Macbeth Real and Imagined (PDF)

Macbeth Real and Imagined Real History Shakespeare’s History When: 11th Century (1040 became king) When: 1605-1606 play written & published Where: Scotland (ruled for 17 years) Where: Scotland Why:...

Macbeth Real and Imagined Real History Shakespeare’s History When: 11th Century (1040 became king) When: 1605-1606 play written & published Where: Scotland (ruled for 17 years) Where: Scotland Why: King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England in 1603. Shakespeare wanted his patronage and so wrote a play to honor the King’s heritage. How: King Duncan killed in battle in 1040, How: Macbeth murders King Duncan in (probably) by Macbeth cold blood whlie Duncan is a guest in his home. - honorable - shameful, not honorable Witnesses’ Reaction: Witnesses’ Reaction: - Favorable to great; King Duncan - awful, King Duncan had been had been ineffective and unpopular benevolent ruler (angel, good king) - Macbeth was a strong king who - Macbeth is a weak king with a short ruled Scotland for 17 years reign - Passed humane laws concerning - Lady Macbeth is very influential women and children - No evidence of Lady Macbeth’s (Gruoch’s) influence exists How Macbeth’s reign ended: How Macbeth’s reign ended: - Malcolm (Duncan’s son) invaded - Malcolm (Duncan’s son) invades Scotland in 1054, supported by Scotland via England and, with the King Edward the Confessor of help of Macbeth’s former friends, England overthrows the throne - Macbeth died at Lumphanan in 1507 Prophecy comes true: Prophecy: - James I claimed to be a descendant - Witches tell Banquo (good guy) (a of Banquo (as he is on the throne) fictional character in Shakespeare’s play) “Thou shall get kings, though thou be none.” (you will be the father of kings, but not a king yourself) Real History Shakespeare’s History Issues of Great Importance to Nation: Issues of Great Importance to Nation: kingship and loyalty (the king to his kingship and loyalty (the subjects to his or subjects) her king) Why: James I believed strongly in the Why: Kings in Schotland were elected by Divine Right of Kings (“sovereigns are nobles and the Church, not born. representatives of God and derive their right to rule directly from God” (god(?)/gtd Scotland was a volatile country, from Encarta)) constsantly fighting off invasions. Gunpowder Plot of 1605: Guy Fawkes and his conspirators planned to blow up Parliament and kill the king. This was the “9/11” of the day– this attack unsettled the nation’s sense of security and belief in their ruler’s safety. References to Ancient Cultures: Current Issues Dealt with by Shakespeare: belief in witchcraft (but not by Machbeth James I wrote a book in 1597 specifically) (Daemonologie) condemning witchcraft and participated in witchcraft trials. - didn’t like witchcraft but was “obsessed” with it in a way  - his book talked about how to spot a witch 1. What mood do the witches introduce? The witches introduce a tense, somber, and ominous mood. Additionally, they are fateful and reflective of what is to come in the story. The witches are hairy and have beards, they have wrinkly skin. 2. What is happening between the Scottish and the Norwegians? The Scottish and the Norwegians are at war. First battle, Scottish rebels led by Macbeth and Banquo. Second battle, the Norwegians are rebelling against the king of Scotland, led by the Thane of Cawdor. 3. What did the Thane of Cawdor do? He rebelled against King Duncan by giving weapons and men to the Norwegians 4. What will Macbeth receive as a result of Cawdor’s actions? The title- Thane of Cawdor. 5. What do the witches predict for Macbeth? For Banquo? He will become Thane of Glamis (past), Thane of Cawdor (present) and king thereafter (future). Banquo will not be the king himself but will be the father of kings, meaning that his sons will become kings. 6. How does Macbeth react to Ross and Angus’ news? Ross and Angus’ news that Macbeth has become the new Thane of Cawdor leaves him shocked and speechless. This is important as the news directly corresponds to the prophecy of the witches, which causes Macbeth to believe that the witches are telling the truth. About the last prophecy- Macbeth will let fate take its course; if fate will make him king of Cawdor fate will make him king. Plot Summary: 1. How does King Duncan greet Macbeth and Banquo? King Duncan’s attitude is joyful and grateful as he is appreciative to have the two wonderful warriors on his side. 2. What is the king’s big announcement? The king’s big announcement is that his son, Malcolm, will inherit his throne and become the next king, or the prince of Cumberland. He also invites himself and his servants over to Macbeth’s house. 