York Notes for GCSE Rapid Revision Macbeth PDF

YORK NOTES for GCSE Rapid Revision Super speedy revision from the experts! Macbeth AQA GCSE English Literature York Notes Rapid Revision Macbeth AQA GCSE English Literature Written by Susannah White CONTENTS PLOT AND STRUCTURE THEMES Act...

YORK NOTES for GCSE Rapid Revision Super speedy revision from the experts! Macbeth AQA GCSE English Literature York Notes Rapid Revision Macbeth AQA GCSE English Literature Written by Susannah White CONTENTS PLOT AND STRUCTURE THEMES Act I Scenes 1–4 4 Ambition 44 Act I Scenes 5–7 6 Betrayal and revenge 46 Act II 8 The supernatural 48 Act III Scenes 1–3 10 Fate and free will 50 Act III Scenes 4–6 12 Appearance and reality 52 Act IV 14 Guilt and madness 54 Act V 16 Quick revision 56 Form and structure 18 Quick revision 20 LANGUAGE Imagery and symbolism 58 SETTING AND CONTEXT Dramatic techniques 60 Jacobean society 22 Succession and order 24 EXAM PRACTICE Settings 26 Understanding the exam 62 Character questions 64 CHARACTERS Planning your character response 66 Macbeth in Acts I and II 28 Grade 5 annotated sample answer 68 Macbeth in Acts III–V 30 Grade 7+ annotated sample Lady Macbeth 32 answer 70 Banquo 34 Theme questions 72 Macduff and Lady Macduff 36 Planning your theme response 74 King Duncan and Malcolm 38 Grade 5 annotated sample answer 76 The witches 40 Grade 7+ annotated sample answer 78 Quick revision 42 Practice questions 80 GLOSSARY 82 ANSWERS 83 3 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act I Scenes 1–4 T h re e key things about Act I Scenes 1–4 1. The play opens with three witches out in a storm. 2. We meet Macbeth, a brave warrior, who appears to be loyal to King Duncan. 3. Key themes are introduced: the supernatural, ambition, violent conflict and appearance and reality. W h at happens in Scenes 1–2? Scene 1: Three witches appear and arrange to meet Macbeth. They refer to a ‘battle’ and ‘hurly-burly’, suggesting that conflict is raging all around them. Scene 2: An army captain informs King Duncan that Macbeth and his friend, Banquo, fought courageously in a battle against the king’s enemies. He also reports that Macbeth fought ruthlessly because he ‘unseamed’ their enemy, Macdonald, then fixed his severed head on the battlements. W h at happens in Scenes 3–4? Scene 3: Macbeth and fellow soldier, Banquo meet the witches who hail Macbeth as ‘Thane of Cawdor’ and ‘king hereafter’ and tell Banquo that his sons will be kings. One of the witches’ prophecies comes true immediately when King Duncan makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor as a reward for his loyalty and courage. Banquo warns Macbeth about the witches, claiming that the ‘instruments of darkness’ sometimes tell truths in order to cause harm. Scene 4: We learn that the previous Thane of Cawdor, a man who betrayed King Duncan’s ‘absolute trust’ has been executed. King Duncan names Malcolm, his eldest son, as his heir. Macbeth concludes he will need to ‘o’erleap’ Malcolm in order to become king as the witches predicted. 4  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act I Scenes 1–4 Fi ve key qu ot at io ns 1. The theme of appearance and reality: ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’ (witches) (I.1.12) 2. Macbeth’s reputation: ‘For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name’ (Captain) (I.2.16) 3. Macbeth’s violent conduct: ‘his Note it! brandish’d steel,/Which smok’d Note how Act I Scene with bloody execution’ (Captain) 1 grabs our attention: stormy (I.2.16–17) weather, the witches’ chanting and their 4. Macbeth’s evil side: ‘Stars, hide contradictory riddles cre ate your fires,/Let not light see my a mysterious atmosph ere. black and deep desires’ (I.4.50–1) Their final chant ‘Fair is foul, 5. Macbeth’s interest in the and foul is fair’ resem bles supernatural: ‘Stay, you imperfect Macbeth’s first words: ‘So foul speakers. Tell me more’ (I.3.68) and fair a day I have not seen’, linking him with them. Ex am fo cu s How AO1 can AO2 I write AO3 about Macbeth? AO2 Clear topic sentence You can focus on Scenes 1 and 2 to show how to introduce paragraph Shakespeare introduces Macbeth. At the beginning of Act I, we hear about Macbeth twice Analytical comment before we see him. Firstly, in Scene 1, three witches showing effect plan to meet him, which gives us the impression that Quotation used to Macbeth is associated with witchcraft. Then, in Scene illustrate point 2, the Captain reveals how ‘brave Macbeth’ fought courageously in battle. Both these reported references Explanation and to Macbeth raise the audience’s curiosity and build up development of main expectations before his appearance. point No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about Macbeth. Use one of the quotations from the list. Shakespeare also reveals other aspects of Macbeth’s character in the early scenes of Act I. One of these aspects is his evil side which is evident when My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 5 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act I Scenes 5–7 T h re e key things about Act I Scenes 5–7 1. The action moves to Macbeth’s castle at Inverness. 