Study Guide

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William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. From
roughly 1594 onward he was an important member of the Lord Chamberlains Men company of
theatrical players. Written records give little indication of the way in which Shakespeares
professional life molded his artistry. All that can be deduced is that over the course of 20 years,
Shakespeare wrote plays that capture the complete range of human emotion and conflict.
William Shakespeare's early plays were written in the conventional style of the day, with
elaborate metaphors and rhetorical phrases that didn't always align naturally with the story's plot
or characters. However, Shakespeare was very innovative, adapting the traditional style to his
own purposes and creating a freer flow of words. With only small degrees of variation,
Shakespeare primarily used a metrical pattern consisting of lines of unrhymed iambic
pentameter, or blank verse, to compose his plays. At the same time, there are passages in all the
plays that deviate from this and use forms of poetry or simple prose.
With the exception of Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare's first plays were mostly histories
written in the early 1590s. Richard II, Henry VI (parts 1, 2 and 3) and Henry V dramatize the
destructive results of weak or corrupt rulers, and have been interpreted by drama historians as
Shakespeare's way of justifying the origins of the Tudor Dynasty.
Shakespeare also wrote several comedies during his early period: the witty romance A
Midsummer Night's Dream, the romantic Merchant of Venice, the wit and wordplay of Much Ado
About Nothing, the charming As You Like It and Twelfth Night. Other plays, possibly written
before 1600, include Titus Andronicus, The Comedy of Errors, The Taming of the Shrew and The
Two Gentlemen of Verona.
It was in William Shakespeare's later period, after 1600, that he wrote the tragedies Hamlet, King
Lear, Othello and Macbeth. In these, Shakespeare's characters present vivid impressions of
human temperament that are timeless and universal. Macbeth likely was written specifically to
be performed for King James I; James Stuart had been the king of Scotland, and when his
unmarried and childless cousin Elizabeth I dies, he became the king of England as well.
Macbeth deals with the fictional ancestors of the Stuart line, and is set in Scotland. He borrowed
the characters and some elements of the storyline from another writer, Raphael Holinshed.

James was reputedly very superstitious; he believed in witches and the occult, as well as their
reputation for misleading and deceptive prophecies, and these play an important role in the play
Macbeth, commonly referred to by actors as the Scottish play (its considered bad luck to name
the play inside theatres). Additionally, James was reported to have told a courtier that before his
mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was executed, there was an apparition of a bloody, dancing head
dancing in the air, and Shakespeare uses this image in his play as well.
Shakespeares efforts to appeal to the new king appear to have been successful. Even though the
theater culture in 16th century England was not highly admired by people of high rank, many of
the nobility were good patrons of the performing arts and friends of the actors. After the
crowning of King James I, in 1603, the company changed its name to the King's Men. From all
accounts, the King's Men company was very popular, and records show that Shakespeare had
works published and sold as popular literature.

Please note Macbeth is NOT family entertainment. Its dark, full of murder,
manipulation, insanity, ghosts, and various references to bloody acts. Stage
productions often use quite a bit of stage blood in staging this play. It is,
after all, a tragedy, and that means the deaths of multiple characters,
including the main character.

Cast of Characters
Duncan
King of Scotland, Duncan is an old, gracious, pious, and
gentle man, who
resembles Lady Macbeths father
Malcom

Eldest son of Duncan, Prince of Cumberland

Donalbain

Youngest son of Donalbain

Macbeth
Scottish the Thane of Glamis, he is ambitious enough to
commit regicide
to become king
Lady Macbeth

His wife; ambitious and ruthless; later remorseful

Banquo

A Scottish Thane and Macbeths co-general in the wars;

murdered by hired killers

Macduf

The Thane of Fife, dedicated to the good of Scotland

Lennox

A young Thane, loyal to Duncan

Ross
Cousin to Macduf; Ross brings Duncan news of the
Norwegian invasion
Menteith
invades

One of the four Thanes who desert Macbeth when Malcom

Angus
A Thane who accompanies Ross in bringing Duncan
new of victory over
Norway
Cathness
invades

One of the four Thanes who desert Macbeth when Malcom

Fleance

Banquos son

Siward
soldier

English Earl, supporter of Malcom, and a veteran

Young Siward
is killed in battle

Siwards son, who bravely faces Macbeth though he

Seyton
him
Son to Macduf

Macbeths chief servant when his thanes abandon

Able to trade witticisms with his mother.

