Questions and Answers
What does Macbeth mean by 'Tis better thee without, than he within'?
In Macbeth's line 'cabined, cribbed, confined', he expresses feelings of freedom.
False
What is the significance of Macbeth stating, 'Thou canst not say I did it: never shake Thy gory locks at me'?
It indicates Macbeth's hallucination of Banquo's ghost and his attempt to deny responsibility for his actions.
What imperatives does Lady Macbeth use when questioning Macbeth's masculinity?
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What rhetorical question does Lady Macbeth ask Macbeth?
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How does Macbeth describe the ghost of Banquo?
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The phrase 'blood will have blood' indicates that Macbeth believes in revenge.
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Study Notes
Key Themes and Imagery
- Macbeth feels relief at Banquo's death ('Tis better thee without, than he within'), highlighting his guilt and the significance of blood as a symbol of murder and consequence.
- The phrase 'cabined, cribbed, confined' employs a tricolon with alliteration to express Macbeth's feeling of entrapment and fear linked to the prophecy of Banquo's heirs.
Hallucinations and Guilt
- The apparition of Banquo's ghost serves as a manifestation of Macbeth's guilt, demonstrated through the command 'never shake Thy gory locks at me,' emphasizing his denial of responsibility for Banquo's murder.
- The ghost’s representation with morbid descriptors like 'marrowless' and 'cold' reinforces the themes of death and violence prevalent in the play.
Gender and Power Dynamics
- Lady Macbeth's use of imperatives ('Feed and regard him not') stresses her dismissive attitude while attempting to regain emotional control over Macbeth.
- Her questioning of Macbeth's masculinity ('Are you a man?') echoes themes from Act 1 Scene 7, where she emasculates him to manipulate his resolve.
Reactions to Fear
- Lady Macbeth trivializes Macbeth's vision of the ghost with a rhetorical question ('Why do you make such faces?'), reflecting her denial of his psychological unraveling and portraying him as childish and weak.
Foreshadowing and Consequences
- Macbeth's reflection 'It will have blood they say: blood will have blood' implies the inevitability of revenge and foreshadows his downfall, encapsulating the idea of an eye for an eye.
- The repetition of 'blood' signifies the inescapable nature of violence and consequences linked to Macbeth's actions.
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Description
Explore key phrases and concepts from Act 3 Scene 4 of Macbeth. These flashcards focus on Macbeth's thoughts and the significance of Banquo's ghost, highlighting syntactical elements and themes. Perfect for understanding character motivations and language use in Shakespeare's work.
