Macbeth

What are the key quotations in Act 4 Scene 1?

'By the pricking of my thumbs' 'Something wicked this way comes' 'Beware Macduff; Beware the Thane of Fife' 'Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth' 'Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until Great Birnan Wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him' MB: ''What, will the line stretch out to the crack of doom?'' ''Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o'the sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line'

What are the key quotations in Act 3 Scene 6?

'The son of Duncan, from whom this tyrant holds the due of birth' 'a swift blessing may soon return to this our suffering country under a hand accursed!'

What quotations from Act 1 Scene 2 describe Macbeth?

'Valour's minion' 'Bellona's Bridegroom' (bravery's favourite and the husband of war) Duncan praises Macbeth: 'valiant' 'Worthy gentleman' 'noble' Captain: 'For brave Macbeth' 'with his brandished steel' 'smoked with bloody execution'

What are the key quotations in Act 1 Scene 1?

'When shall we three meet again, In thunder, lightning or in rain?' 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair'

What are the key quotations from Act 3 Scene 5?

'security is mortals' chiefest enemy'

What happens in Act 1 Scene 2? Summarise

King Duncan receives news that the battle against the rebel Macdonwald was evenly balanced, but that Macbeth has killed him. The Captain brings news to Duncan that, thanks to Macbeth's and Banquo's courageousness, his army has won. Duncan then declares that the traitorous Thane of Cawdor will be executed and bestows his title and lands on Macbeth as a reward.

What happens in Act 2 Scene 2?

LM nerves are on edge as she waits for Macbeth to return from committing the crime. Bold mood, boasts about how she has drugged the guards. Macbeth enters, carrying two bloodstained daggers. He is obsessed by the noise of laughter and crying that he has heard. Macbeth's guilt torments him. LM attempts to lessen and rationalise his fear. She then criticises Macbeth for failing to leave the daggers on the guards. She goes back herself and plant the weapons on them because Macbeth is too frightened. A knocking at the gate means they must quickly go to bed and pretend to be surprised when Duncan's body is discovered.

What are the key quotations for the whole of Act 5?

LM: ''Out damned spot!'' out , i say... will these hands ne'er be clean? Angus: ''Those he commands move only in command, nothing in love' MB: ''the mind i sway by and the heart i bear shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear' 'Out, out brief candle! life's but a ......tale told by an idiot..... signifying nothing' MD: 'despair thy charm''

What are the key quotations in Act 3 Scene 2?

LM: 'Say to the king i would attend his leisure for a few words' M: 'We have scorched the snake, not killed it.' 'We will eat our meal in fear' 'in the affliction of these terrible dreams' LM: 'Be bright and jovial' M: 'oh full of scorpions is my mind' 'dear wife!' 'be innocent of the knowledge'

What are the key quotations in Act 2 Scene 2?

LM: 'the fatal bellman' 'give me the daggers' M: 'i am afraid to think of what i have done'

What happens in Act 1 Scene 5?

Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband describing his encounter with the witches. She is convinced by the witches' prophecy because they promised, Macbeth has been made Thane of Cawdor. She worries that Macbeth is too kind-natured to be able to take the crown, so she is determined that she will assist him through. Lady Macbeth is overjoyed at the prospect of Duncan staying with them overnight. She calls on demonic spirits to harden her resolve and to destroy the weakness and pity. Macbeth arrives and his wife starts convincing him to murder Duncan. Insisting that the deed must be done, her organising it and failure would leave you with fear.

What happened in Act 3 Scene 2?

Lady Macbeth wants to speak to her husband before the feast. She is on edge-uncertainty and insecurity trouble them both. Macbeth appears and she scolds him both for staying alone and for his continued dwelling on their actions. They discuss the feast ahead, resolve to praise Banquo at it, and then Macbeth reveals his fear of Banquo and Fleance. He reveals that he intends to commit another dreadful crime. He will not tell Lady Macbeth what it is, but asks her to praise it when it is achieved.

What are the key quotations in Act 1 Scene 5?

Lady Macbeth: 'It is too full o' the milk of human-kindness' 'look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't' 'valour of my tongue'

What happens in Act 4 Scene 2?

Lady Macduff is with her son and Ross. Ross informs her that her husband has fled to England. Lady Macduff accuses her husband of cowardice. Ross makes his excuses and leaves. A messenger arrives, warns of danger, and leaves. Murderers enter, kill Macduff's son, and pursue Lady Macduff with the same purpose.