English Doctor
Involved in gathering suferers from the Evil to
receive the English kings
touch
Doctor of Physic Called in by Lady Macbeths servant to witness her sleepwalking
Sergeant
A sergeant in Duncans army who saved Malcom from
being captured
Porter
A porter at Macbeths castle who got extremely
drunk during the feast
for Duncan
Old Man
An old man whose memory stretches back seventy years
and is disturbed
by the unnatural phenomena that accompany Duncans
murder
First Murderer
The First Murderer has some grievances against
Macbeth that Macbeth
later convinces him were in fact Banquos fault
Second Murderer The Second Murderer has some grievances against
Macbeth that
Macbeth later convinces him were in fact Banquos fault
Third Murderer
The Third Murderer joins the first two at Macbeths
command for the
ambush to kill Banquo
Servant
Macbeths

A servant of the Macbeths who brings news of Duncan and

approach

Soldiers

Soldiers of Malcoms army

Lord

A nobleman who attends Macbeths feast

Gentlewoman
sleepwalking

A waiting-woman of Lady Macbeths who sees her

Hecate
First Witch

Queen of the witches

The apparent leader of the trio of witches

Second Witch
Third Witch

Speaks of present things, rather than past or future

Speaks of future things

Fourth Witch

Attends Hecate and adds ingredients to the brew

Fifth Witch

Attends Hecate and adds ingredients to the brew

Sixth Witch

Attends Hecate and adds ingredients to the brew

First Apparition
and warns

Appears in the warlike shape of a head wearing a helmet,

Macbeth of Macduf

Second Apparition
Tells Macbeth he will not die at the hand of someone
born of a woman
Third Apparition Tells Macbeth not to fear defeat until Birnam Wood comes
to Dunsinane
Macbeths Messenger
lookout
Messenger
her what he

One of the guards, charged with keeping a

Warns Lady Macduf that she should flee, but refuses to tell
fears

Themes of Macbeth
As you are reading this play, be aware of these themes. You will be writing
an essay about one of these themes at the end of the unit. You are strongly
urged to make notes about these themes as we read the play.
Unchecked ambition has the power
to corrupt even the best of men.

In order to be masculine, a man

needs to be willing to be cruel.

One cannot avoid ones fate, no

Overwhelming hubris will result in

matter how hard one tries.

ones downfall.

Macbeth Literary Devices

Shakespeare used literary devices he knew his Renaissance audience
would appreciate. As we read the play, be aware that the following will be
present in the play. Look for at least two of these in every act.
AllusionsShakespeare used both mythological and Biblical allusions.
ImageryShakespeare's mastery of language is exemplified through his
use of imagery such as similes, metaphors, personification, alliteration, and
symbols. Imagery is the word pictures Shakespeare paints.
SimilesThe idea of one understanding one concept by comparing it to
another, using the words like or as.
MetaphorsThe idea of one understanding one concept through the use of
another concept.
PersonificationPersonification is a type of metaphor in which a thing or
an abstract is represented as a person, or a part of a person.

Alliterationthe occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of

adjacent or closely connected words
Symbolismthe practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing
things with a symbolic meaning or character.
ForeshadowingShakespeares use of foreshadowing in this play is
extensive.
Dramatic IronyShakespeare's audience enjoyed being informed of events
before the characters were aware of the implications.
Macbeth Study Questions
Note the purpose of these questions is to allow you to ensure that you understand the
play and remember what is important as we go through it. These questions will not be
taken in for marks, although we will very quickly go over the correct answers in class
time. There are two types of questions: basic comprehension questions that ensure
that you understand the basic content, plot, and characters of the play, and discussion
questions that should help you to understand the significance of certain scenes and
important lines, as well as some of the symbolism and imagery in the play.
ACT I Comprehension Questions
Scene 1:
1) The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter. What does this
tell us about the mood of the play? What do the witches symbolize beyond just
superstition? Do you really believe that they are witches?

2) What do the witches mean when they say, Fair is foul, and foul is fair? What does
this tell you about what is likely to go on during the play?

