violence/ power

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

The eponymous character of Macbeth is characterised as a tragic hero. He has a fall from grace as a result of his ambition being his hamartia - he becomes blinded by his tyrannical ambition which causes his conscience to be eternally plagued with guilt

Question 2

VIOLENCE/ POWER
paragraph 1

Answer 2

“Disdaining fortune… smokd with bloody execution”

Question 3

analyse “disdaining fortune… smoked with bloody execution”

Answer 3

• “Smok’d” could connote heat and hell, foreshadowing Macbeth’s malevolent nature and the moral and psychological consequences he will face.
• “Disdaining fortune” shows Macbeth’s disregard for his fate and his attempt to manipulate the natural order, evident in his disruption of the Divine Right of Kings.
• Syntax suggests a symbiotic relationship between Macbeth’s downfall and his intrinsic proclivity for violence, despite his commendation for bravery as a soldier.

Question 4

VIOLENCE/ POWER
paragraph 2

Answer 4

“Dashd the brains out”

Question 5

analyse “dashd the brains out”

Answer 5

• The plosive sound on “dash’d” creates a brutal effect, reflecting Lady Macbeth’s rejection of maternal instincts in favor of violence.
• Her propensity for violence overrides any maternal instincts, indicating her willingness to extinguish compassion.
• Despite her seemingly fragile appearance, Lady Macbeth harbors a strong desire to incite violence and chaos.
• Targeting the vulnerable “brains” of infants symbolizes recognition of both the importance and fragility of human existence. However, ironically, the disruption of morality and reason in her unborn child leads to her own downfall.

Question 6

VIOLENCE/ POWER
paragraph 3

Answer 6

“Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.”

Question 7

analyse
“Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.”

Answer 7

• Lady Macbeth uses hyperbole in Act 5, stating “all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.”
• This hyperbolic expression may highlight the overwhelming power of guilt that Lady Macbeth feels.
• Alternatively, it could expose her insincerity and dishonesty as she attempts to mask her involvement in the murders.

Question 8

conclusion

Answer 8

Lady Macbeth’s capacity for violence is constrained by her gender. Her ambition never led to physical violence but she was the tyrannical violent force behind Macbeth - her femininity restricted her from transforming her ambition to physical violence.

Macbeth’s conscience, tormented by guilt, is a direct consequence of his bloodthirsty violence. His hubris, manifesting as an overwhelming desire for power and violence, becomes the reason for his eventual physical and psychological downfall

Shakespeare constructs Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as personifications of violence
They exhibit tyrannical and bloodthirsty behaviour
This portrayal conveys the message that the consequences of violent actions go beyond mere deeds
It encompasses both psychological and physiological ramifications