3. How does Macbeth react to the king’s news? Macbeth decides that he needs to be proactive in a dark way; he won’t let fate take its course anymore and will directly take action to murder Duncan and become the king. 4. What is lady Macbeth like? Lady Macbeth is manipulative, cruel, and not subservient. She doesn’t like being treated like a woman as she disagrees with the stereotypes that put her at a disadvantage of power and voice. 5. What does she want? Lady Macbeth wants her husband to be the king so she can be the queen. 6. Describe the difference between Macbeth’s attitude toward accomplishing his goal and Lady Macbeth’s attitude? Macbeth has a pros-and-cons list and wonders if what he is doing is the right thing, while Lady Macbeth is more adamant about going for murdering Duncan. Macbeth is hesitant and thinks realistically, while Lady Macbeth is determined to get rid of the current king. When Macbeth says he won’t go through, Lady Macbeth calls him a coward and accuses him of not keeping his promise. She is single-minded and committed to killing Duncan. Plan: 1. Duncan sleeps 2. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth will give the guards something at night (Lady Macbeth will drug it) 3. While the guards are asleep/out of sight, Duncan will be murdered in his sleep 4. The blame will be on the guards l) Which two leaders led Duncan's troops in the Civil War? Macbeth and Banquo were the two leaders who led Duncan’s troops in the Civil War. 2) Which three groups/people tried to overthrow Duncan? The three groups that tried to overthrow Duncan were Macdonwald, the Thane of Cawdor (former, before Macbeth), and the Norweigan people as a group. 3) What is the exact prophecy the witches have given Macbeth? The witches have given Macbeth the exact prophecy that he was the Thane of Glamis, is the Thane of Cawdor, and will eventually become the king. 4) Where is Duncan's castle located? 'Where is Macbeth's castle located? Duncan’s castle is located in Forres, while Macbeth’s castle is located in Inverness. 5) In which two ways does Duncan thank Macbeth? The two ways Duncan thanks Macbeth is by promoting him to Thane of Cawdor and inviting himself to stay at Macbeth’s castle as a great honor. 6) Name three reasons Macbeth gives for not wanting to kill Duncan. Three reasons why Macbeth does not want to kill Duncan is because he feels that it is not right for him to do such a cruel thing as he is the cousin, a subject, and a host to the current king. Duncan is also known as a great king, so the death of such a respected figure would impact a large population of people. Macbeth is also fond of Duncan as he recently promoted him to the important position as Thane of Cawdor. 7) Why is Lady Macbeth annoyed with Macbeth in Scene 7? Lady Macbeth is annoyed with Macbeth in Scene 7 as Macbeth states that he will not proceed in the attempt to murder King Duncan anymore. Lady Macbeth is not happy with this announcement and shames Macbeth on his lack of courage by calling him a coward. 8) What is Lady Macbeth's exact plan for killing Duncan? Lady Macbeth's exact plan for killing Duncan is to get the guards very drunk to the point where they are unconscious, murder Duncan, and blame the guards for killing Duncan. Scene 1 1. What gift did Duncan instruct Banquo to give to Lady Macbeth and Macbeth? A diamond Servants just got gifts The point of the gifts is to show that Duncan is a good king. 2. About what did Banquo dream the previous night? The three witches and the prophecies. He is bothered by it. (disturbances of nature) 3. What does Macbeth think he sees before him? He sees a floating dagger. 4. What appears on the object? Drops of blood. Shows internal conflict - still has conscious Scene 2 5. Why could Lady Macbeth not bring herself to kill Duncan? Duncan reminds her of her sleeping father. 6. Macbeth thinks he hears a voice cry after he kills Duncan. What does that voice say? “Sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep.”  7. Why does Lady Macbeth think have to return to Duncan’s room? She has to put the daggers near the guards as Macbeth forgot. Macbeth cannot do it because he cannot stand the scene of Duncan dead. 8. Why does Lady Macbeth think she and Macbeth ought to be dressed in their nightclothes? To not appear suspicious; to seem as if they have just woken up. The knocking. Scene 3 & 4 1. Who does the Porter let in? Macduff and Lennox. 2. How does the Porter provide comic relief? Dramatic irony 3. What strange--supernatural--events made Lennox call the night “unruly.” Wind blew down chimneys, earthquakes, owl hooting, screaming sounds. 4. Why does Lennox think that Duncan’s servants killed Duncan? They are covered in blood and so are the daggers. 