Macbeth Act 4

ACT 4

Scene 1

31.       List the four apparitions and the message each one brings.

1) Armed head: it gives the message to Macbeth to beware of Macduff.

2) Bloody child: it symbolizes Macduff as an infant. It gives the message that Macbeth will not be harmed from any man of woman born.

3) Child crowned bearing a tree in it hand: It symbolizes Macduff. It gives the message to Macbeth that he will not be defeated before Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.

4) Apparitions of a line of kings: It all resembles Banquo, which brings the message that Banquo’s son will be the next king and Macbeth will be killed.

Scene 2

32.       Why does Macbeth having Macduff’s wife, son and household killed?

Macbeth’s hired assassins to kill Macduff’s family because his suspicion toward Macduff grows immensely and he tries to get rid of any threat that could be posed on him. Also Macbeth finds out that Macduff turned against him by joining with Malcolm and does the heinous act.

Scene 3

33.       What state is Scotland in with Macbeth as king? How does this compare to England under Edward?

Scotland with Macbeth in king is very bad and chaotic. As shown in “But cruel are the times, when we are traitors/ And do not know ourselves, when we hold rumour / From what we fear, yet know not what we fear, / But float upon a wild and violent sea / Each way and move”, Scotland has changed for the worse. However it compares to the peace and good state that England is in under Edward. This difference shows the divine right of the King as the person who was not supposedly appointed to be the king (Macbeth) makes the country go wrong and the person who was appointed to be the king (Edward) rules the country in peace.

34.       How does Malcolm test Macduff’s loyalty? Why is this important?

Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty by asking him questions and challenging him with weird suggestions. Malcolm says that he will do tyrannical acts when he becomes the king. However Malcolm answers that he will still help Malcolm to be the king, but would be sad for Scotland. This is important because it shows Macduff’s eagerness to be against Macbeth. Also it shows Macduff’s patriotism and loyalty to Scotland over self motivations.

Macbeth Act3

ACT 3

Scene 1

26.       What are Macbeth’s reasons for having Banquo assassinated?

Banquo suspects that Macbeth killed Duncan and all the titles that he gained were not gained fairly. Then Macbeth thinks that he needs to assassinate Banquo in order to keep his title. However he tells the assassinators that because the prophecy told that Banquo’s sons will be kings; it could have been that Banquo was the killer of Duncan. Also he mentions to the assassinators how Banquo was the one that made their lives miserable.

Scene 2

27.  What changes can you notice in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth since the beginning of the play?

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are full of guilt and their confidence is lost. Also they are fearful of everything and suspects of a lot of things. Macbeth says things that indicates that he regrets as “Better be with the dead, Whom we, to gain, have sent to peace, Than on the torture of the mind to lie In restless ecstasy” indicates that he even wants to be dead because he is full of pressure by fear.
Also their power positions change as Macbeth becomes more morbid and confident, but Lady Macbeth actually tries to stop Macbeth from doing the misdeed.

Scene 4

28.              What impression do you have of Macbeth in this scene?

Macbeth is too fearful that it is deriving him to hallucinate. He sees the bloody ghost and frightens it. All the horrible acts that he did is becoming karma and coming back to him. Since he is responsible for all these irrationalities; he must take care of it.  

Scene 6

29.        Why is Lennox suspicious of Macbeth?

Macbeth seems suspicious as so many strange things evolved around him. Duncan died and after he pities Duncan and even kills the two guards. Also he suspects that Macbeth could have been evolved when Banquo was killed.

30.        Where has Macduff gone and why?

Macduff went to the English court where Malcolm was staying to gain help from King Edward. He hopes that King Edward forms an alliance with him so that he can regain the throne that was meant for him from the first time.

Macbeth Act 2

Act 2

Scene 1

18.        Read lines 1 – 30 up to the point where Banquo exits. What impression do we have of Banquo from these verses?

The line “I’m seeking to augment it but still keep/My bosom franchised and allegiance clear,/I shall make honor for you” suggests that he has committed to not be involved in anything evil and dishonorable. Thus the exit of Banquo suggests his loyalty and good hearted nature. However he is conflicted with the situation because the prophecy of Macbeth comes true.

19.        What thoughts are going through Macbeth’s mind before he kills Duncan (41 – 72) Is this a dagger . . .to hell”?

Macbeth is creating illusions that are not real. The hallucinations he sees are daggers in blood and he tries to win over them. He sees these illusions because he feels guilty and the guilt is driving him to be trapped in fear and horror of what he has to do, which is to kill Duncan.

Scene 2

20.        How does Lady Macbeth assist in the assassination of Duncan? What reason does she give for not killing Duncan herself?“

Lady Macbeth provides ample alcohol, which has been drugged, for the guards so that they can be drunk and fall into sleep. It is indicated in “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold;” Also constantly throughout act 1, she encourages Macbeth to be courageous and kill Duncan. However she fails to do it herself because Duncan reminds her of his father as she mentions through “Had he not resembled My father as he slept, I had done’t”

21.        What differences do you notice in how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth react after Duncan has been murdered?