3) How can a battle be Lost and won? What foreshadow might this set-up? What is
the real battle in this play?

4) Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad). What does this suggest
about the action of the play? What might they symbolize?

Scene ii:
1) What does the bloody man report?

2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel?

3) What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to describe
Macbeth and Banquo? What is significant about these descriptions?

4) Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another Golgotha.

What is the allusion? What is significant about the statement? What does it suggest?
Please keep in mind the religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented.

5) Who was Scotland fighting?

Scene iii:
1) Why do the witches talk in poetry?

2) What do the witches predict for Macbeth? What is the dramatic irony involved?

3) What do they witches predict for Banquo? What irony is involved in this promise?

4) What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii? What is your first impression
of Banquo?

5) How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions?
What does this tell us about their characters?

6) What message does Ross bring?

7) But tis strange! And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness
tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence. Who
speaks the above quote? What is the significance or meaning of the quote?

Scene iv:
1) What is Malcolms description of Cawdors execution?

2) What is the Kings response to this description?

3) Who does the King name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this
information?

4) Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at
the hand; yet let that be, which the eye fears, when it is done, to see. Who speaks this
quote and what is the significance of it?

ACT I Discussion Questions

1. What is the point of the first scene? What is the significance of the line: Fair is foul,
and foul is fair? What battle is the second witch referring to? Why is it lost and won?
2. The image of brave Macbeth unseaming Macdonwald from the nave to th chops
(I, ii, 22) is very graphic. Are we supposed to admire Macbeth here? Clearly the onstage
audience is supposed to. But are we? Consider the line memorize another Golgotha (I,
ii, 40). What is Shakespeares view of Macbeth here? Is there some irony to the use of
the words justice (I, ii, 29) and honor (I, ii, 44)?
3. What is the significance of Macbeths first line of the play (So foul and fair a day I
have not seen)? Why do the witches address Macbeth first? Why does Macbeth start
and seem to fear what the witches say? Why seems he rapt withal? What is Banquos
function in this play? Why do the witches also address him? What is the significance of
the witches? Why do they melt As breath into wind (I, iii, 80)?
4. Explain the significance of Macbeths soliloquy beginning at This supernatural
soliciting. . . (I, iii, 131). Why does Macbeth say, in the next scene, Stars, hide your
fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires (I, iv, 50-51).

5. Scene I, v opens with Lady Macbeth reading a letter from Macbeth. Consider what
she says. Why do you think Shakespeare gives us Lady Macbeths thoughts about
Macbeth at this point in the play? What is Ladys Macbeths function vis--vis Macbeth?
Why does she say, in her second soliloquy, that she must unsex herself?
6. Consider I, vii. Why does it begin with a soliloquy? What is Macbeth saying? Why
does Lady Macbeth appear when she does? What does she say to him? How does she
managed to change his mind? What is Shakespeare saying about the Macbeths focus
on manhood here?

ACT II Comprehension Questions

1. What is the point of the first scene (literally) and in reference to the whole play?

2. What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated
Macdonwald?

3. Who is sentenced to death?

4. What do the witches predict in Act I, Scene 3 for Macbeth? For Banquo?

5. What news does Ross bring Macbeth?

6. Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeths new
title. He is, however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the instruments of
darkness?

7. Malcolm describes Cawdors last moments before execution. What is Duncan s

reply?

8. Macbeth says, Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.
What are Macbeths desires?

9. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth,
and how does she plan to help him?

10. What is Lady Macbeths prayer to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing?

11. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?

12. What are Macbeths arguments to himself against killing Duncan?

13. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the
murder?

14. What is Lady Macbeths plan?

ACT II Comprehension Questions

Scene i:
1) Who says the following: Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A heavy
summons lies like lead upon me, and yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers, restrain in
me the cursed thoughts that nature gives away in repose. What is significant about the
quote? How has the atmosphere of the castle been changed?

2) Why does Banquo mention his dream of the Weird Sisters? Hint: Ironically this is his
last dream.

3) What does Macbeth say he and Banquo will talk about later in private?

4) Reread lines 42-70. Briefly summarize what Macbeth is saying in this soliloquy.

