Questions and Answers
What does Macbeth mean when he says 'the castle's strength will laugh a siege to scorn'?
What happens to Macbeth's rule as a result of his tyranny?
His rule is weakened and he loses loyalty from his subjects.
Macbeth has become more human as a result of his reign.
False
Macbeth states he has 'almost forgot the taste of ______'.
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What does Macbeth mean by 'Life's but a walking shadow'?
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Study Notes
Macbeth's Hubris and Irony
- Macbeth's assertion that "the castle will laugh a siege to scorn" highlights his arrogance and belief in invincibility.
- His hubris leads to an ironic downfall as prophecies that made him feel untouchable ultimately signify his impending death.
- The emphasis on famine and disease upon his enemies reflects Macbeth's wrath and tyrannical rule.
Tyranny and Loss of Loyalty
- Macbeth laments that his subjects have turned against him, emphasizing his failure as a ruler.
- His desire for tyranny has weakened his kingship, leaving him unable to confront enemies "beard to beard" due to a lack of loyal followers.
- Shakespeare suggests loyalty must be earned through benevolent rule, tied to the Jacobean belief in the divine right of kings.
Dehumanization through Guilt and Paranoia
- Macbeth’s claim of forgetting the "taste of fears" signifies a loss of humanity and emotional detachment.
- His previous sensitivity to fear contrasts sharply with his current emotional numbness, indicating deterioration due to his tyrannical actions.
- The reflection on "direness" being familiar illustrates the extent of his moral decline; he is now desensitized to horror and violence.
Reflection on Life and Meaning
- Macbeth’s soliloquy upon learning of Lady Macbeth's death conveys a deep existential crisis regarding the meaning of life.
- The repetition of "tomorrow" and the notion of life as a "walking shadow" emphasize life's fleeting and purposeless nature.
- His view that life is "a tale told by an idiot" encapsulates the despair and futility he feels, questioning the significance of his ambitions and accomplishments.
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Description
Explore the key themes and language used in Act 5, Scene 5 of Shakespeare's Macbeth with these flashcards. This section highlights Macbeth's arrogance and his perception of his castle's strength against siege. Test your understanding of this pivotal moment!