Macbeth is trapped in horror and he is very shocked that he committed such evil. He is terrified by his own actions and even imagines of hearing voices. However unlike her husband, Lady Macbeth stays bold as she takes the bloody knife that was used to kill Duncan to the servants so that it makes them look as if they have done it.

Scene 3

22.        What role does the porter play at the beginning of this scene?

The porter provides a comic relief throughout the scene. With the murder of Duncan and all the emotions growing to the climax, the viewers of the play feel anxious and tensions rise. Thus with the funny actions and jokes by the drunken porter, the viewer feels more relaxed and become ready for the other scenes. 
Also the "gate keeper of hell" foreshadows the heavenly punishment of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

23.        How does Macbeth explain the killing of the grooms?

Macbeth mentions “Who can be wise, amazed, temp'rate, and furious, Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man. Th' expedition of my violent love Outrun the pauser, reason.” It shows his justification that he commited the killing of the grooms because he was so furious and angry about the fact that Duncan died. He was so outraged and acted on such violent level.  

24.        Why do Malcolm and Donalbain flee?

Malcolm and Donalbain flee to England and Island for their own safety. They are worried that they might get murdered as their father, Duncan has been. The concern is based on their idea that someone must have killed Duncan to get the throne and since they are the leading powers in Cumberland, they could be killed as well. However other people of Cumberland could think that Malcolm and Donalbain flee because they killed Duncan and was fearful of getting caught.

Scene 4

25.        What unnatural happenings occur the night of Duncan’s murder? Why does Shakespeare mention these? You need to ensure you are familiar with the notion of “The Great Chain of Being”.

On the night of Duncan’s murder unnatural things happen. First of all heavy storms surround Cumberland and although it is day, the darkness covers the sky. Also an own that usually catches a mouse caught a falcon which goes against the natural food chain and horses eat each other.

I believe that these unnatural events are mentioned to show the absolutism of the king. As people of that time believed in the divine rights of the kings, when Duncan was murdered, the gods were furious and caused all those abnormalities.

“The Great Chain of Being” refers to a concept which believes that there are hierarchy in the society, which in highest being Christian God and lowest being lowest form of life such as trees and rocks. Thus this concept gives divine rights to King. This is connected in Macbeth as Macbeth tries to over throw and erodes the Great Chain of Being by killing Duncan.  

Macbeth Act 1 Scene 5,6,7

Scene 5

11, 12    What further insight does Lady Macbeth’s speech provide into the character of Macbeth? What impression does the audience have of Lady Macbeth in this scene? How does Shakespeare create this impression (here examine his use of imagery and diction).

 Look carefully at the imagery and diction used to describe Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy suggests character description for both her and Macbeth. It best shows her ambition and determination to make Macbeth the king of Cumberland. With her imagery to king shown by “All that impedes thee from the golden round Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem To have thee crowned withal,” with the use of word ‘golden round’ and ‘crown’; it suggests her eagerness to aid Macbeth with anything to make him the king. Another imagery that is created is gruesome and creates fear to her. Throughout this soliloquy her enthusiasm is emphasized, but on the second soliloquy of this scene, when she mentions “unsex me” the idea is further highlighted since she is even letting her feminine side away. It is strongly suggested to the audience that nothing will stop her from making Macbeth the king.

In contrast to the strong impression of Lady Macbeth; Macbeth is described to be more of a benign character, who is too afraid to act on his own. “What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature. It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way” suggests that Macbeth is to humane to commit murder. However dictions such as ‘highly’, ‘holily’, and ‘great’ shows that Lady Macbeth looks up to Macbeth and considers him to be respectable.

Scene 6

13.       How does Shakespeare position the audience to view King Duncan?

King Duncan is described to be a respectable person. He seems to be a nice, good king for Cumberland. “See, see, our honored hostess! The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains, And thank us for your trouble” shows his kindness and cordialness. Although he is of high position, he still honors other people and thanks their actions.

14.        Explain the dramatic irony in the scene and how Shakespeare achieves this.

The dramatic irony achieved through this scene is mainly how King Duncan is very eager to get into the house of his murderer. He thanks the hostess and honours them with high appraisals such as ‘Which still we thank of love,” and “And thank us for your trouble,” However this creates a dramatic irony in which it contrasts to Macbeth’s soliloquy in scene 7 where he constantly thinks about murdering Duncan and also contrasts to Macbeth’s conversation with Lady Macbeth where she constantly reassures him that murdering will be the right choice.

Scene 7

15.        What reasons does Macbeth give for not killing the king (12 – 20, 33 – 37) If it were done . . . on the other.”  And “We will proceed . . .so soon”.

First of all he mentions that the king already trusts him as he is the king’s kinsman and service, but also a host. Also Duncan is a good and humble king so there is no reason to kill him. Moreover Duncan has granted Macbeth with honor as he was titled the Thane of Cawdor. Lastly he mentions that he enjoys his reputation at the moment and does not want to do anything to harm it.