2. We meet Lady Macbeth: a strong, ambitious woman who has a close relationship with her husband. 3. The key themes of ambition and good and evil are developed. W h at happens in Scenes 5–6? Scene 5: Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth about the witches’ prophecies. She asks dark spirits to ‘unsex’ her and fill her with ‘direst cruelty’ so she can persuade Macbeth to murder King Duncan. When Macbeth arrives, the couple discuss the murder plan and Lady Macbeth takes charge of the arrangements. Scene 6: King Duncan, Banquo and other royal attendants arrive and comment on the ‘pleasant’ setting of Macbeth’s castle and the ‘delicate’ air surrounding it. Lady Macbeth welcomes King Duncan, playing the role of the perfect hostess. W h at happens in Scene 7? Macbeth wrestles with his conscience because he knows that as King Duncan’s host he should protect him from danger, not ‘bear the knife’ against him. He acknowledges that ‘Vaulting ambition’ is his only reason for murdering the king. After much deliberation, Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth that he will not proceed with the murder. Lady Macbeth questions her husband’s courage and manliness in order to persuade him to kill King Duncan. She convinces him to go ahead with the murder. The couple decide to smear the two grooms guarding King Duncan with blood when they are asleep so that they will be blamed for the murder. 6  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act I Scenes 5–7 Fi ve key qu ot at io ns 1. The relationship between Macbeth and his wife: ‘my dearest partner of greatness’ (Macbeth) (I.5.10) 2. Lady Macbeth’s links to evil: ‘fill me from the crown to the toe topfull/ Of direst cruelty’ (I.5.41–2) 3. Lady Macbeth’s view of Macbeth: ‘too full Note it! o’th’milk of human kindness’ (I.5.16) Lady Macbeth never uses 4. The theme of good and evil: ‘his virtues/ the word ‘murder’ when Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongu’d she discusses killing King against/The deep damnation of his Duncan with Macbeth. taking-off’ (Macbeth) (I.7.18–20) Instead she says Duncan 5. The theme of ambition: ‘Glamis thou art, must be ‘provided for’ and and Cawdor, and shalt be/What thou art speaks of the ‘night’s great promis’d’ (Lady Macbeth) (I.7.14–15) business’. Her words are deliberately euphemistic Ex am fo cu s and could refer to making the necessary preparations for Duncan’s visit. How can I write about good and evil? AO1 AO3 You can show how Shakespeare portrays the good and evil traits of his characters. Clear topic sentence to In Act I Scene 7, Shakespeare uses his characters to introduce paragraph introduce the theme of good and evil. When Macbeth contemplates murdering the virtuous King Duncan, he Relevant embedded fears that Duncan’s goodness will be magnified by his quotation death since memories of his virtues will plead ‘like angels’ Analytical comment against the crime. This simile connects Duncan with with effect heaven and reminds us that, in Jacobean times, some people, including King James I, believed that the king was Link to historical appointed by God. context No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about good and evil. Use one of the quotations from the list. Shakespeare further explores the concept of evil in the second half of Act I when Lady Macbeth My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 7 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act II T h re e key things about Act II 1. Act II begins inside Macbeth’s castle, in the middle of the night. 2. Macbeth’s conscience is troubled before and after King Duncan’s murder. 3. Key motifs are explored: blood, water and sleep. W h at happens in Scene 1? Banquo gives Macbeth a diamond for Lady Macbeth from King Duncan. Banquo tells Macbeth that he dreamt about the witches but Macbeth claims he does not think of them. Macbeth seems to test Banquo’s support but Banquo says he will keep his ‘allegiance clear’. Macbeth thinks he sees a dagger leading him towards King Duncan’s chamber. A bell rings as he goes to kill Duncan. W h at happens in Scene 2? Lady Macbeth waits nervously for Macbeth. Macbeth appears carrying two bloody daggers. He is distressed and claims that he heard a voice saying ‘Sleep no more’. Lady Macbeth takes control, returns the daggers and smears the grooms with blood. She claims ‘A little water’ will wash away the deed. They hear knocking and hurry to bed. W h at happens in Scenes 3–4? Scene 3: The porter opens the door to two noblemen: Macduff and Lennox. Macduff discovers Duncan’s body. Macbeth claims the grooms killed Duncan and that he then killed them in anger. The king’s sons, Malcolm and Donaldbain, flee for their lives. Scene 4: Ross, another nobleman, and an old man discuss disturbances in nature. Macbeth prepares for his coronation but Macduff decides not to attend. 