The Tragedy of Macbeth Overview

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Fair and impartial justice that treats everyone equally, regardless of their position or influence.

A seemingly desirable gift or opportunity that ultimately brings harm or destruction.

A situation where someone is obligated to someone in two different ways, creating a conflict of interest.

A natural ability or power, often referring to a specific skill or position.

To argue passionately and convincingly for a cause, often with a sense of righteousness.

Archaic term for murder or death, emphasizing the unexpected and violent nature of the event.

The wind, considered as a messenger that carries information without physical sight.

Excessively high ambition that propels a person to act without regard for consequences.

Editors of Shakespeare's works make decisions to modify the text, such as adding words or changing punctuation. These edits are often signaled by different types of brackets for transparency.

These editions of Shakespeare's works are known for their transparency in showing editorial changes, using brackets to highlight altered text.

These editions of Shakespeare's works were created before a full understanding of editorial practices, resulting in less transparency about text changes.

Macbeth, driven by a desire for power and fueled by the witches' prophecies, plots to murder King Duncan and seize the throne.

Three witches in Macbeth who make prophecies that influence Macbeth's actions, leading him down a path of violence and destruction.

After murdering Duncan, Macbeth experiences guilt, hallucinations (like seeing Banquo's ghost), and mental instability.

Macbeth's wife, she encourages his ambitions and helps him plan to murder Duncan, but her own guilt and mental instability eventually lead to her demise.

A nobleman, Macduff, seeks revenge for the murder of his family by Macbeth, leading an army against the tyrant to restore order.

Macbeth plans to kill King Duncan while he is sleeping. He wants to seize the throne and become king himself.

Macbeth is alerted by the wolf's howl, like a guard warning him that it is time to act.

Macbeth fears that the very stones of the earth will reveal his actions. He fears being found out.

Lady Macbeth feels emboldened, like the alcohol has given her courage.

The owl is symbolic of death, like a bell announcing someone's passing.

They are drunk and overindulged, making them easy targets for Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth fears that the attempt itself, not the act, will reveal their plan.

Lady Macbeth hesitates because the King reminds her of her father, making the act seem more horrifying.

Macbeth's unease about Banquo's potential threat, stemming from the witches' prophecy about Banquo's descendants becoming kings.

Macbeth invites Banquo to a banquet, hoping to ensure his attendance and possibly manipulate the situation to his advantage.

Banquo accepts Macbeth's invitation to the banquet, acknowledging his obligations to the king, but also expressing his intention to leave for his journey later that day.

Macbeth expresses concerns about his cousins, Duncan's sons Malcolm and Donalbain, who are rumored to be plotting a revenge against him for murdering their father.

Macbeth instructs everyone to be back by seven for the banquet, while he chooses to spend the time alone, possibly contemplating his next moves.

Macbeth's strategy involves isolating Banquo from his son Fleance, making it easier for Macbeth to dispose of them both.

Fleance accompanies Banquo on his journey, making him another potential threat to Macbeth's power, as he is also part of the witches' prophecy.

The witches' prophecy about Banquo's descendants becoming kings is a driving force behind Macbeth's paranoia and his actions throughout the play.

Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's wife, encourages his ambition and helps plan Duncan's murder. She urges him to be ruthless and hides her own guilt.

Three witches, known as the Weïrd Sisters, make prophecies that influence Macbeth's actions. Their words sow seeds of ambition and lead him down a path of violence.

Duncan's deep sleep becomes a central symbol in the play. It represents vulnerability and unsuspecting trust, making him an easy target for Macbeth's ambition.

Before the murder, Macbeth prepares himself mentally and physically for the act. He tries to convince himself it is necessary, but his inner turmoil is evident.

Lady Macbeth portrays immense strength and determination, encouraging her husband to take action and claiming she can handle the aftermath. Her facade masks her inner turmoil.

The night of Duncan's murder is tense and filled with symbolism. The darkness, the storm, and the use of torches create a sense of suspense and impending doom.