16.        How does Macbeth describe himself in lines 25 – 28 “I have no spur . . .on the other”?

Macbeth describes himself to have ambitions and temptations. His eagerness to carry out the prophecy is motivated by his ambitions and temptations; and it is so great that even he doubts about his actions. The overzealous ambition derives himself to be self-conscious and rethink the idea of murder.

17.        Examine the dialogue between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to go through with the murder? What role does she play in the murder of Duncan? How do you feel about her at this point in the play?

Lady Macbeth is the trigger in the murder of Duncan. She makes sure that Macbeth does not feel condemned to murder Duncan and reassures him that his actions are just. She persuades Macbeth by calling him a coward (Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would, ” Like the poor cat i' th' adage?), belittling him (What beast was ’t, then, That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man.), but also giving courage to him and reassuring him that the blame will not be on him. Personally I feel like she has become the ultimate evil and she is blinded by her motivations, that she cannot disguise the right and the wrong. She seems extremely fanatical. 

Macbeth Act 1 Scene 2

Scene 2

2.          Explain the details of the conflict we are greeted with in this scene. Why does Shakespeare choose this setting to introduce the characters of Macbeth and Banquo?

The captain returns from the battle and tells King Duncan that Scotland has won its battle against Norway. He recognizes the effort that Macbeth has made and praises Macbeth’s bravery and leadership throughout the battle. Macbeth has killed one of the betrayers of Scotland, Macdonwald. However he also mentions how Banquo was a great leader as well. After Ross comes into tell Duncan how Macbeth has won every fight with Norway in the battle and the Norwegian King has defeated. Ross recommends Macbeth to win the title of Thane of Cawdor, who was leader of the traitors. Duncan agrees that Macbeth is worthy of having the title. The setting is a glorious battle moment being summarized to the king. Shakespeare chooses this setting to emphasize the loyalty and braveness of Macbeth and Banquo. It is to show their good-nature which foreshadows the irony made by the change of Macbeth’s personality by the witches, but further emphasizes on the good parts of Banquo.

3.          Who are Macbeth and Banquo? What impression does the audience have of them? How is this created?

             Macbeth and Banquo are two captains in the battle against Norway, so they must be soldiers of high rank. The impression that the audience can gain is emphasized through the summaries of another captain and Ross. Sentences such as “For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name—Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution, Like valor’s minion carved out his passage Till he faced the slave;” and “ I must report they were As cannons overcharged with double cracks,” indicates Macbeth and Banquo’s braveness throughout the fight. They are loyal to the nation and the kind and remain courageous and confident.

4.          What is to happen to the Thane of Cawdor and why (Lines 72 – 74)? What significance does this have for the rest of the play?

             The Thane of Cawdor gets executed by Duncan because he had betrayed Cumberland. Then the title is given to Macbeth. This is significant because this is the first authority that Macbeth gains and it leads to him wanting more and more. Also this is one of the prophecy made by the three witches which leads Macbeth to believe in the other prophecy to come true. Thus what happens to the Thane of Cawdor effects Macbeth in how his personality and fate changes.

2012/1/13/ Friday - Ambition

What is ambition? 
Ambition is the hope of achieving something grandiose. It is the deep need that motivates you to do the actions to gain what you want. It is an eager and great desire that urges people to attain and complete tasks that gives supremacy. Ambition creates goals in life for individuals and for societal levels as well and it is what motivates people to go through risky situations even though failure could be expected. It ultimately is the force that drives you to do things. Ambition can be considered to be one of human's basic instincts as we can be ambitious in any ways.


Is it important to have ambition? Why? Why not? 
It is important to have ambition because it is what derives you and motivates you to achieve something in your life. Basically ambition is a goal in life.  A person without ambition will not be able to be the leader of their life. The life that ambition does not exist will go nowhere because not one achievement can be made without ambition. However ambition will be not useful if it is not backed up with continuous effort to achieve it. Effort makes ambition possible and without the attempt, what you want will just be something of a dream.


What are some of your ambitions? How do you hope to achieve these?
Ambitions that I have are both on personal level and on societal level. I want to achieve things for my own good, but also for the communities that I take part in as well. Thus on smaller levels I want to improve friendship and bond between families, but also I have bigger ambition to improve the whole society. First on a personal level, my current biggest ambition is to successfully graduate SFS and get into the college of my dream. I try my best to finish homework with good effort and quality to get higher grades which will allow me to achieve this. Second, I would like to be more social in different communities and interact with more people. Thus I try to be outgoing and well-rounded with people to become part of the group. Third, on more larger level, my ambition is to achieve peace around the world. It is very vague and it is hard to achieve this, but still it is one of my hopes.


What are the effects or consequences of having ambition? How can it help or hinder you? Ambition will lead to great desire. That desire drives people to work on with their best effort to achieve something. Ambition will bring success and get you what you want. However these are the positive effects and consequences of ambition. Quite often people tend to disregard their morals and ethics just to achieve something. What is important to them on personal level becomes so great that the bigger importance of community becomes forgotten. Acts such as lying, cheating, hurting other people's feelings become usual as they continue to follow their ambitions. Thus although it may help someone to be at a greater position, it will hinder their morality.