8  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act II Fi ve key qu ot at io ns 1. Macbeth’s vision: ‘art thou but/A dagger of the mind, a false creation,/ Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?’ (II.1.37–9) 2. The motif of sleep: ‘Methought I heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more:/ Macbeth does murder sleep”’ (Macbeth) (II.2.38–9) 3. The motifs of blood and water: ‘Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood/Clean from my hand?’ (Macbeth) (II.2.63–4) Note it! 4. Lady Macbeth taking control: ‘Infirm of purpose!/Give me the daggers’ (II.2.55–6) The Porter, who is unwe ll after 5. The motif of disturbance in the drinking too much the previous natural world: ‘On Tuesday night, provides a comi c interlude last,/A falcon tow’ring in between King Duncan ’s murder her pride of place/Was by a and the discovery of his body. mousing owl hawk’d at and The humour is offset wh en he kill’d’ (Old Man) (II.4.11–13) describes the castle’s entrance as a ‘hell-gate’, which reminds Ex am fo cu s us of the horrors withi n and links Macbeth to the Devil. How can I write about motifs? AO2 You can write about how Shakespeare Clear introduction to uses key motifs in Act II. the paragraph Shakespeare includes several key motifs in Act II. One Relevant quotation of these is sleep. In Act II Scene 2 Macbeth thinks he selected hears a voice saying ‘Macbeth does murder sleep’. This suggests that his guilty conscience might not allow Analytical comment him to rest. His use of the verb ‘murder’ reminds us with effect of his recent crime and implies that he killed his own capacity to sleep when he murdered King Duncan. Zooms in on key word No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about another motif from Act II. Use one of the quotations from the list. Another important motif in Act II is blood. In Act II Scene 2 Macbeth says My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 9 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act III Scenes 1–3 T h re e key things about Act III Scenes 1–3 1. Act III opens in Macbeth’s castle as Banquo is getting ready to go riding. 2. We learn more about Banquo: he takes no action against Macbeth or to make the witches’ predictions for his descendants come true. 3. The motifs of darkness and the night are explored. W h at happens in Scene 1? Banquo is suspicious because Macbeth has everything that the witches promised. He thinks about the witches’ momentous predictions for his family but then quickly dismisses these thoughts. Macbeth invites Banquo to attend his banquet and discovers that Banquo is going riding with his son, Fleance. Threatened by the witches’ prediction that Banquo’s offspring will be kings, Macbeth longs to make his own position more secure. Two murderers enter and Macbeth persuades them to kill Banquo and Fleance. W h at happens in Scenes 2–3? Scene 2: Lady Macbeth is concerned because Macbeth has been spending too much time alone thinking. Macbeth tells his wife that he is worried about Banquo and Fleance but he does not tell her that he has arranged their murders. He implies that he is planning a crime and asks her to remain ignorant of his plans, but to admire his actions afterwards. Scene 3: Outside the castle, the two original murderers are joined by a third. When Banquo and Fleance appear on horseback, the men spring out and try to murder them. Banquo is killed but his son, Fleance, escapes. 10  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act III Scenes 1–3 Fi ve key qu ot at io ns 1. Banquo’s suspicions about Macbeth: ‘I fear/Thou played’st most foully for’t’ (III.1.2–3) 2. Macbeth’s concerns about Banquo: ‘For Banquo’s issue have I fil’d my mind;/For them, the gracious Duncan have I murder’d’ (III.1.66–7) 3. Macbeth’s troubled mind: ‘O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!’ Note it! (III.2.37) 4. The Macbeths’ relationship: ‘Be innocent of the knowledge, Macbeth’s appeal to ‘se eling dearest chuck’ (Macbeth to Lady night’ in Act III Scene 2, Macbeth) (III.2.45) associates him with da rkness 5. The motif of darkness: ‘Come, as he plans Banquo’s murder. seeling night,/Scarf up the tender Darkness is connected to evil eye of pitiful day’ (Macbeth) throughout the play. Hi s words (III.2.46–7) also link him to the ev il of the witches who are ‘midn ight hags’. Ex am fo cu s How can I write about Macbeth’s relationships? AO1 AO2 You can use the first three scenes of Act III to focus on how these relationships change. Topic sentence makes In Act III Scene 2, Shakespeare reveals a change in overall point the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth when Macbeth does not tell her about his plan to Relevant quotation murder Banquo and Fleance. Although he hints that selected he is planning a crime, he tells her to be ‘innocent of the knowledge’. He also calls her ‘chuck’, which is Zooms in on key word an affectionate term but lacks the sense of power and equality of his earlier endearment ‘partner of Links to previous greatness’. scene No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about changes in Macbeth’s relationship with Banquo at the beginning of Act III. Use one of the quotations from the list. Macbeth’s concerns about Banquo also change early in Act III. This is evident when My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 11 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act III Scenes 4–6 T h re e key things about Act III Scenes 4–6 1. Scene 4 begins in the banqueting hall of Macbeth’s castle as his guests arrive for a feast. 2. We learn more about Macduff, the Thane of Fife: he refused to attend the banquet and he is planning to go to England and gather support for an army to depose Macbeth. 3. The themes of the supernatural and revenge are developed. W h at happens in Scene 4? Macbeth and Lady Macbeth host a banquet as king and queen. One of the murderers appears and tells Macbeth that Banquo is dead but that Fleance has escaped. Banquo’s ghost appears to Macbeth at the feast and sits in Macbeth’s chair. None of the other guests can see the ghost. Lady Macbeth makes excuses for her husband, telling them that he often has these fits. The ghost disappears and Macbeth regains his composure but then it appears again. Macbeth becomes even more agitated and Lady Macbeth has to ask their guests to leave. Macbeth believes that the ghost was seeking vengeance. He also feels threatened by Macduff’s absence and decides to consult the witches again. W h at happens in Scenes 5–6? Scene 5: Hecate, queen of the witches, is angry with the other three witches for not informing her about their dealings with Macbeth. She helps the witches to prepare a strong spell to deceive Macbeth. Scene 6: Lennox discusses recent events with a Lord. Lennox speaks with irony, suggesting that he no longer trusts Macbeth. The Lord reveals that King Duncan’s son, Malcolm, has been welcomed in England by Edward, the English king, and that Macduff plans to join them. 12  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act III Scenes 4–6 Fi ve key qu ot at io ns 1. The theme of the supernatural: ‘Thou canst not say I did it; never shake/Thy gory locks at me!’ (Macbeth to Banquo’s ghost) (III.4.50–1) 2. The theme of revenge: ‘blood will have blood’ (Macbeth) (III.4.122) 3. Lady Macbeth’s view of the ghost: ‘This is the very painting of your fear’ (III.4.61) 4. The motif of blood: ‘I am in blood/ Note it! Stepp’d in so far that should I The banquet scene ma wade no more,/Returning were rks a turning point for the Ma as tedious as go’er’ (Macbeth) cbeths. At the start of the banq (III.4.136–8) uet they are at the height of the ir power 5. Lennox’s use of irony: ‘Did he not but this is the last time that we see straight/In pious rage the two Lady Macbeth’s self-con trol, and delinquents tear …?’ (III.6.11–12) Macbeth is unable to keep calm at this important state occasion. Ex am fo cu s How can I write about the theme of the supernatural? AO1 AO2 You can use Act III Scene 4 to write about how Shakespeare presents Banquo’s ghost. Clear topic sentence to introduce paragraph Here, Shakespeare raises questions about whether Banquo’s ghost is supernatural or not. Lady Macbeth Development of previous point and the other guests can’t see the ghost and Lady Macbeth refers to it as a ‘painting’ of Macbeth’s fear. Relevant embedded This implies that, in her opinion, the ghost is a work of quotation his fevered imagination just like the dagger he saw prior to King Duncan’s murder. Link to a previous scene No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about Macbeth’s reaction to Banquo’s ghost. Use one of the quotations from the list. However, Macbeth believes that the ghost is real and he is terrified of it. This is evident when he tells it My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 13 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act IV T h re e key things about Act IV 1. Act IV begins with the three witches standing around their cauldron. 2. We are introduced to Macduff’s wife, Lady Macduff, a caring mother who thinks her husband should not have abandoned his family. 