.
L. Macbeth: And fill me from the crown to the toe topfull Of direst cruelty
[Act 1, Scene 5]
102
What does Shakespeare use wordplay to create?
+Shakespeare uses wordplay to create dramatic irony
103
What is dramatic irony?
+Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something characters on stage don't
+For example, Macduff describes Lady Macbeth as "gentle" and says that the news of Duncan's murder would "murder" her.
+This is dramatic irony because the audience knows that Lady Macbeth has planned Duncan's murder.
104
How does Shakespeare create dramatic irony using the Porter?
+In Act 2, Scene 3, the Porter's wordplay creates dramatic irony - He jokingly refers to Macbeth's castle as "hell-gate" and talks about someone who is sent to hell for committing "treason".
+The audience knows that Macbeth has committed treason by killing the King, so the Porters words are truer than he knows.
105
What do some characters contradict?
+Some characters contradict themselves
106
What does Shakespeare use to heighten the tension?
+Shakespeare uses paradoxes and oxymorons to heighten the tension.
107
What are oxymorons and paradoxes?
+An oxymoron is where two words contradict each other.
+A paradox is a statement that contradicts itself or cancels itself out.
108
How would someone describe the Witches' predictions?
+The Witches' predictions are ambiguous - the things they predict seem impossible, and yet they come true.
+Macbeth describes their words as "lies like truth" - this is an oxymoron because lies are never truthful.
109
Explain how the Witches often speak in paradoxes?
+The Witches often speak in paradoxes - "When the battle's lost and won".
+This makes them seem very ambiguous - the audience doesn't know what their motives are, or whether they can be trusted.
+**_Theme - Reality and Appearances:_** All these puns and paradoxes emphasise that nothing is as it seems, eg. "Fair is foul, and foul is fair".
110
What is Macbeth full of?
+Macbeth is full of images - they make the language rich and interesting, and help the audience understand the thoughts and feelings of the characters.
111
What does imagery help you with?
+Imagery helps you picture what Shakespeare's describing, and makes it stick in your mind better.
112
What are the three kinds of imagery to look out for?
* Similes
* Metaphors
* Personification
113
What are similies?
+Similes are when one thing is like something else.
114
Give an example of how Macbeth uses a simile?
"I had else been perfect; **Whole as the marble, founded as the rock**"
[Act 3 Scene 4]
+Macbeth's saying he was solid and grounded, like rock.
+Rock is firm and fixed, as he was before.
115
Give an example of how Angus uses a simile?
"Now does he feel his title Hang loose about him, **like a giant's robe Upon a dwarfish thief.**" [Act 5 Scene 2]
+Here, Angus compares Macbeth to a "thief", because he's stolen power from Duncan.
+Angus is saying that Macbeth's responsibilities as King are too much for him, like clothes that are too big for him to fill.
116
What is a metaphor?
+A metaphor is when one thing is said to be something else.
117
Give an example of how Macbeth uses a metaphor?
"There the **grown serpent** lies; the **worm** that's fled Hath nature that in time will **venom** breed, No **teeth** for th'present." [Act 3, Scene 4]
+Here, Macbeth describes Banquo as a snake and his son Fleance as a "worm".
+He still sees Fleance as a threat, and afraid of his "venom".
118
What are snakes and serpents used as?
+Snakes and serpents are used as an extended metaphor [a repeated metaphor] throughout the play, usually to describe deception or betrayal.
+For example, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to "look like th'innocent flower/But be the serpent under't".
119
What does Personification mean?
Personification means describing a thing as if it were a person.
120
Give an example of how Macbeth uses personification.
"Life's but a **walking shadow**, a **poor player** That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more." [Act 5, Scene 5]
+Here, Macbeth personifies life, comparing it to a "walking shadow" and an actor, whose influence is limited to his time on stage.
+This shows that Macbeth thinks that life is brief and pointless.
121
Give an example of personification of earth describing Duncan's death.
"the earth Was **feverous** and did **shake**" [Act 2, Scene 3]
+Here, the earth is personified as a person with a fever to show that Duncan's death was unnatural.
122
Include examples of imagery in your essay...
+Shakespeare used loads of images for all sorts of reasons, so if your essay is on his use of language, make sure you write shedloads on it.
+In fact, imagery needs at least a mention in most types of essay.
123
What is the main point of imagery?
+The main point of imagery is to liven up the language, and make the themes more obvious.
124
What does light symbolise and what does dark symbolise?
Light symbolises good, dark symbolises evil
125
What do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both use images of?
+Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both use images of darkness when they talk about evil deeds.
+They also use darkness to represent blindness and ignorance, and light to represent sight and knowledge.
126
What are the Witches described as?
+**_Theme - Good and Evil:_** The Witches are described as "instruments of darkness", which represents the fact that they're evil.
127
What does Macbeth realise his intentions are?
+Macbeth realises that his intentions are evil - he describes his thoughts as "black".
128
What does Macbeth and Lady Macbeth say that creates images of darkness?
"Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires" [Act Scene 4] - Macbeth
"Come thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark" [Act 1, Scene 5] - Lady Macbeth
129
What do the Macbeths want to hide?
+The Macbeths want to "hide" their evil thoughts and deeds in darkness - the murder of Duncan takes place on a dark, starless night when the "candles are all out".