What happens in Act 3 Scene 6?

Lennox outlines to another lord in deeply ironic terms his understanding of what has been happening in Scotland: that is, that Macbeth is responsible for all the murders that have plagued the state. Malcolm is in the English court attempting to raise military support to reclaim his throne. Lennox supports this. Macduff is in disgrace for refusing to attend Macbeth's banquet and is attempting to join Malcolm.

What happens in Act 1 Scene 3?

The witches meet as planned, in thunder and rain They greet Macbeth and Banquo and tell them Macbeth will become both Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Macbeth is stunned by the prophecies, but Banquo demand the witches to tell of his future too, predicting he will not be king, but his offspring will. Witches disappear and Messengers of King Duncan arrive granting Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth again is stunned, but Banquo warns him of danger, but Macbeth is preoccupied with thoughts of kingship which he tries to hide.

Why is Act 4 Scene 2 important?

Themes of Loyalty and Treachery Degradation and Brutality of Macbeth Pity and sympathy for the victims Ross is a diplomat- always in the right place at the right time.

Why is Act 2 Scene 4 important?

This scene acts as a buffer between 2 dramatic scenes, first the previous scene and the next scene where Macbeth is crowned King. This scene is basically commentary of what happened. The old man represents the people.

What happens in Act 5 Scene 2?

We are introduced to the rebel Scottish powers who are determined to join 'the English Power' at Birnan Wood to overthrow Macbeth. The thanes comment on how Macbeth must feel uneasy now that his inadequacies and guilt are exposed. They are confident of victory.

Why is Act 3 Scene 2 important?

We see Macbeth growing in evil and hardening himself to commit more crimes. Lady Macbeth is no longer controlling and driving the action of her husband.

What happened in Act 3 Scene 1?

Banquo reflects on the witches prophecies, suspecting Macbeth obtained the crown through treachery. M and LM arrive Macbeth pretends he needs advice fro Banquo on how to deal with the rumours from Malcolm and Donalbain. Macbeth learns details of Banquo's planned journey with his son, Fleance. Alone, Macbeth reveals that he fears Banquo, and the thought of his sons becoming king is unacceptable. 2 murderers are brought in. Macbeth outlines to them the reasons why Banquo is their mutual enemy. They agree to murder him and Fleance.

What are the key quotations in Act 3 Scene 1?

Banquo: 'but that myself should be the root and father of many kings' 'Ah my good lord' Macbeth: 'which still we hath been both grave and prosperous' 'we hear our bloody cousins are bestowed' 'not i' th' worst ranking of manhood' 'sweep him from my sight' 'yet i must not' Second Murderer: 'we shall my lord, perform what you command us' Macbeth: 'to leave no rubs or botches'

What are the key quotations in Act 3 Scene 4?

MB: 'Thou canst not say i did it: never shake thy glory locks at me' LM: 'Are you a man?...Shame itself!' MB: 'I will, to the weird sisters...for now i am bent to know, by the worst means, the worst.' 'I am in blood stepp'd in so far that, should i wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er.'

What are the key quotations in Act 4 Scene 3?

MC: ''This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues'' MD: ''Not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd in evils to top Macbeth.

What happens in Act 5 Scene 5?

Macbeth enters boasting that he is confident of victory. A woman's scream is heard and Seyton goes to investigate. Macbeth reflects that nothing terrifies him now. Seyton returns with news that the Queen is dead. This is confirmation for Macbeth that life is meaningless. A messenger arrives to tell him that Birnan Wood is moving towards Dunsinane Castle. Outrages, and in doubt about his destiny, Macbeth orders an attack.

What happens in Act 5 Scene 3?

Macbeth enters with the doctor and gentlewoman. He is in a fearless mood, the prophecies give him complete confidence that he is untouchable. A servant is jeered as he reports that the English troops are arriving. Macbeth orders his armour and asks the doctor to cure his wife. He dismisses the doctor's medical advice and asks him instead what would cure his country. He scarcely listens to the doctor's reply- he is obsessed with the prophecies, which he thinks are the only thing that will guarantee his security.

Why is Act 2 Scene 2 important?

Macbeth no longer has options because there is no going back. Terrifying guilt is portrayed in this scene to show how Macbeth is distraught. LM is shown as a woman who is determined whenever Macbeth flounders.

What happened in Act 3 Scene 4?