5) How does the illusion of the dagger play into the mindset of either witchcraft or
Macbeth losing it.

Scene ii:
1) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, That which hath made them drunk
hath made me bold?

2) Symbolically what does the fatal bellman toll? More than one thing here. And who is
the fatal bellmenthe one Lady Macbeth hears?

3) How do you read the lines, Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done
t. What does this say about Lady Macbeth?

4) Sleep is an important symbol in this play. Please keep a list of all the times (with line
numbers) that sleep is mentioned in Act II.

5) What is meant when Macbeth says, Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep?

6) Why is Lady Macbeth upset with Macbeth towards the end of scene ii?

7) What is symbolic about the knocking that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hear?

8) What does Lady Macbeth say about washing of hands at the end of the scene? Do
you believe her?

Scene iii:
1) How is the Porter a humorous character? What does he say about drink? How does
he metaphorical set the atmosphere of the scene?

2) Who is at the gates? (more than 1 person)

3) What does Macduff mean when he says, Confusion now hath made his
masterpiece!?

4) How does Macbeth react to the news of the kings murder? How does Lady Macbeth
react?

5) Where do Donalbain and Malcolm decide to go? Why?

Scene iv:
1) What is meant by the old man when he says, On Tuesday last, a falcon, towring in
her pride of place, was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed? What is symbolically
suggested here? Hint: Relate the birds to scene ii.

2) What does Macduff say about Malcolm and Donalbain?

3) What does Macduff say about Macbeth?

4) What is meant by the line, Lest our old robes sit easier than our new?

5) Why doesnt Macduff go to the coronation?

ACT II Discussion Questions

1. II, i begins with Banquo and Fleance. Consider the setting. What time of day is it?
Why is this significant? What cursd thoughts is Banquo referring to? Macbeth
emerges from the dark and a brief conversation follows between Banquo and Macbeth.
Consider what each man says. Why do you think Shakespeare chooses to juxtapose
Banquo and Macbeth at this point? What about Fleance? Why is he also included in the
scene?
2. II, i ends with Macbeths dagger soliloquy. What is the point of this soliloquy? What
does it tell us about Macbeths mind? How do the images of the dagger compare with
what
Macbeth has said previously about the bloody deed he imagines? This is the last
soliloquy before the bloody deed. Why is important to hear Macbeths thoughts at this
stage?
3. What is the significance of the Porters speech that begins II, iii?
4. Trace all the references to knocking in Act II. What do they signify? Why is Macbeth
appalled by the knocking? Why does he say I wish it would wake Duncan? Macduff
believes that the knocking has awoken Macbeth. If we take this not just literally but
symbolically, how could the knocking awake Macbeth? Awake Macbeth to himself,
perhaps? But this implies a divided self? How is Macbeth divided within himself? What
would he have to do to rescue himself from himself? Is it too late? Is there still hope?

ACT III Comprehension Questions

Scene i:

1) What is Banquos opening soliloquy about? Please translate it line by line.

Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and I fear
Thou playedst most foully for t. Yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
And set me up in hope? But hush, no more.

2) Why does Macbeth wish Banquo dead (name at least 2 reasons)look at his speech
in lines 50-76?

3) What is significant about the following quote, For them the gracious Duncan I have
murder;/ Put rancors in the vessel of my peace/ only for them,

4) How does Macbeth convince the murders?

Scene ii:
1) What is significant about the quote, We have scotched the snake not killed it./ Shell
close and be herself, whilst our poor malice/ remains in danger of the former tooth.
What does Macbeth mean?

2) Why does Macbeth tell his wife, Be innocent of the knowledge dearest chuck,/ till
thou applaud the deed.?

3) What is significant in the quote, Come, seeling night, Scarf up the tender eye of
pitiful day,/ and with bloody and invisible hand/ cancel and tear to pieces that great
bond/ which keeps me pale. What is Macbeth saying and what is the great bond?

4) Explain the symbolism of crows, night and sleep in this scene. What does it suggest?

Scene iii:
1) What happens in this scene? What is botched?

Scene iv:
1) What event is most important in this scene?

2) Why does Macbeth say, There the grown serpent lies; the worm thats fled/ hath
nature that in time will venom breed,/ no teeth for the present. What is he talking
about? Who is he talking about?

