Macbeth Act V

As Macbeth awaits the battle at Dunsinane Castle, he demonstrates that he is no longer touched by either fear or horror. Which of the play's themes does his behavior underscore?

Destructiveness of blind ambition

What can you infer from the doctor's treatment of Lady Macbeth about the practice of medicine during the time of the play?

Doctors knew little about emotional distress.

At the beginning of Act V, the waiting-gentlewoman tells the doctor about Lady Macbeth's strange behavior. Why does he tell the gentlewoman to "Remove from her the means of all annoyance"?

He fears Lady Macbeth will try to kill herself.

In the opening scene at Dunsinane Castle, Macbeth has no patience for his servant. He says, "Go prick thy face and over-red thy fear. / Thou lily-livered boy." What does his treatment of the servant tell you about how Macbeth's character has changed?

He has grown brutal

In the final battle, Macbeth fights bravely, even after he learns he will probably die. How does his courage affect the reader?

It reminds the reader that Macbeth still has some noble qualities.

What is the main idea of the sleepwalking scene in Act V?

It's hard to get over a guilty conscience.

Who is the most judicious character in the play?

Macduff

Why does Lady Macbeth kill herself?

She cannot bear her guilt.

Why does Malcolm tell his soldiers to cut down branches of trees to carry as they march?

So Macbeth will not know how many men are in the army

In her mad scene, Lady Macbeth declares, "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" What spot is she talking about?

The spot is blood from King Duncan's murder that she imagines she has on her hands.

When does Macbeth first realize that he has been tricked by the prophecies of the witches?

When he sees Birnam Wood moving toward him

What is Macbeth's tragic flaw?

ambition