5. What do Malcolm and Donalbain plan to do? Why do they decide to do this? They plan to leave to England and Ireland, as they feel that whoever killed Duncan will come for them as well. 6. What do Ross and the Old Man discuss? The strange events that occurred in Scotland after Duncan was killed. Darkness during day, mouse and owl kill the falcon, Duncan’s horses eating each other. Macduff: the princes have ran away- they ran away from the crime scene; the bribed the guards to kill their father 1. When Macbeth asks Banquo for his support at the beginning of Act II what is Banquo’s response? Macbeth asks Banquo for his support in fulfilling the prophesies. Banquo opts out. 2. Why does Lady Macbeth say she didn’t kill Duncan when she had the chance? What does this tell us about her character? Lady Macbeth says she didn’t kill Duncan when she had the chance as he resembled her father. This tells us that she may have a heart or this may be an excuse.  3. What has gone wrong with Lady Macbeth’s “plan” for the murder? How are those things fixed? Macbeth brought the bloody daggers with him after the murder. He has also killed the guards, who were supposed to be framed for Duncan’s murder. These are fixed by having the daggers next to the bloody guards, making it seem as if the guards did it and died themselves as well. 4. What is Macbeth most afraid of now that he has killed the king? He is afraid that he will get caught. 5. Where does the Porter imagine he is? Give three examples of whom he sees there? He imagines he is at the gates of hell. He sees a farmer that committed suicide, an equivocator that is good at ling, and an English tailor who steals clothes. 6. Name three things the Porter claims are induced by drinking. Nose painting, sleepiness, and needing to pee. 7. What is the fourth thing (connected to drinking) that the Porter mentions? What term does he use to describe the effect? (Hint: Starts with the letter “e”) Porter mentions that drinking is an equivocator with lechery. 8. Elizabethans believed disturbances of nature reflected evil. Name the seven disturbances of nature that happened in this act. Chimneys falling over, strange screams of death randomly, owls screeching all night long, earthquakes, dark during day, horses eating each other, an owl killing a falcon. 9. What did Duncan’s sons do after their father’s corpse was discovered? Why did they do this? The fled as they were scared that they would be the next targets to be murdered after their father. Plot Summary Questions: Scene 1: 1. How does Macbeth treat Banquo at the beginning of the scene? Macbeth asks Banquo suspicious questions that show him planning to get rid of Banquo. He is being overly friendly and curious. 2. What does his soliloquy tell us about his feelings for Banquo? He is paranoid and he knows that Banquo is onto him. Banquo is also a good person; he has all the characteristics to be a good king which is why Macbeth feels so threatened by him. He also resents him as if the predictions  are true, Banquo’s children could become kings and replace Macbeth (he himself has no children). 3. What does Macbeth command the murderers to do? Why? He commands the murderers to murder Banquo and Fleance because he wants to get rid of all that are suspecting him. He says that Banquo is the reason they are poor. 4. What do the murderers say about themselves? They have such bad luck that they can be reckless and do anything to spite the world. They also want to prove their manhood. Scene 2 & 3 1. Why does Lady Macbeth scold Macbeth? She scolds him for being fearful and sad. She thinks he shouldn’t feel guilt and he should stop being a coward. 2. Why is Macbeth not calm? Does he let her know his plan? He plans to have Banquo and Fleance killed. He doesn’t let her know of his plan. 3. What happens to Banquo? To Fleance? Banquo is killed but Fleance flies away. Scene 4 1. What event is happening during scene 4? The banquet with Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross, Lennox, Lords, and Attendants. 2. What is Lady Macbeth’s attitude toward Macbeth’s behavior? She acts quickly and defends him but scolds him when the two are alone. 3. Why is Macbeth acting strangely? He sees the ghost of Banquo in his seat and becomes paranoid. He acts strangely because he hears that Fleance is still alive which means that he is not fully safe to stay king. 4. What is the other nobles’ reaction? They act confused but Lady Macbeth just explains that he is putting on an act. Scene 5 & 6 1. What does Hecate order the other witches to do?  She orders the other witches to create apparitions Macbeth will learn his fate. They are going to mess with him and tell him his destiny. 2. Whose side are Lennox and the Lord on? Scottish rebels- they are suspicious of Macbeth. 3. What do they think of Macbeth? They think Macbeth is a tyrant and a bad leader. 