ACT THREE
3.3:
1. What went wrong with Macbeth's plot to have Banquo and Fleance murdered?
2. Macbeth says, “The worm that’s fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for the present.” What does that mean?
3. How does this relate to the witches' prophecy?
3. 4:
1. What ironic event marks the climax of this play?
2. What two things does Macbeth now plan to do? Why?
a)
b)
3.6:
How does this scene reveal Macduff as the possible nemesis of Macbeth?
ACT FOUR:
4.1:
Macbeth seeks counsel from the weird sisters who show him a series of apparitions:
1. Explain the message given to Macbeth by each of the following apparitions.
- First Apparition: an armed Head
- Second Apparition: A bloody Child
- Third Apparition: a Child crowned, with a tree in his hand
2. How does this make Macbeth feel?
Finally the witches show Eight Kings, the last with a glass in his hand; GHOST OF BANQUO following.
3. Explain the irony in the following statement by Macbeth;
"Infected be the air whereon they ride
And damn'd all those that trust them! ..."
4. What does Macbeth decide to do next?
4. 2: Macduff's Castle
Lady Macduff converses with her son. She is upset because her husband has gone off to England leaving his family unprotected.
1. What happens to them? Be specific.
4. 3:
Malcolm, King Duncan's son, and Macduff are discussing plans to return to Scotland with an army to overthrow Macbeth. Ross enters with news of Duncan's family.
1. How does Macduff respond to this news?
2. What does he vow to do?
3. What suggests Malcolm will be a strong leader?
ACT FIVE:(Macbeth's Castle - Dunsinane)
5.1
1. What visions plague Lady Macbeth?
2. How does Lady Macbeth's condition differ from Macbeth's at this time?
5. 2:(The countryside near Dunsinane)
Briefly explain the conversation of these Scottish noblemen, Menteith, Caithness, Angus and Lennox.
5. 3:(Macbeth's Castle - Dunsinane)
1. What does Macbeth's opening speech reveal to us?
2. What does Macbeth's speech to Seyton reveal to us?
3. What does Macbeth resolve to do? Why?
5.5:(Birnam Woods)
1. What news does Seyton bring Macbeth?
The final soliloquy of Macbeth is one of the most famous passages of this tragic drama.
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle.'
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
2. List four things to which Macbeth compares life
A
B
C
D
3. How does Macbeth express the span of life?
4. How does he express the uselessness of life?
5.7:(within the castle walls)
1. What does Macbeth mean when he says, “I cannot fly/ But bear-like I must fight the course.”
2. Explain the action in this final scene and Malcolm's speech at the end.
5. 8:
1. How are the three prophesies of the Apparitions fulfilled?
2. How does Shakespeare reverse images which he used to introduce Macbeth and to retire his character?
3. Does Macbeth suffer any regret or remorse toward the end of the play? Why or why not?