+The darkness highlights how evil Duncan's murder is.
130
What is light associated with?
+Light is associated with goodness - here Duncan compares his loyal Lords to "stars":
**_Images of Light:_**
"signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine"
[Act 1, Scene 4]
131
How do the events in nature after Duncan's murder reflect how evil his murder is?
+This is further reflected by the "strange" and "unnatural" events that take place after his death.
+"by the clock, 'tis day,/And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp".
+This image shows the darkness and evil [Macbeth] have overcome the natural goodness and light [Duncan].
132
What does Nature represent?
+Nature represents the correct order of the world
133
What does the way nature behaves show?
+The way nature behaves shows the state of events - Duncan's murder disrupts the natural order.
+As well as "night's predominance", horses have "Turned wild in nature" and eaten each other.
134
How is Duncan's murder symbolised by a falcon?
+Duncan's murder is symbolised by the image: "A falcon, towering in her pride of place, /Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed".
+It's unnatural for an owl to kill a falcon, so this emphasises the fact that Duncan's murder has disrupted the natural order of things.
135
How is plant imagery used throughout the play?
+Plant imagery is used throughout the play - Duncan compares Macbeth and Banquo to plants that he will harvest.
+This image is continued in Act 5, Scene 2, but now Macbeth is compared to the "weeds" and Malcolm is the "soverign flower".
+This contrast shows how corrupt Macbeth has become.
136
What does Health and disease represent?
+Health and disease represent the state of Scotland.
137
Why does Shakespeare use images of disease and injury?
+Shakespeare uses images of disease and injury to highlight what Scotland is like under Macbeth's rule.
+Macbeth asks the Doctor to cure Scotland: "find her disease,/And purge it to a sound and pristine health".
+This is ironic - he can't see that he is Scotland's disease, and the country will only recover when he's dead.
138
How does Macduff see Macbeth's reign as an injury?
+Macduff sees Macbeth's reign as causing injury to Scotland.
## Footnote
"Bleed, bleed, poor country!" "It weeps, it bleeds; and each day a new gash Is added to her wounds." [Act 4, Scene 3]
139
How is Malcolm later described as in relation to health?
+Malcolm is later described as the "med'cine that will cure Scotland, which reinforces the belief that he is the rightful King.
140
What do images of blood and water symbolise?
+Images of blood and water symbolise guilt and innocence.
141
What does Shakespeare use images of blood to represent?
+Shakespeare uses images of blood to represent guilt - from blood-stained daggers that Lady Macbeth plants on Duncan's guards, to the "damned spot" that she imagines on her hands.
142
What is the image of water associated with?
+The image of water is associated with washing away the guilt -
+Lady Macbeth claims that "A little water clears us of this deed", but Macbeth wonders whether "all great Neptune's ocean" would be enough to wash the blood [and guilt] away.
143
What does Lady Macbeth's madness show?
+Lady Macbeth's madness shows that she can't get rid of her guilt - she asks, "will these hands ne'er be clean?".
+Cleanliness is linked to innocence here.
144
What does Masculinity represent?
+Masculinity represents aggression and courage
145
What does Shakepeare link the idea of Masculinity to?
+Shakespeare links the idea of masculinity to violence.
+Lady Macbeth bullies her husband into killing Duncan by questioning his masculinity: "When you durst do it, then you were a man."
+Macbeth uses the same tactic to persuade the murderers to kill Banquo, saying "in the catalogue ye go for men".
146
What does Lady Macbeth pray the spirits to do?
+Lady Macbeth prays the spirits to "unsex" her - she wants female qualities like kindness and compassion to be removed.
+She rejects her maternal instincts, saying "take my milk for gall".
147
How do we see another side of Masculinity through Macduff?
+We see another side of masculinity when Macduff learns of his family's murder.
+Malcolm tells him to "Dispute it like a man" [ie. take revenge] but Macduff says he must "feel it as a man" - he believes men should show compassion too.
+This makes the audience question whether violence is what makes a man.
148
What can everyday life be disrupted by?
+Everyday life can be disrupted by guilt.
149
What does sleep symbolise?
+Sleep symbolises a clear conscience - so lack of sleep suggests guilt.
+For a guilty mind, sleep brings "wicked dreams" - After murdering Duncan, Macbeth worries that he'll never be able to sleep again.
"Methought I heard a voice cry, 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep'" [Act 2 Scene 2]
150
What is Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking in Act 5 a sign of?
+Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking in Act 5 is a sign of her guilt - she can no longer sleep peacefully.
151
How is suggested that Scotland can't sleep?
+It is also suggested that Scotland can't eat or sleep - being unable to fulfil these basic needs shows how badly Macbeth's rule has affected the country.
## Footnote
"Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights, Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives" [Act 3, Scene 6]
152
How is clothing symbolic?
+Clothing is symbolic too - at first, Macbeth is reluctant to wear the "borrowed robes" of the Thane of Cawdor.
+Banquo reinforces this, saying that the "New honours" are like "strange garments".
153
Who does Rosse complain to?
+"dark night strangles the travelling lamp"
+Rosse complains to a random old man that, although it's daytime, it's as dark as night.
+Things are so bad in Scotland with Macbeth in charge that even the heavens seem to be behaving unnaturally.