1) Name three arguments Macbeth uses to convince the murderers to kill Banquo. 1. He will pay them 2. To get revenge on Banquo- he was respnsible for their downfall 3. To prove their manhood 2) Why are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth unhappy as king and queen? Becoming king was more than Macbeth bargained for and he has more troubles than he expected. They both feel guilty- Lady Macbeth is lonely and sad. 3) What request did Banquo make of Fleance before he died? That Fleance take revenge for him. 4) What are two things Macbeth does at the banquet which would be considered suspicious behavior? Walks away from guests to go talk with the murderer in the corner, starts to see the ghost of Banquo and talks to an empty chair 5) What two things has Macduff done to show his disapproval of Macbeth as king? He did not attend Macbeth’s coronation nor his banquet. 6) What, exactly, are Hecate and the witches going to do to Macbeth and how? They are going to take a drop of the moon to make him see spirits and believe he is immortal. 7) At the end of Act IIL, who else suspects Macbeth has committed serious crimes? Lennox and the lord. 8) Where is Macduff now and what is he planning on doing? In England- he wants to ally himself with King Eward to defeat Macbeth. Scene 1: 1. What are the witches doing at the beginning of the scene? What is the tone of their language? They are summoning apparitions for Macbeth. The tone of their language gleeful for witches, for readers ominous/mysterious and evil. 2. What are the four visions/apparitions that Macbeth sees? An armed head, a bloody child, a child crowned with a tree in his hand, and a show of eight kings, the eighth king with a glass/mirror in his hand and Banquo last. 3. What does each apparition tell Macbeth? They instruct him to beware of Macduff, reassure him that no man born of woman can harm him, and tell him that he will not be overthrown until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane. 4. What two key pieces of information does Lennox give to Macbeth? He did not encounter the Weird Sisters and Macduff is in England. 5. What does Macbeth decide at the end of the scene? He will act from his heart; if he feels he wants to do something he will just do it. He will also make a surprise appearance to Macduff’s castle in England and kill him along with his bloodline. Scene 2 1. What does Lady Macduff say about her husband’s actions? She says that he is a traitor; he fled and left his family behind. She claims he does not love them. 2. What does her son believe about his father? He is innocent and not dead. 3. What happens to that household? They get killed. Scene 3 1. What reasons does Malcolm give for not being fit to rule?  He does not have the qualities to be king; truthfulness, mercy, generosity. He says his vices/desires make him worse than Macbeth. He would kill nobles for their land and jewelry and wouldn’t care that they were good and innocent. Sin of lust, greed, and he has no virtues to outweigh the vices. 2. What is Macduff’s reaction to Malcolm’s reasons? Macduff agrees and is disappointed in Malcolm. 3. Why did Malcolm tell him those things? He made up his reasoning because he was testing Macduff’s loyalty. He was testing if Macduff was one of the spies sent over by Macbeth. 4. What news does Ross bring? Macduff’s family is dead. 5. How does Macduff react to the news? He is very upset; he feels guilty that he left his family. 1) Name the four apparitions and say the prophecies that go with the first three. Armed Head: “Beware Macduff” Bloody Child: “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth” Child Crowned with a Tree: “Macbeth shall not be vanquished until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Show of Eight Kings, with Banquo’s ghost at the end: future kings descended from Banquo, makes Macbeth more paranoid 2) Why are the witches making a stew? Name at least two ingredients found in it. To make the four apparitions and determine the fate of Macbeth. Two ingredients are “eye of newt” and “scale of dragon.” 3) After Ross informs Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England, what does Macbeth decide to do- regarding Macduff? He will go and kill Macduff. 4) Why did Ross come to visit Lady Macduff? He tries to justify to her Macduff’s flight to England, a flight that leaves his family defenseless. 5) Why did Shakespeare include the scene between Lady Macduff and her son? To provide comic relief. Good actions = bad outcomes 6) What are some fictitious vices that Malcolm claims he has? Why does he tell Macduff he has these vices? A boundless greed, an insatiable lust, and an unyielding desire for power 7) What does Macduff vow to do to Macbeth? He vows to kill Macbeth himself.