Macbeth Act 5 SCENE 2

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Questions and Answers

Who leads the English power coming near Dunsinane?

King Duncan

Malcolm (correct)

Donalbain

Banquo

What do the characters suggest about Macbeth's state of mind?

He is confident and assured.

He is excited and eager for battle.

He is calm and collected.

He is overwhelmed by guilt. (correct)

What does Lennox imply about the soldiers' feelings towards their commander?

They respect him greatly.

They follow him out of obligation, not love. (correct)

They are loyal to him unconditionally.

They admire his bravery.

What metaphor is used to describe Macbeth's kingship?

A giant's robe on a dwarfish thief. Signup and view all the answers

What is the group's intention as they march towards Birnam?

To seek vengeance for Macbeth's tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

What do Menteith and the others suggest about Macbeth's leadership?

His rule is characterized by command but lacks loyalty. Signup and view all the answers

Which character expresses doubt about Donalbain's presence with Malcolm?

Caithness Signup and view all the answers

How is Macbeth described in relation to his title and rule?

As a giant whose title feels ill-fitting like a robe on a thief. Signup and view all the answers

What is the collective intention of Menteith, Caithness, Angus, and Lennox as they prepare to march?

To serve as a remedy for the ailing nation. Signup and view all the answers

What do the soldiers feel about Macbeth's current mental state?

They consider him mad or in a state of fury. Signup and view all the answers

What imagery does Angus use to describe Macbeth's title?

A giant's robe upon a dwarfish thief Signup and view all the answers

Which emotion best describes the soldiers' attitude towards their commander?

Resentment towards his tyranny Signup and view all the answers

What does Menteith refer to when discussing the tyranny of Macbeth?

His mental instability Signup and view all the answers

What does Caithness imply by saying 'Meet we the medicine of the sickly weal'?

They will administer justice to Macbeth for his wrongdoings Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox mean by 'drown the weeds' in their march towards Birnam?

To eliminate those who oppose Macbeth Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the loyalty of Macbeth's followers?

They only follow him out of command, not out of love. Signup and view all the answers

How does Angus describe Macbeth's kingship in relation to size?

He compares it to a giant's robe on a dwarfish thief. Signup and view all the answers

What do the characters plan to do in response to Macbeth's rule?

They intend to overthrow him and restore order to Scotland. Signup and view all the answers

What does Menteith suggest about Macbeth's mental state?

Menteith suggests that Macbeth's senses are troubled and condemn him. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'meet we the medicine of the sickly weal'?

It refers to confronting the corrupt state of the kingdom brought about by Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Menteith suggest about the motivations driving the English forces as they approach Macbeth's stronghold?

Menteith indicates that revenge fuels the English forces, as they are driven by personal and emotional causes to confront Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Angus's imagery of Macbeth's title contribute to the understanding of Macbeth's legitimacy as a ruler?

Angus compares Macbeth's title to a 'giant's robe upon a dwarfish thief,' suggesting that Macbeth's claim to power is ill-fitting and lacks true authority. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do the characters view Macbeth's mental state, and what language reflects this perception?

The characters see Macbeth as disturbed, using terms like 'mad' and phrases like 'his pester'd senses' to describe his overwhelming guilt and paranoia. Signup and view all the answers

What role do the characters attribute to their collective action against Macbeth in the context of their country?

They view their march as a necessary act of 'obedience' to restore the health of their country, indicating a reclaiming of national integrity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'give obedience where 'tis truly owed' imply about the values of the characters as they confront Macbeth?

The phrase implies a sense of duty and fidelity to rightful leadership, emphasizing loyalty to a legitimate ruler over Macbeth's illegitimate reign. Signup and view all the answers

How does Angus's description of Macbeth's title as a 'giant's robe upon a dwarfish thief' illustrate the dissonance between Macbeth's power and his character?

It suggests that Macbeth's kingship is ill-fitting and inappropriate, highlighting his unworthiness and the emptiness of his authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the phrase 'pester'd senses to recoil and start' in relation to Macbeth's psychological condition?

It refers to Macbeth's overwhelming guilt and paranoia that cause him to react nervously to the consequences of his actions. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the significance of the phrase 'to give obedience where 'tis truly owed' in the context of the characters' motivations.

It underscores their commitment to restoring legitimate leadership and prioritizing the welfare of the nation over blind loyalty. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Caithness's observation of Macbeth suggest dual perceptions among the soldiers regarding his mental state?

It implies that some view Macbeth's behavior as madness, while others see it as a form of brave defiance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'medicine of the sickly weal' reveal about the characters' perspective on the state of Scotland under Macbeth?

It indicates their belief that Macbeth's reign has caused great harm, necessitating drastic action to heal the country. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Scottish Army Gathers

The Scottish army, led by Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff, is gathering near Dunsinane, Scotland.
The army is motivated by revenge for the murders and tyranny of Macbeth.
Angus reports that the English army is approaching from the direction of Birnam Wood.
Lennox confirms that Donalbain is not with his brother, Malcolm.

Macbeth's Mental State and Security Measures

Macbeth is described as being in a state of mental turmoil.
Some believe he is mad, while others attribute his behavior to fear or desperation.
Macbeth has fortified Dunsinane Castle in preparation for a siege.
He is struggling to maintain control and his reign is seen as illegitimate.

The Scottish Army's Motivation

The Scottish army recognizes Malcolm as the rightful king.
They view their actions as a necessary purge to restore order to their country.
They are determined to overthrow Macbeth and end his reign of terror.

