Macbeth Study Guide (All Acts) Revised
Questions and Answers / Guaranteed Pass
A tragic hero typically realizes how he has contributed to his own downfall and faces his end with dignity.
Notice that in lines 27-34, Macbeth realizes that he is doomed. To what extent is he redeemed by his
determination to fight to the death? - He is redeemed somewhat, because he realizes he is
doomed, and still fights Macduff. But, he also says he will never kiss the ground before Malcolm,
meaning he does not face his death with his full dignity intact.
According to lines 1-20, on what idea do Ross and the Old Man agree? Name two details that each
character mentions in support of that idea. - That Duncan's murder was unnatural, and something
isn't right. Ross says that the skies themselves look upset, and night seems to be strangling the sun. The
Old Man says that a falcon was killed by an owl, and that Duncan's horses ate each other.
According to lines 4-20, it is obvious that Banquo knows what about Macbeth? - That he is
becoming overly ambitious.
According to lines 54-55, what does Lady Macbeth plan to do that Macbeth failed to do earlier? How do
her actions reflect the theme of appearance verses reality? - She plans to cover the servants with
blood to blame them for the murder; In reality, she is the one covered in blood, but if she covers the
servants in blood, it will appear as though they committed the murder.
According to lines 6-9, what is happening to Banquo? What does this reveal about him? - Banquo
is becoming extremely exhausted; It reveals that he is not sleeping well because he is having horrible
nightmares.
According to the lord speaking in lines 24-39, how does Macduff hope to put an end to Macbeth's
ambition? What does the lord believe will happen if Macduff is successful? - He wants to return
from England with Duncan's heir Malcolm, and King Edward's army, in order to defeat Macbeth; That the
people may once again have food, sleep, and be able to be free.
As Scene 5 concludes, in lines 55-70, does Macbeth wish to satisfy his ambition to become king? Explain.
- Yes, he doesn't say much, but Lady Macbeth tries to convince him to kill Duncan, and he
responds, "We will speak further.", implying that he likes the idea that Lady Macbeth has planted in his
mind.
,Based on lines 42-51, is Lady Macbeth sympathetic to Macbeth's struggle? What do her responses reveal
about her character? - No, she reveals that she is even more ambitious than her husband,
allowing her no sympathy for him after he has killed Duncan.
Be aware that in lines 11-13, Macbeth recalls the third prophecy. What conclusion might Macbeth draw
from killing young Siward? - Young Siward was born of a woman.
Be aware that in Macbeth's aside in lines 48-53, he admits that he hopes the king will be murdered.
Based on these lines, what do you think is Macbeth's tragic flaw? - His ambition, it is represented
here when Macbeth is talking to himself about his plans to murder Duncan, so that he can claim his title.
Compare Macbeth's words about a "false face" in the last line of this scene to Lady Macbeth's words in
lines 59-63 from Scene 5. - Lady Macbeth is once again saying that they must hide their evil intent
with gracious faces.
Consider lines 34-51. What role do you think Lady Macbeth will play in Macbeth's downfall? - I
think that Lady Macbeth will ultimately lead to the downfall of Macbeth, because she is pushing him so
much to kill Duncan. Not only is Macbeth ambitious and power-hungry, but Lady Macbeth is seemingly
even more so.
Consider Macbeth's words about blood in Act 2, Scene 2, lines 57-61: "What hands are here? Ha, they
pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my
hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red." to Lady Macbeth's
actions in this scene. How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth seem to have switched roles in this scene? -
Lady Macbeth now seems to be the one that cannot seem to rid herself of her guilt, or the non-
existent blood from her hands.
Considering lines 122-140, how could Macbeth be characterized at this point? Cite evidence. -
Macbeth has become so paranoid, that he will truly do anything in order to protect himself. "For
mine own good,/All causes shall give way
Contrast the image of the martlet in lines 3-10 with that of the bird Lady Macbeth imagined in Act 1,
Scene 5, lines 35-36? - Banquo is talking about the martlet, and how it's choice of breeding place
, is a sign of healthy air. But Lady Macbeth talked about how a raven would croak about how she would
soon kill Duncan.
Contrast the two elements that are depicted in lines 41-52. - The elements of both joy and
darkness are depicted through the stars. One saying that the "stars, shall shine on all deservers.", and
the other saying, "Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires."
Detail the revelations from the four apparitions conjured up by the witches and how they effect
Macbeth. - The First apparition, an armed head, tells him to beware Macduff. The second
apparition, a bloody child, tells him that no man born from a woman will kill him. The third apparition, a
child crowned with a tree in his hand, tells him that he shall be king until Birnam Wood comes to
Dunsinane Hill.
Does Macbeth have a valid reason to be fearful of Banquo? Why or why not? - No, while Banquo's
children will be kings, it is not like Banquo is planning to kill Macbeth or anything of that nature.
How appropriate do you think the word coward is to describe Macbeth if he does not kill Duncan as Lady
Macbeth says in lines 41-45? Explain. - From Lady Macbeth's point of view, coward is an
appropriate word to describe Macbeth in this scene. She already thought that he didn't have the courage
to kill Duncan, but then he agreed, and now he's backing out of it once again.
How do Banquo's aside in lines 130-142. What private thoughts does he reveal to the audience? Why
might he want to keep these thoughts hidden from the other characters? - Banquo recognizes
that ambition in Macbeth and warns against it. Banquo warns that evil powers often offer little truths to
tempt people. The witches may be lying about what matters most.
How do Macbeth's words in lines 33-34 play on the "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" theme? -
Macbeth says that they must make their faces like masks, and disguise their true intentions.
How does Lady Macbeth's words in lines 59-63 relate to Duncan's statement, "there's no art/To find the
mind's construction in the face" from scene 4, lines 12-13? - Lady Macbeth is saying that they
should put on gracious faces for the king, and act like good hosts, but underneath they shall be like
serpents.