Macbeth welcomes various guests to his banquet. The 1st murderer appears and Macbeth steps aside to speak with him, The murderer tells Macbeth that Banquo is dead, but that Fleance escaped. Macbeth is disturbed. He returns to the feast and is gently reprimanded by his wife for his absence. He stands to raise a toast in praise of Banquo. As he does so, Banquo's ghost enters and sits in his place. Only Macbeth can see the ghost and Macbeth is terrified. Lady Macbeth says her husband often has these fits. Her quick thinking covers up for Macbeth as he begins to reveal his guilt. The ghost disappears and Macbeth regains his composure. Once more he tries to seem cheerful and praises 'our dear friend Banquo'. Then the ghost reappears and Macbeth loses his nerve altogether. He recovers when the ghost disappears again, but too late for the banquet to continue. Lady Macbeth dismisses everyone. Alone with his wife, Macbeth says that he thinks Macduff is against him. He reveals that he has spies in his lords' houses. He tells her that intends to revisit the witches.

What are the key quotes in Act 1 Scene 4?

Macbeth: ' Prince of Cumberland!' 'For in my way it lies' ' Let not light see my black and deep desires' Duncan: 'Malcolm, who we name hereafter,the prince of cumberland'

What are the key quotations in Act 1 Scene 7?

Macbeth: 'I dare do all that may become a man' 'Vaulting Ambition' 'This Duncan has hath born his faculties so meek' 'Deep-damnation of his taking off' 'False face must hold what the false heart doth' 'Bring forth men-children only' 'If it were done when tis done, then twere well it were done quickly'

What are the key quotations in Act 2 Scene 1?

Macbeth: 'Is this a dagger which i see before me' 'The handle toward my hand?' 'Dagger of the mind, a false creation' 'heat-oppressed brain'

What happens in Act 5 Scene 4?

Malcolm orders his mean to each cut down a bough from Birnan wood and to carry it in front of them to conceal their numbers from Macbeth. They learn that Macbeth intends to remain in Dunsinane, his strategy being endure a siege. This is his only hope, since his troops are demoralised and fight for him out of necessity not commitment.

What happens in Act 5 Scene 6?

Malcolm, Macduff and Seyward with their armies camouflaged, approach Macbeth's castle. Battle commences. Macbeth kills Young Seyward in combat. He is trapped but unbeaten, even though his army has fallen. Macbeth encounters Macduff, who reveals that he has not 'born' of woman, but delivered by Caesarean. In a final act of courage Macbeth fights Macduff and is killed. While Malcolm comforts Seyward over the death of his son, Macduff arrives with Macbeth's head and hails Malcolm King of Scotland.

Why is Act 1 Scene 1 important?

Grabs attention immediately Raises a sense of curiosity and expectancy.

What happened in Act 1 Scene 6?

King Duncan arrives at Macbeth's castle, Glamis, with his sons. Banquo and attendant thanes. Lady Macbeth greets Duncan and they exchange compliments. Duncan takes her hand and is led into the castle.

What happens in Act 1 Scene 4?

King Duncan asks his son, Malcolm, to confirm that the Thane of Cawdor has been executed. He is told that Cawdor died with dignity, repenting his actions. Macbeth and Banquo enter the room, to be thanked by Duncan for their efforts in the war. Duncan says that Malcolm will be his heir, and that he will visit Macbeth at home. Macbeth hears about this and says he will write to his wife and prepare her for the arrival of Duncan, which he isn't happy with , because he proclaims that Malcolm will become king and not him. When Macbeth is not there, Duncan praises him to Banquo.

What happens in Act 4 Scene 1?

3 witches create a powerful spell and prepare to meet Macbeth. Hecat joins them and approves their spell. Macbeth then enters and commands them to answer his questions. They call up powerful spirits to respond to him. He is told three prophecies: that he should fear Macduff, that he cannot be harmed by one born of a woman and that he is secure until Birnan Wood comes to Dunsinane. He then presses them for more information about Banquo's offspring and is shown a vision of eight kings all descended from Banquo, who also appears. The witches suddenly vanish and Macbeth curses them. Lennox appears and informs Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England. Macbeth determines to kill Macduff's wife and children.

What happened in Act 1 Scene 1? (Summary)

3 witches meet in the middle of a storm They speak in riddles and rhymes, using strange language such as 'hurly-birly' They are preparing to entice Macbeth 'upon the heath' A sense of foreboding is created by their choral line that set up the theme of deception where 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair'

Why is Act 3 Scene 3 important?