3. Imagery is used to represent the state of Scotland: suffering, sickness and enslavement. W h at happens in Scene 1? The three witches brew up a revolting potion. Macbeth arrives and commands them to answer him. They summon up apparitions who speak in riddles. An apparition of an armoured head warns Macbeth to ‘beware Macduff’ and a bloody child tells him that ‘none of woman born/Shall harm Macbeth’. A child wearing a crown and carrying a branch says that Macbeth is safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. Then a line of eight kings appears, followed by Banquo’s ghost; this distresses Macbeth. The witches vanish and Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff is in England. Macbeth decides to have Macduff’s wife and children murdered. W h at happens in Scenes 2–3? Scene 2: Lady Macduff and her son are at Macduff’s castle. Ross tells Lady Macduff that her husband is in England. A messenger warns Lady Macduff she is in danger. Macbeth’s hired murderers arrive and Lady Macduff and her children are killed. Scene 3: In England, Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty by suggesting he, Malcolm, would be a worse king than Macbeth. He realises that Macduff is sincere when he laments the state of Scotland. A doctor speaks about King Edward of England’s gifts of healing and prophecy. Ross informs Macduff that his family have been murdered. The distressed Macduff wants revenge. Malcolm, Macduff and the English army prepare to attack Macbeth’s castle. 14  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act IV Fi ve key qu ot at io ns 1. Macbeth’s evil: ‘By the pricking of my thumbs,/Something wicked this way comes’ (Second Witch) (IV.1.44–5) 2. Ross’s view of the state of Scotland: ‘know not what we fear,/But float upon a wild and violent sea’ (IV.2.20–1) Note it! 3. Malcolm’s view of Scotland’s suffering: ‘I think our country sinks beneath the yoke;/It Malcolm tests Macduff weeps, it bleeds’ (IV.3.39–40) ’s loyalty because he wonders wh y Macbeth 4. Macduff’s distress: ‘All my has not taken any actio n against pretty ones?/Did you say all?’ Macduff. This is an ex ample of (IV.3.218–19) dramatic irony becaus e, unlike 5. Malcolm preparing to attack: Malcolm, the audienc e knows that ‘Macbeth/Is ripe for shaking’ Macduff’s family has alr eady been (IV.3.240–1) killed. Their brutal mu rders also show us how low Macb eth has sunk. Ex am fo cu s How can I write about the state of Scotland? AO1 AO2 You can use Act IV to write about the imagery Clear topic sentence to Shakespeare uses to describe Scotland: introduce paragraph In Act IV Scene 3 Shakespeare uses negative imagery to represent the state of Scotland under Macbeth. Quotation used to illustrate point For example, Malcolm claims that Scotland ‘sinks beneath the yoke’. The verb ‘sinks’ indicates that Uses appropriate Scotland is being oppressed and the noun ‘yoke’ terminology suggests enslavement because a yoke is the wooden bar which was used to attach oxen to a plough. Zooms in on key word No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about how Shakespeare uses negative imagery for the state of Scotland. Use one of the quotations from the list. Shakespeare also uses the image of a stormy sea to depict the state of Scotland under Macbeth’s leadership. This is evident when My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 15 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act V T h re e key things about Act V 1. Act V sees the downfall and death of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. 2. Malcolm, as rightful king, is restored to the throne. 3. The themes of guilt, madness and revenge are developed and concluded. W h at happens in Scenes 1–2? Scene 1: A doctor and gentlewoman discuss Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking. While walking in her sleep, Lady Macbeth talks of murder and tries to wash imaginary blood from her hands. The doctor concludes that she needs divine help rather than medical attention. Scene 2: The rebel Scottish army prepares to attack Macbeth’s castle. W h at happens in Scenes 3–5? Scene 3: Macbeth hears that ten thousand soldiers are approaching but he remains confident due to the witches’ predictions. The doctor tells Macbeth about his wife’s illness. Scene 4: Malcolm’s army cut down branches from Birnam Wood to use as camouflage. Scene 5: Macbeth hears his wife is dead and reflects on the meaninglessness of life. A messenger tells him that Birnam Wood is moving and Macbeth orders an attack. W h at happens in Scenes 6–9? Scene 6: Malcolm’s army throw down their branches and prepare to attack. Scene 7: Macbeth fights and kills young Siward. Scene 8: Macduff confronts Macbeth and reveals that he was born by caesarean section. Macduff fights and kills Macbeth and then cuts off his head. Scene 9: Malcolm is hailed as the new king of Scotland. 16  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Act V Fi ve key qu ot at io ns 1. Lady Macbeth’s guilt: ‘who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?’ (V.1.34–6) 2. Macbeth’s despair: ‘My way of life/Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf’ (V.3.22–3) 3. Macbeth’s response to his wife’s death: ‘Out, out, brief candle,/Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player/That struts and frets his hour upon the stage’ (V.5.22–4) 4. Macbeth’s determination to fight: Note it! ‘Why should I play the Roman fool Note how this act is str and die/On mine own sword?’ uctured to build tension. The foc (V.8.1–2) us shifts quickly from Lady Macb 5. The theme of revenge: ‘I have no eth to the English army to Macb eth. Most words;/My voice is in my sword’ of the scenes are short (Macduff) (V.8.6–7) and there are plenty of exits, en trances and hand-to-hand combat. Ex am fo cu s How can I use Act V to write about Macbeth? AO1 AO2 You can use Act V to discuss how Shakespeare Clear topic sentence to portrays Macbeth’s feelings about life. introduce paragraph In Act V Scene 3, Shakespeare uses the image of a ‘yellow leaf’ to reveal Macbeth’s feelings of despondency. Analytical comment showing effect Macbeth seems to believe that his best days are over. His use of the word ‘sere’ suggests that his life Development of is withering rather than flourishing. Shakespeare’s analysis autumnal image might also imply that, like a yellow leaf on an autumn tree, Macbeth is likely to fall from his lofty Ends with personal position and then die. interpretation No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph to show how Macbeth’s responds to his wife’s death. Use one of the quotations from the list. After Lady Macbeth dies, Macbeth believes that life is My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 17 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Form and structure T h re e key things about form and structure 1. The play is a tragedy which deals with the downfall of the protagonist, Macbeth. 2. We see his rise in the first half of the play and his fall in the second. 3. The play is in five separate acts, but we do not know if Shakespeare wrote it in this way. W h at makes this play a tragedy? Tragedy is a form of classical drama associated with the Ancient Greeks and Romans. In classical tragedies the protagonist’s fatal flaw results in his downfall; Macbeth’s flaw is his ambition. Most of the action takes place at Macbeth’s castle, which gives unity of place, and there is no subplot, which keeps our attention on the tragic hero, Macbeth. H o w does the play’s structure portray Macbeth’s rise and fall? Act I is about Macbeth plotting to overthrow King Duncan and Act II sees him acting against King Duncan by killing him. Act III is a turning point where Macbeth is king but Fleance’s escape from the murderers and Banquo’s ghost distress him. From Act IV onwards other characters start to plot to overthrow Macbeth and Act V sees them fighting against him. Finally Macduff kills him. H o w does Shakespeare use foreshadowing in the play? The first Thane of Cawdor was a traitor; this hints that Macbeth could become a traitor too. The witches’ prediction that Macbeth will be king but Banquo’s sons will be kings suggests that Banquo and Macbeth could come into conflict. The witches’ predictions in Act IV foreshadow Macbeth’s downfall in Act V. 18  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Form and structure Fi ve key qu ot at io ns 1. Ross’s view of the first Thane of Cawdor: ‘that most disloyal traitor’ (I.2.52) 2. The witches’ prediction for Banquo: ‘Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none’ (Third Witch) (I.3.65) Note it! 3. The First Apparition’s warning: ‘beware Macduff,/Beware the Thane of Fife’ (IV.1.70–1) Note that Macbeth an d his 4. Macbeth’s downfall foreshadowed: wife pivot around the two-part ‘I bear a charmed life which must structure of the play. Ea rly on, not yield/To one of woman born’ Macbeth is troubled by his (V.8.12–13) conscience while Lady Macbeth 5. Macduff reveals how he was born: takes control of plann ing King ‘Despair thy charm, … Macduff Duncan’s murder. By Ac tV was from his mother’s womb/ these positions have rev ersed Untimely ripp’d’ (V.8.13–16) as her conscience is tro ubled while Macbeth has alm ost Ex am fo cu s forgotten how to fear. How can I write about structure? AO2 You can write about how Shakespeare uses foreshadowing in the play. Shakespeare uses foreshadowing early in the play Clear topic sentence to give the audience a hint of what might happen introduces paragraph later on. One example of this is seen in Act I Scene Develops previous 3, where the witches tell Macbeth he will become the point Thane of Cawdor. Their prediction clearly foreshadows the moment soon afterwards when Duncan makes Analytical comment Macbeth Thane of Cawdor but it also hints that Macbeth might become a ‘most disloyal traitor’ just Embedded quotation like the first owner of this title. with interpretation No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about foreshadowing. Use one of the quotations from the list. When Macbeth hears the apparitions’ predictions in Act IV, he feels confident of success but they foreshadow his downfall. This is evident when