Symbolism of Birnam Wood

The reference to Birnam Wood, a place of natural beauty, contrasts with the violence and chaos caused by Macbeth.
The mention of the "medicine of the sickly weal" foreshadows the healing that will come with Malcolm's restoration to the throne.
The image of "dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds" reinforces the idea of cleansing and renewal.

Scottish Forces Ready for Battle

The Scottish army, led by Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff, is near Dunsinane.
Their motivation is fueled by revenge for the injustices done to them by Macbeth.
The army is confident in their cause, with many young men stepping up to demonstrate their bravery.
Malcolm and his allies will meet the enemy near Birnam Wood.
Information about the location and nature of the approaching English forces is given: Siward's son and many young men are part of the army.

Macbeth's Reign Crumbles

Macbeth is fortifying Dunsinane, exhibiting both madness and fury in his desperate actions.
Macbeth's rule is unstable and unsustainable.
He struggles to maintain control due to the guilt of his murders and a lack of genuine support.
The image of Macbeth's title as a "giant's robe" on a "dwarfish thief" signifies how his reign is ill-fitting and ultimately doomed.

The Importance of the Scottish Army's Mission

The Scottish army is determined to overthrow Macbeth and restore stability to their country.
Their march represents a march towards a healthy, stable Scotland.
Their commitment to this mission is evident in their willingness to give their all for the restoration of true leadership.
They are united in their goal to "dew the sovereign flower" (Malcolm) and "drown the weeds" (Macbeth and his tyranny).

The English Army Approaches

The Scottish army led by Malcolm, Siward and Macduff is approaching Dunsinane.
The English army is driven by revenge for King Duncan's murder.
The soldiers are ready to fight for their rightful king, Malcolm.

The Tyrant Macbeth

Macbeth is fortifying Dunsinane.
There are rumors about Macbeth's mental state: some believe he is mad, others believe his anger is a sign of courage.
Macbeth's rule is unstable and constantly threatened by his past crimes.

Macbeth's Guilt

Macbeth struggles with guilt over his murders.
He feels his claims to the throne are weak and illegitimate.
His power is based on fear and not love, leaving him lonely and isolated.

The Advance Towards Birnam

The Scottish army plans to meet the English at Birnam Wood.
They acknowledge that Malcolm is the rightful king and are ready to serve him.
The army looks to Malcolm as a cure for the illnesses afflicting their land.

The Scottish Army Approaches Dunsinane

The Scottish army, led by Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff, is approaching Dunsinane
The Scottish army is motivated by revenge for the murders and injustices inflicted by Macbeth
The army expects to meet the English forces near Birnam Wood
The Scottish army includes Siward's son and many young men who are fighting for the first time
Macbeth is described as being in a state of madness or extreme anger
He is struggling to control his actions and justify his rule
The Scottish army sees Macbeth as a tyrant who is losing his grip on power
The army pledges loyalty to Malcolm and hopes to restore order to Scotland
They intend to "dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds," symbolizing the purification of Scotland from Macbeth's evil rule

The Approach of Malcolm's Army

The Scottish nobles are preparing to meet Malcolm's army, which is led by Malcolm, Siward (Earl of Northumberland), and Macduff.
They are motivated by revenge for the wrongs done by Macbeth, and they are eager to fight.
The nobles believe that Malcolm's army will soon arrive near Birnam Wood, and that is where they will meet the English forces.
There is some uncertainty about whether Donalbain (Malcolm's brother) is with the army.
Lennox states that Donalbain is not with them, and details that Siward's son is amongst them.
There are many young men in the army, eager to prove themselves in battle.

Macbeth's State of Mind

Macbeth is heavily fortifying Dunsinane, his castle.
There are rumors that he has gone mad, but others believe his ferocity is a sign of strength.
However, it is clear that he is struggling to maintain control.
He is haunted by his guilt over his murders, and feels the weight of his ill-gotten power.
His subjects only obey him out of fear, not love.

The Scottish Nobles' Purpose

The Scottish nobles are determined to overthrow Macbeth and return rightful order to Scotland.
They see Malcolm as the true king, and they believe he will bring healing to the troubled nation.
They are willing to give their lives for his cause, and they pledge to fight until victory is achieved, like clearing weeds and nourishing the true flower of their nation.

Gathering Forces

Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff are leading the English army towards Dunsinane.
They are fueled by revenge for the deaths of their loved ones and the oppression Macbeth has inflicted on Scotland.
The army is comprised of seasoned soldiers and young men eager to prove themselves.
Donalbain, Malcolm's brother, is not with them.

Macbeth's Desperate Measures

Macbeth is fortifying his castle at Dunsinane in anticipation of the impending attack.
There are varying opinions on Macbeth's state of mind: some believe he's mad, others see his actions as a display of bravery.
Despite his outward displays of strength, Macbeth is plagued by guilt for his crimes.
He struggles to retain control as his grip on power weakens, symbolized by "a giant's robe upon a dwarfish thief."

The Hope for Restoration

The Scottish nobles are ready to pledge their allegiance to Malcolm, seeing him as the rightful king.
They see Malcolm as the "medicine" needed to heal the nation and "purge" it of Macbeth's tyranny.
Their march towards Birnam represents a united front against Macbeth and a hopeful step towards restoring peace and justice.

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Description

This quiz covers key events from Act 5 of Shakespeare's Macbeth, focusing on the gathering of the Scottish army and Macbeth's deteriorating mental state. Explore the motivations behind Malcolm and Macduff's actions as they confront Macbeth's tyranny. Additionally, understand the significance of Birnam Wood in the narrative structure of the play.