Despite adding a 3rd murderer Fleance still manages to escape. The need for a 3rd murderer suggests that Macbeth has little trust in the first 2.

What are the key quotations in Act 1 Scene 6?

Duncan to LM: 'Fair and noble hostess' 'Delicate' air 'Loved' castle LM: 'those honours deep and broad' 'twice done and then done double'

Why is Act 4 Scene 3 important?

Fear and Suspicion Static scene

Why is Act 3 Scene 6 important?

It shows the direct consequence of Macbeth's failure to control himself at his banquet: his lords have turned against him, it reveals that Macduff kept his integrity and went to Fife, not Macbeth's coronation. It outlines further the deficiencies in Macbeth's running of the state: not only the murder's committed, but the lack of fairness and honour- in short, the corruption that blights everybody's life. We learn of hope in England, of Malcolm's welcome and of another kind of King- 'the most pious Edward'- whom Shakespeare provides as another contrast with Macbeth.

What happens in Act 4 Scene 3?

In England, Malcolm is suspicious of Macduff and tests him by pretending to be even more evil than Macbeth. Macduff's lament for Scotland convinces Malcolm who then retracts his confessions of evil. When he sees that, that Macduff is sincere and opposed to Macbeth, Malcolm reveals that he has English support for an invasion of Scotland. Macduff is confused but pleased by this turn of events. A doctor appears and mentions the saintly work of King Edward the Confessor. Ross arrives and informs Macduff that his family have been murdered Macduff resolves to support Malcolm and vows to kill Macbeth himself.

What happens in Act 5 Scene 1?

In Macbeth's castle a doctor and a gentlewoman discuss their patient LM. LM appears walking in her sleep. They both hear her reveal her guilt and watch her futile attempts to remove blood from her hands. The doctor concludes that she is in need of spiritual help not medical.

What happens in Act 1 Scene 7?

In a soliloquy, Macbeth debates the pros and cons of murdering Duncan. He feels that Murdering his king and guest will come back to plague him. He's been a good king, but heaven might come back to expose his wickedness. The only justification for murder is his ambition Macbeth is frightened by his own imagery of damnation and he resolves not to go ahead with the murder. LM enters and M informs her of his decision LM accuses him of cowardice, which leads to an argument which she ends up winning, outlining the plan and convincing Macbeth to go ahead with it.

What is the key context in Act 1 Scene 1?

In the 1600's it was common to think of witchcraft as being something realistic. Shakespeare's patron. King James I, believed in this and during his reign practising this was punished by death. The scene with the rhyming of the witches, would have made the audience unnerved.

Why is Act 3 Scene 4 important?

It marks the beginning of the decline of Macbeth's rule and power., he cannot keep calm. Supernatural theme is evident. Dramatic tension Close bond between LM and M.

What are the key quotations in Act 2 Scene 4?

Old man : 'this sore night has trifled former knowings'

What happens in Act 3 Scene 5?

The 3 witches and the goddess of witchcraft, Hecat, prepare a strong spell for deluding Macbeth.

What happened in Act 2 Scene 1?

On his way to bed, Banquo has a feeling something is wrong, and then encounters Macbeth. Banquo presents him with a gift from the king: a diamond for LM. Banquo tells Macbeth that he dreamt of the witches. Macbeth says he does not think of them, but asks that he and Banquo speak about the matter another time. Macbeth is left alone and imagines he sees a dagger in front of him- a dagger that guides him towards his goal of killing king Duncan. As the bell rings, he determines to go ahead and murder the king.

What are the key quotations in Act 2 Scene 3?

Porter: 'if a man were porter of hell-gate' 'This place is too cold for hell' Lennox: 'the night has been unruly' Macduff: 'see and then speak yourselves' 'tis not for you to hear what i can speak' Macbeth: 'that i did kill them' Malcolm:'To show an unfelt sorrow is an office,which the false man does easy. I'll go to England' Donalbain: 'to Ireland, I'

What happened in Act 2 Scene 4?

Ross and an old man recall the dreadful night of the murder. Macduff enters and tells them that Duncan's two sons are suspected of paying the guards to commit, because they have now fled. Macbeth has been nominated king and has gone to Scone to be crowned. Ross asks Macduff whether he will go to the crowning. Macduff says he will not, but will return home to Fife. Ross intends to go.