My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 19 PLOT AND STRUCTURE Quick revision 1. Look at this ideas map for Act IV. Is there anything else you could add? ‘Double, double toil ‘Something wicked The witches show and trouble’ this way comes’ Macbeth apparitions Supernatural theme Theme of evil Armoured head tells Macbeth to ‘beware Macduff ’ How the messages of the Bloody child tells Macbeth ‘none of woman born/Shall apparitions foreshadow harm Macbeth’ events in Act V Crowned child with branch Macduff fights Macbeth and defeats him. tells Macbeth he is safe Macduff was born by caesarean. until Birnam Wood comes to Malcolm’s army cuts down branches as Dunsinane camouflage. Malcolm ACT IV Macduff Tests Macduff ’s In England with loyalty Malcolm Macbeth Prepares to fight Told his family are Macbeth Witches warn him about dead ‘Macbeth/Is ripe Macduff ‘All my pretty ones?’ for shaking’ Decides to kill Macduff ’s family 2. Create your own ideas map for one of the other acts. Qu ic k qu iz Answer these quick questions about plot and structure. 1. What is the weather like in the opening scene when the witches first appear? 2. Who tells Duncan that Macbeth decapitated the rebel Macdonald? 3. How does the first Thane of Cawdor die? 4. What do the witches predict for Banquo’s descendants? 5. Who does King Duncan name as his successor? 6. What vision does Macbeth see just before he kills King Duncan? 7. Who discovers King Duncan’s body? 20  PLOT AND STRUCTURE Quick revision 8. Which men does Macbeth kill because he claims that they murdered Duncan? 9. Why do Malcolm and Donaldbain leave Macbeth’s castle? 10. What is the name of Banquo’s son who escapes from the murderers? 11. Where does Banquo’s ghost sit at the banquet? 12. Who is the queen of the witches? 13. Why does a messenger visit Lady Macduff and her son shortly before they are murdered? 14. Who tells Macduff that his family have been murdered? 15. Which two characters watch Lady Macbeth sleepwalking? 16. Why does it look like Birnam Wood is moving in Act V? 17. Who does Macbeth fight and kill before he fights Macduff? 18. Who is hailed as king at the end of the play? 19. What is Macbeth’s fatal flaw? 20. Which scene in Act III marks the turning point between Macbeth’s rise and fall? Po wer pa ra gr ap hs Write a paragraph in response to each of these questions. For each, try to use one quotation you have learned. 1. In what ways does Shakespeare contrast Macbeth and Banquo in Act I? 2. Why does Shakespeare include the discussion between Ross and the Old Man in Act II Scene 4? Ex am pr acti ce Re-read Act V Scene 8, from line 1 ‘Why should I play the Roman fool’ to line 17 ‘Accursed be that tongue that tells me so’ where Macduff confronts Macbeth. Why is this moment significant in the play as a whole? Write two paragraphs explaining your ideas. You could comment on: the way that Macduff addresses Macbeth and what this reveals how confident Macbeth appears to be during this scene. My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 21 SETTING AND CONTEXT Jacobean society F ive key things about Jacobean life and society 1. Jacobean society refers to King James I’s rule (1603–25). 2. Many people in Jacobean society went to church and schools reinforced Christian teaching. 3. Women’s role in society was limited at this time. 4. Poor people struggled to survive, while the rich lived lavishly. 5. There were frequent political conflicts, uprisings and plots against the king. H o w did the roles of men and women differ in Jacobean society? Education was mainly for boys, while girls stayed at home to learn domestic skills; very few girls were taught to read and write. Most married women looked after the children while their husbands went out to work. Masculinity was usually associated with strength and courage and femininity with nurturing and caring for children. H o w could Christian teachings have influenced Macbeth? There are a number of Christian references in the play: Macbeth is associated with Hell and the Devil while King Duncan is ‘sainted’. In a Bible story about the Garden of Eden, Eve encourages Adam to eat forbidden fruit. Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to murder King Duncan in a similar way. Macbeth betrays Duncan for personal gain, just as Judas betrayed Jesus. H o w could beliefs about witches have influenced Macbeth? King James was interested in witchcraft and wrote a book about it called Daemonologie, so Shakespeare could have included the witches to please him. Witches were commonly believed to have powers to conjure up apparitions and to vanish, as they do in the play. 22  SETTING AND CONTEXT Jacobean society Th re e key qu ot at io ns 1. Lady Macbeth reverses gender roles: ‘put/This night’s great business into my dispatch’ (Lady Macbeth, planning Duncan’s murder) (I.5.66–7) 2. The witches’ ability to vanish: ‘what seem’d corporal,/Melted, as