Macbeth - the supernatural

Question 1

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Act 1, Scene 1)

Answer 1

The witches introduce a world where moral boundaries are inverted, highlighting supernatural chaos.

Question 2

“Is this a dagger which I see before me?” (Act 2, Scene 1)

Answer 2

The hallucinated dagger reveals supernatural manipulation of Macbeth’s ambition and mental state

Question 3

“Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here.” (Act 1, Scene 5)

Answer 3

Lady Macbeth invokes supernatural forces to rid herself of feminine weakness and embrace cruelty.

Question 4

“By the pricking of my thumbs, / Something wicked this way comes.” (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 4

Macbeth has become so evil that even supernatural beings anticipate his approach.

Question 5

“Double, double toil and trouble; / Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.” (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 5

The witches’ chant embodies dark magic and their role in brewing chaos and disorder.

Question 6

“None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” (Act 4, Scene 1

Answer 6

The witches’ riddling prophecy gives Macbeth false security, demonstrating supernatural deceit.

Question 7

“When shall we three meet again / In thunder, lightning, or in rain?” (Act 1, Scene 1)

Answer 7

The witches’ association with violent weather reinforces their link with unnatural disruption.

Question 8

“Thou canst not say I did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me.” (Act 3, Scene 4)

Answer 8

Macbeth’s vision of Banquo’s ghost shows supernatural punishment for his guilt.

Question 9

The instruments of darkness tell us truths.” (Banquo, Act 1, Scene 3)

Answer 9

Banquo warns that supernatural forces use partial truths to lead humans to ruin.

Question 10

What, can the devil speak true?” (Banquo, Act 1, Scene 3)

Answer 10

Banquo connects the witches to evil forces, emphasizing the sinister nature of their predictions.