Why is Act 1 Scene 6 important?

Shakespeare continues to develop the theme of appearances versus reality. Shakespeare develops the character of Lady Macbeth on the deception and treachery. Duncan's open and generous nature is contrasted with that of the Macbeths.

Why is Act 1 Scene 2 important?

Shakespeare deepens the readers interest in the character of Macbeth. There is a shift from the shadowy world of witches to the physical world of battle. We learn that Macbeth and Banquo are outstandingly brave. We find that Macbeth is to be made Thane of Cawdor.

Why is Act 1 Scene 5 important?

Shakespeare establishes the close relationship between husband and wife, and supernatural powers are introduced. We learn about Macbeth's human kindness which can get in the way of ambitions.

Why is Act 1 Scene 7 important?

Shakespeare makes Macbeth wrestle with his conscience, showing that he is not evil and doesn't find this easy. Ambition appears as a theme in this act. Shakespeare shows how the accusation of cowardice and lack of manliness can really effect Macbeth. LM is now responsible for what is going to unfold.

Why is Act 3 Scene 5 important?

Shakespeare shows the layers of evil, revealing there are still depths that Macbeth can sink to. Hecat refers to a 'dismal and a fatal end' foreshadowing Macbeth's downfall. Shakespeare links Macbeth to the witches, when Hecat refers to him as a 'wayward son' implying that he has become fully evil in nature.

Why is Act 2 Scene 3 important?

The 'hell' that the porter mentions, is an anticipation of Macbeth's future, which may become a reality. The tension rises, as the audience know the crime has already been committed. The innocent guards are murdered to cover up the crime Now that Malcolm and Donalbain have fleed, Macbeth can proceed with his goal for the crown, but he is still uneasy knowing that they are alive and plotting to kill him.

What happened in Act 3 Scene 3?

The 2 murderers are joined by a third. They wait for Banquo and Fleance then spring out on them. They manage to kill Banquo, but in the confusion Fleance escapes. The murderers resolve to inform Macbeth of what has happened.

Why is Act 2 Scene 1 important?

The atmosphere is intensifying of dark and evilness. There is a contrast with Macbeth's thoughts and Banquo. Shakespeare shows how the witches have a lasting effect on Banquo. Macbeth's disloyalty is highlighted by the king's gift, while his struggle with his conscience is decisively resolved.

Why is Act 3 Scene 1 important?

The character of Banquo is shown as someone who fears foul play. Shakespeare shows how Macbeth pretends to value and honour Banquo, when really he is working out his movements to entrap and murder him and his son. We see Macbeth persuading other to commit crimes, using the method which works for him 'to prove their manhood' LM is not part of this plot.

Why is Act 1 Scene 4 important?

The speech about Malcolm becoming the next king gives Macbeth motivation to prevent this happening by committing murder and treason. Shakespeare, shows how Macbeth's attitudes have changed when he sees an obstacle in the way. The character Macbeth is contrasted to Banquo, Duncan and even the executed Thane of Cawdor.

Why is Act 4 Scene 1 important?

The spells show how unnatural the three witches are. Levels of detail. We learn that Macduff has fled to England in order to challenge Macbeth. Creating tension. The irony of the prophecies intensifies.

What happens in Act 2 Scene 3?

The knocking from the previous scene continues and the porter goes to open the gate, letting Macduff and Lennox in. Macbeth pretends to be awoken by the knocking, and greets them, whilst Macduff asks to be led to the king. Macduff discovers the murder and returns, proclaiming treason. As Macduff calls the alarm, Macbeth and Lennox rush in to see Duncan. Lady Macbeth appears, then Banquo. Both are informed of the murder. Macbeth returns and bemoans the dreadful deed. Lennox suggests the guards may have been responsible and Macbeth confesses that he killed them. Macduff questions this action and Macbeth proclaims his love for Duncan. Lady Macbeth faints, distracting attention. Banquo says they must question the murder. Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee, suspecting treachery from someone closely related.

Why is Act 1 Scene 3 important?

The prophecies establish the importance of fate. Shakespeare draws significant contrasts between Banquo and Macbeth. Ambition theme is introduced here when Macbeth becomes intrigued by the thoughts of kingship.

What are the key quotations in Act 1 Scene 3?

Witches: 'All hail Macbeth' 3rd witch: 'That shalt be king hereafter' Macbeth(aside): 'If chance will have me king, why, chance shall crown me'