breath Note it! into the wind’ (Macbeth, on the In Act I the Captain viv idly witches) (I.3.79–80) describes the battle sce ne 3. The witches’ power to summon as ‘another Golgotha’. As spirits: ‘raise such artificial sprites’ Golgotha was the place where (Hecate, about apparitions) (III.5.27) Christians believe Jesu s died on the cross, the audie nce would have associated these words with pain and de Ex am fo cu s ath. How do I link context to the play? AO3 You can write about how far Shakespeare’s presentation of women matches Jacobean expectations. While Lady Macduff seems to represent the traditional Clear topic sentence Jacobean wife, Shakespeare’s presentation of Lady establishes point Macbeth challenges traditional views about women. This is evident in Act I Scene 6 when she tells Macbeth Supports point with evidence from the to put the plans for King Duncan’s murder into her text ‘dispatch’. This behaviour might have seemed unusual to the Jacobean audience who could have expected her to Link to historical follow her husband’s lead. context No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about how far Shakespeare’s presentation of the witches reflects Jacobean beliefs. Use one of the quotations from the list. In Jacobean times many people believed that witches could vanish into thin air. This power is seen in the play when My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 23 SETTING AND CONTEXT Succession and order F ive key things about succession and order 1. In Shakespeare’s time there was uncertainty about the royal succession. 2. Elizabeth I died without children and was reluctant to name a successor. 3. The play opens with a battle, suggesting a society in conflict. 4. James I believed in the divine right of kings – that the king’s power came from God. 5. Shakespeare uses images from the natural world to show how the rightful succession and the Great Chain of Being has been disrupted. W hy was the succession an important issue at the time? Since Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 1530s there had been many rebellions and conflicting claims on the throne. Elizabeth I didn’t name James I as her successor until she was dying. James faced two plots to seize his throne in 1603 and an attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605 (the Gunpowder Plot). H o w does Shakespeare use ideas about succession in the play? When King Duncan names Malcolm as his successor, Macbeth views Malcolm as an obstacle in his path. After the King’s death, Macduff calls his murder ‘sacrilegious’ and refers to Duncan’s body as ‘The Lord’s anointed temple’ to reinforce the idea of the divine right of kings. King Edward of England is portrayed as being close to God as it is claimed he has the gifts of healing and prophecy. When Macbeth dies, Malcolm becomes king, restoring the rightful monarchy. H o w does Shakespeare portray ideas about order in the play? When King Duncan dies, the Great Chain of Being, which Jacobeans believed was God’s ordering of the universe, breaks down and Scotland suffers as a result. At Macbeth’s banquet, his guests sit according to their ranks. 24  SETTING AND CONTEXT Succession and order Th re e key qu ot at io ns 1. The true line of succession: ‘The son of Duncan,/From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth’ (Lord, on Malcom) (III.6.24–5) 2. The idea that God supports the king: ‘Macbeth/Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above/Put on their Note it! Macbeth and Malcolm instruments’ (Malcolm, about attacking have their coronations Macbeth) (IV.3.240–2) at Scone. Kings of Scotlan 3. The rightful heir: ‘To dew the d were traditionally crown sovereign flower and drown the ed at Scone Palace on a thr weeds’ (Lennox, about supporting one made of a block of sto Malcolm) (V.2.30) ne. The real King Macbeth was crowned there in the Ex am fo cu s eleventh century. How can I write about order and succession? AO1 AO3 Clear topic sentence You can write about how Shakespeare implies that to introduce Malcolm is the rightful king. paragraph Shakespeare uses natural imagery to represent Supports point with Malcolm and Macbeth in Act V Scene 2, when Lennox relevant quotation speaks about the need to ‘dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds’. He compares Malcolm, the rightful Explanation of heir, to a garden flower which they should take care of quotation and Macbeth, who has taken his place, to an unwanted Analysis and weed, suggesting that Macbeth has planted himself interpretation of unlawfully on the throne. quotation No w yo u tr y! Finish this paragraph about the idea that God supports the rightful king. Use one of the quotations from the list. Malcolm and his followers want to remove Macbeth from power and restore the rightful monarchy. This is evident when Malcolm claims that My prog res s Needs more work Getting there Sorted! 25