Summary GCSE English Literature Macbeth Revision Document (Key Quotes, Key Themes, Context)
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Course
English
Institution
GCSE
This document contains detailed, in-depth analysis of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Analysis is done act by act, with detailed, in-depth analysis of each individual scene. Contains key quotes, key themes, and context for each individual scene, as well as extremely detailed character analysis of Macbeth an...
Macbeth Analysis
Act 1
Scene 1: themes of supernatural
- Iambic rhythm has connotations of spell-like language
- Significance of three witches (mythology – fate sisters)
- “fair is foul and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air” rhyming
couplet
- Bleakness of scene is dramatic representation of Scottish wilderness as
well as metaphor for wilderness of man's existence
- Use of chaotic weather (“thunder and lightning”) weather links to
witches controlling weather (as said in James 1st daemonologie)
Scene 2: themes of reputation and chivalry
- Mass killing and killing of traitors was seen as admirable and praise
worthy
- Gives indication of sort of world the play is set in (masculine, violent and
honour bound e.g. “smoked with bloody execution”)
- In order to prove yourself as a man you had to prove yourself in battle,
one who kills large numbers in battle thought of as good
- Shakespeare creates paradox. Contrast between traitorous thane of
Cawdor and loyal, brave Macbeth. By the end of the play the two are
very similar with Macbeth betraying his king and country.
Foreshadowing
- Emphasis of brutal and violent world adds to tension. Builds up on
supernatural tension in scene 1
- Scene 2 establishes opposing idea of order and theme of orderly vs
honourable behaviour
- “what he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won” rhyming couplet, honours
valour of wounded captain and pronounces Macbeth’s victory
Scene 3: themes of temptation and supernatural
- Scene returns to witches (1st scene just witches, 2nd just humans, 3rd
both).
- Witches use vulgar, shocking language.
, - Reference to animals shows links to lower-level nature e.g. “killing
swine” = killing pigs (cat and toad in scene 1 - seen as witches’
family/pet). The Great Chain of Being places animals at the bottom
- Macbeth slips into witches’ speech style showing impact of
witches/spirits on him. scene shows power of witches. Develops
characters of Macbeth and Banquo and shows their differences
- Witches curse of sailor foreshadows Macbeth’s fate. Macbeth becomes
“captain” of the land and like the sailor, Macbeth will be blown by the
tempests of ill fortune
- Macbeth and Banquo do not fully understand the witches, but the
witches’ response to them shows no ambiguity. Contrast between what
is certain and uncertain is a crucial structural feature
- Puts forward concept of chasing fate (popular in tragedies). Causes
people to question who is in control of destiny
- Macbeth speaks to witches using imperatives (stay, tell, speak) showing
he is desperate to know more
- Use of dramatic irony links audience to witches as they know the future
- Questions e.g. “whither?” “why” “have we?” paints a picture of shared
incomprehension. Shakespeare cleverly combines Macbeth and
Banquo’s confusion at the witches vanishing with disbelief at the
prophecy.
Scene 4: themes of appearance vs reality
- Dramatic irony. Duncan talks about traitors and his trust in Macbeth.
Macbeth then goes on to kill him
- Macbeth hiding true thoughts in false words by praising Duncan
- Context: in Scotland king was allowed to name his successor, not
necessarily family. Duncan named his son, Malcolm as his successor.
Seals Duncan’s fate as Macbeth feels he has no choice but to kill Duncan.
- Imagery about growth and fertility (e.g. “I have begun to plant thee”, “to
make thee full of growing”) suggests Duncan potentially sees Macbeth
as a successor and is allowing him to grow in his favour.
- Metaphor continued by Banquo (“there if I grow the harvest is your
own”) links to previous line (“look into the seeds of time”), symbolises
children of Banquo inheriting the kingdom (witches’ third prophecy).
- Ends on “peerless kinsman” gives added poignancy (sadness/regret) as
Macbeth goes on to commit regicide.
, Scene 5: themes of ambition
- Written in prose, hints that she is a villain. (Reading out a letter). In the
play commoners and villains speak in prose.
- Includes soliloquy by Lady Macbeth.
- Macbeth tells her about the witches showing their closeness and
intimacy (information could be considered sensitive/dangerous).
- Lady Macbeth interrupts Macbeth (“only look up clear”) and Macbeth
does not get full iambic line. Gender roles subverted. Dysfunctional
relationship. All other characters fear and respect Macbeth whilst Lady
Macbeth looks down on him slightly.
- Lady Macbeth calls on spirits (“come you spirits”) to rid her of femininity
e.g. replace her breast milk with poison etc. Links to supernatural.
- Introduced to Macbeth the private man (we have already been
introduced to Macbeth the warrior and Macbeth the worrier).
- Shakespeare creates a strong verbal bond between husband and wife
that is continued throughout the play.
Scene 6: themes of dramatic irony and foreshadowing
- Duncan’s speech on arrival is heavy with irony. Describes castle as
“pleasant” and having sweet air.
- Banquo uses positive imagery when describing the castle. Dramatic
irony. Juxtaposition with satanic imagery from earlier and links to Porter
scene (act 2 scene 3).
- Duncan’s use of “our” when stating his opinion (“unto our gentle
senses”) shows his importance.
- Dramatic irony as Lady Macbeth who is referred to as “honoured
hostess” and “fair and noble hostess”, leads him to his death. (“give me
your hand”).
Scene 7: themes of indecision, explores relationship
- Extremely important soliloquy in which Macbeth puts forward a logical
and intelligent argument about why he shouldn’t kill Duncan. Considers
fate of murder and admits that once you’ve killed once it can lead to
more killings (slippery slope).
- Within the fluid construction of this soliloquy, words and sounds
constantly attract and suggest each other, giving the impression of a
train of thought.
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