Macbeth's Conflict and Lady Macbeth's Influence

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Questions and Answers

What does Banquo observe about the night when he first enters?

It is a clear and quiet night.

The wind is howling and disturbing.

The stars are bright and shining.

The moon is down and it feels late. (correct)

What does Macbeth ask Banquo about their previous conversation?

If he will support his plans. (correct)

If he is happy with his current position.

If he has seen Lady Macbeth.

If he remembers the sisters' prophecies.

What imagery does Macbeth use to describe his vision of the dagger?

A crucial weapon for battle.

A dagger of the mind filled with illusions. (correct)

A glowing relic leading him forward.

A mirage vanishing before his eyes.

What is the main reason Malcolm and Duncan's sons are suspected of the king's murder?

Their absence raises suspicion. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Banquo respond to Macbeth's mention of the king's unusual pleasure?

By stating he is pleased the king is happy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What unnatural events does Ross describe as a reflection of Duncan's murder?

Animals attacking each other. (A), The falcon being killed by an owl. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is Banquo's mindset regarding the three weird sisters' prophecies?

He is cautious but intrigued. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Old Man suggest about the nature of the world after Duncan's murder?

It has become more violent and chaotic. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Macduff respond when asked about the world’s condition?

He acknowledges the confusion and distress. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth convey about his state of mind before the vision of the dagger?

He is overwhelmed with guilt and dread. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the bloody business' refer to in Macbeth's soliloquy?

The murder of King Duncan he is contemplating. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action does Macduff decide against at the end of the scene?

Going to Scone for the king's investiture. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Banquo carry when entering the scene with Fleance?

A torch. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What action does Macbeth fear will betray his presence?

The whispering of stones (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Macbeth mean by saying, 'What hath quench'd them hath given me fire'?

The alcohol has invigorated her (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth claim to hear after committing the murder?

A voice warning him (C) Signup and view all the answers

What comparison does Lady Macbeth make to convince Macbeth to wash his hands?

That the dead are like pictures (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Macbeth react when he sees the blood on his hands?

He believes it can never be washed away (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Macbeth suggest they do with the daggers?

Leave them at the crime scene (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is Macbeth's state of mind after killing Duncan?

He feels guilt and fear of discovery (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Macbeth attribute Macbeth's fear to?

His weak-mindedness (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the porter’s scene?

It provides comic relief (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth find difficult after murdering Duncan, according to his own words?

To sleep soundly (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three things that drink especially provokes according to the Porter?

Nose-painting, Sleep, and Urine (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Macbeth initially react to the news of Duncan's murder?

He expresses regret for having killed the guards. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Macduff mean by 'confusion now hath made his masterpiece'?

Evil is now perfectly executed in chaos. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, 'What's the business, that such a hideous trumpet calls to parley'?

She is questioning why there is such an uproar. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Lennox describe the night before Duncan's murder?

It was unruly, with strange noises and disturbances. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Macbeth give for killing Duncan's guards?

He was overwhelmed by fury. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to do after Duncan's murder?

They opt to flee to different countries. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by Macbeth's claim that 'there's nothing serious in mortality' after Duncan's death?

He dismisses the weight of life and death altogether. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Macduff characterize the murder of Duncan?

As a terrible and sacrilegious act. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Macbeth say when she learns about Duncan's death?

She displays calmness and control. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Macbeth's Internal Conflict

Macbeth is deeply troubled by his actions, questioning his sanity and experiencing vivid hallucinations
Macbeth sees a dagger, which he believes is guiding him to his target, Duncan
Macbeth is haunted by his guilt, struggling to say "Amen" in prayer
Macbeth believes that he has murdered sleep, a metaphor for peace and tranquility

Lady Macbeth's Role

Lady Macbeth is presented as a strong and ambitious character, willing to do anything to achieve her goals
She takes charge and encourages Macbeth to proceed with the assassination
Lady Macbeth urges her husband to be strong, trying to control his fear and guilt

The Nature of Reality

Macbeth's hallucinations and the strange events in the natural world like the falcon's death and the horses' behavior, contribute to a sense of disorientation and uncertainty
The play suggests a connection between a corrupt moral order and a disordered natural world
Macbeth's actions have consequences beyond the physical act of murder, they disrupt the very fabric of nature and society

Macduff's Discovery of the Murder

Macduff arrives at Macbeth's castle and discovers the king's body
He is shocked and horrified by the crime, expressing his grief and disgust
Macduff calls for alarm and justice, revealing the gravity of the situation

Reactions to the Murder

The other characters react with shock and uncertainty to the news of Duncan's murder
Banquo expresses disbelief
There’s a sense of fear and confusion, heightened by the dark and stormy atmosphere

Suspicion Falls on Malcolm and Donalbain

Malcolm and Donalbain flee the country, leaving Macbeth to ascend to the throne
Their hasty departure fuels suspicion that they might be responsible for their father's death
This suspicion plays into Macbeth's power grab

The Porter's Role

The Porter functions as a comedic relief, but also offers commentary on the prevailing moral climate
The Porter discusses topics like "equivocators" and "tailors," linking to themes of deception and corruption

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Description

This quiz explores Macbeth's internal struggles and the influential role of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's tragedy. It delves into the themes of guilt, ambition, and the distorted perception of reality following Duncan's murder. Analyze how these elements intertwine to reflect the characters' moral dilemmas.