3) What is significant about Banquos ghost? What does it suggest? How does Macbeth
react to it? Is it real or in Macbeths mind?

4) Discuss how blood is used in this scene. What does it symbolize?

5) How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeths visions?

Scene v:
1) Most critics think this scene was placed into Macbeth by a different/later author
(someone other Shakespeare). Do you agree or not? Why?

Scene vi:

1) What does Lennox say in this scene about Fleance and Banquo?

2) What would have happened to Duncan's sons if Macbeth had them under lock and
key?

3) Where did Macduff go?

ACT III Discussion Questions

1. Consider Macbeths conversation with the two murderers. How does he persuade
them to go through with the murder? Why is this significant? What does this tell us
about Macbeth? Is he becoming increasingly desensitized to murder?
2. Why does a third murderer appears in III, iii? The identity of the third murderer
remains mysterious. Is it plausible to argue that Macbeth himself is the third murderer?
3. Why is Macbeth so terrified of Banquos ghost? Consider Macbeths speech, Blood
hath been shed ere now, itholden time (III, iv, 76-83). What is Macbeth saying here?
Why is the representation of murder in ones internal conscience more terrifying than
the act itself?

ACT IV Comprehension Questions

Scene i:
1) What are the four visions that Macbeth sees?

2) Which visions does he misread or misunderstand and why?

3) What news does Lennox bring Macbeth?

4) What does Macbeth decide from Lennoxs news?

5) How might this scene be a possible climax for the play?

Scene ii:
1) Why does Shakespeare include a scene with Lady Macduff and her son?

2) What is important about this scene?

3) List one motif or symbol from this scene?

Scene iii:
1) Why has Macduff come to England?

2) What is Malcolms fear in lines 10-19?

3) Who does the lamb represent in these lines?

4) What is significant in the lines Angles are bright still, though the brightest
fell./Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,/ yet grace must still look so.

5) What is significant in the line, Bleed, bleed, pour country!

6) What does Malcolm call Macbeth? What list of adjectives does he use?

7) How has Malcolm changed since Act II?

8) What is the atmosphere of this scene? Why is this important?

9) What news does the doctor bring? How is this symbolic to the scene, especially to
Malcolm?

10) How many men did England lend Macduff?

11) What does Macduff mean when he says, But I must also feel it as a man.
ACT IV Discussion Questions
1. Consider Lady Macduffs lines at 4.2.74-84 (Whither should I fly?). What comment
is being made on the role of women in this play? Compare Lady Macduff to Lady
Macbeth.
2. Why does Malcolm protest so much to Macduff in 4.3? Why does he say he will be
even worse than Macbeth if he becomes king? Is this a version of the temptation scene
that Shakespeare routinely dangles before his protagonists?

ACT V
Scene i:
1) What do the nurse (gentlewoman) and the doctor see?

2) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, Out, damned spot! Out, I say!...will
these hands never be clean.

3) What is wrong with Lady Macbeth at this point of the play?

Scene ii:
1) What happens in this scene? What new characters are introduced? Why?

2) What is the significance of the scene?

3) What is meant when Caithness says, Some say hed mad; others that lesser hate
him do call it valiant fury?

Scene iii:
1) How would you describe Macbeths attitude and mood in this scene?

2) Why isnt Macbeth afraid? Do his soldiers seem afraid? Why or why not?

Scene iv:
1) What does Malcolm order the soldiers to do?

Scene v:
1) What is meant when Macbeth says, She should have died here-after?

2) What is the significant of the following quote, Lifes but a walking shadow, a poor
player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is told no more. It is a tale
told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

Scene vi:
1) What is important about this scene?

Scene vii:
1) Who does Macbeth kill in this scene? What is significant about this death?

Scene viii:
1) What happens in this scene?

2) Why does Macbeth lose heart in the fight against Macduff?

3) Who is named king at the end of the play?

ACT V Discussion Questions

1. Why is Lady Macbeth sleepwalking? Is her conscience pricked? But if so, why only
while she sleeps?

2. Consider Macbeths bleak lines at V, v, 17-28. Why does he react this way to his
wifes death? Is this what happens when one has supped full with horrors (V, v, 13)?