Theme of Supernatural Flashcards
(24 cards)
Who is the first character to mention the supernatural in Macbeth?
The three witches.
Fill in the blank: ‘Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and _____ bubble.’
Cauldron.
True or False: The supernatural elements in Macbeth only serve to create tension.
False. They also reflect the characters’ inner turmoil and moral dilemmas.
What do the witches symbolize in the play?
They symbolize fate and the dark forces that influence human affairs.
How does Macbeth react to the witches’ prophecies?
He becomes increasingly ambitious and ultimately seeks to fulfill them.
What supernatural vision does Macbeth see before killing Duncan?
A floating dagger.
What does Lady Macbeth invoke to aid her in her dark ambitions?
She calls upon spirits to ‘unsex’ her and fill her with cruelty.
Which character famously says, ‘Out, out brief candle!’?
Macbeth.
Multiple choice: What does Banquo’s ghost represent in the play? A) Guilt B) Honor C) Friendship
A) Guilt.
What does the appearance of Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, signify?
It signifies the witches’ manipulation and the inevitability of Macbeth’s downfall.
Fill in the blank: ‘All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.’ This quote is from the _____ of the witches.
prophecy.
True or False: The supernatural elements in Macbeth are only present in the first act.
False. They appear throughout the play.
What is the significance of the ‘bloody child’ apparition that appears to Macbeth?
It symbolizes Macbeth’s false sense of security and foreshadows his downfall.
How does Shakespeare use the supernatural to explore themes of ambition and guilt?
The supernatural elements heighten the characters’ ambitions and reveal their guilt and paranoia.
What does Lady Macbeth mean by ‘Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t’?
She means to appear innocent while hiding malicious intentions.
Fill in the blank: ‘Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my _____?’
hand.
True or False: The supernatural in Macbeth is portrayed as a force for good.
False. It is portrayed as a malevolent force.
What role do the visions play in Macbeth’s descent into madness?
They reflect his guilt and paranoia, leading to further violence and tyranny.
What does the term ‘the supernatural’ refer to in the context of Macbeth?
It refers to elements beyond the natural world, such as witches, ghosts, and prophecies.
What is the impact of the supernatural on the play’s atmosphere?
It creates a dark, ominous atmosphere that enhances the themes of ambition and moral corruption.
Who says, ‘The instruments of darkness tell us truths’?
Banquo.
Fill in the blank: The prophecies of the witches lead Macbeth to commit _____ acts.
murderous.
What does Macbeth’s hallucination of Banquo’s ghost reveal about his character?
It reveals his guilt and increasing instability.
Multiple choice: Which supernatural element does NOT appear in Macbeth? A) Ghosts B) Fairies C) Witches
B) Fairies.
