Presentation begins with useful terminology for Shakespearean study. Use when introducing Macbeth - includes some analysis of the latter portion of the play

2.  Aside: Occurs when one character is speaking to
another (or to themselves) and the other characters on
stage do not hear it.
 Soliloquy: When an actor speaks ALONE on stage.
 Monologue: When one character speaks for a fairly
long period of time while the others listen in silence.
 Dialogue: when two characters are interacting on
stage.

3.  Irony: When something is expected to happen and the
opposite occurs.
 Dramatic irony: When the audience knows more
about a character or event than the characters do.
 Stage directions: The specific instructions given by the
writer (Shakespeare), in order to allow the actors to
know what to do.
 Protagonist: The central character in a work of fiction
e.g. Othello
 Antagonist: The character in opposition to the central
character. E.g. Iago

4.  The title is ALWAYS indicated by underlining it or by
placing it within inverted commas e.g.
 Macbeth
Or
 “Macbeth”
 When referring to the author, always use their full
name e.g. William Shakespeare OR the surname only.
 Never refer to an author by their first name.

5.  The play “Macbeth” is named after the main character.
 When you are writing a literary essay on the play, it is
important to remember that Macbeth the man is
written as normal, while the title is either underlined
or in inverted commas.
 E.g. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the audience
witnesses various events which lead to the downfall of
Macbeth.

6.  When quoting, always remember to use quotation
marks at the start and end of the line/s.
 Also indicate who said this and where in the play it is
found.
 E.g. “Fair is foul, foul is fair.” – The Witches (1/1)

7.  Good and evil are inverted in “Macbeth”. One sees this
in Act 1, scene 1 when the Witches state, “fair is foul,
foul is fair.”
OR
 The inversion of good vs. evil is a common theme in
“Macbeth” – one sees this in act 1, when the witches
say, “fair is foul and foul is fair.”

8. An introduction to William
Shakespeare’s

9.  The subject matter deals with important and serious
events.
 The hero passes from happiness to misfortune.
 This may be as the result of:
 a tragic flaw in the hero’s character,
 the workings of fate
 A combination of the two.
 The influence of external forces

10.  He is essentially a good person and therefore the audience
experiences pity and fear as the tragedy unfolds.
 All Shakespeare’s tragic heroes are extraordinary in some
way – either royalty or very powerful men.
 Each hero must make choices regarding the problems
which face him.
 Due to his fatal flaw in his character he makes a few decisions
which lead to his downfall
 The main character = the protagonist
 These choices determine the fate of the tragic hero.
hero.
 At the end, the tragic hero hits “rock bottom” and is faced
with the reality of his actions. He then seeks redemption in
some form.

11.  Acts 1 and 2: The tragic hero becomes
involved in events and makes choices that
have a significant impact on his life.
 Act 3: A moment in the plot which seals the
tragic fate of the hero.
 Acts 4 and 5: The remainder of the plot is
worked out until some form of resolution is
reached at the end.
In act 5, the tragic hero may make a choice
which results in his redemption.

12. ACT 1
ACT 2
ACT 3
ACT 4
ACT 5
There is a build-up of
events in the play....
The crisis/climax:
(the moment of highest
tension)
The play heads toward
the conclusion of events.
The resolution (not
necessarily
positive).

13. Macbeth as a tragic hero:
Macbeth is a well respected
personat the startofthe
play
Macbeth is convinced by Lady
Macbeth to do something
horrible toget a position he
desires. His ambition is his main fatal flaw
Macbeth

14.  Macbeth, 3.3.165-7  What does this mean?
 3 = Act 3
 3 = Scene 3
 165-7 = Line numbers

16. 1. Is evil inherent in (built-into) human nature? (Are some
people just “born evil,” or is evil caused by circumstance?)
2. Are women “naturally” more evil than men or is it the
other way around? Explain your response.
3. Are our lives controlled by fate, or our actions - free will?
4. Define the concept of redemption in your own words &
then answer the following question: Is redemption truly
possible? Is it possible to admire or respect a person who
has committed acts of genuine evil?
5. Do “the ends justify the means”? (If someone uses evil
methods to achieve a goal – is that goal corrupted or contaminated
by the evil actions?

17. William Shakespeare

18.  Macbeth was an 11th Century Scot who took the throne in
1040 after killing King Duncan I, his cousin, in a battle near
Elgin in the Moray district of Scotland. He was 34.
 Of his reign, Fitzroy MacLean has written the following:
“Macbeth appears, contrary to popular belief, to have been a
wise monarch and to have ruled Scotland successfully and
well for seventeen prosperous years.”
 In 1057, Duncan’s oldest son, Malcolm, ended Macbeth’s
reign by killing him in battle and later assuming the throne
as Malcolm III.

19.  Duncan: King of Scotland
 Malcolm, Donalbain: Sons of
King Duncan.
 Macbeth: Ambitious army
general in Scotland.
 Lady Macbeth: Wife of
Macbeth
 Banquo: Army general and
friend of Macbeth
 Fleance: Son of Banquo.
 Three Witches: Hags who
predict Macbeth’s future.
 Hecate, Witch 4: Leaderof the
witches and queen of Hades.
 Lennox, Ross, Menteith,
Angus, Caithness: Scottish
noblemen
 First Apparition: A head with
arms.
 Second Apparition: A bloody
child.
 Third Apparition: A crowned
child holding a tree.
 Macduff: Scottish nobleman
and lord of Fife
 Lady Macduff: Wife of Macduff.
 Son of Macduff: One of the
Macduff children
 Siward: Earl of
Northumberland, general of the
English forces.
 Young Siward: Son of Siward.

20.  All the characters are important to the events that
occur in Macbeth and therefore, it is vital to your
understanding that you get familiar with each person.
 When studying a play or a novel, think of the
characters as real human beings – if you imagine
them to be just like you then it is easier to understand
what motivates them to act as they do.
 Once you understand the characters – then you are
able to answer questions about them AND analyse
their actions.

22.  As a storm rages, three witches appear, speaking in
rhyming, paradoxical couplets: “when the battle’s lost
and won” (1.1.4); “fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.10).
 They agree to meet again on the heath (plain) when
the battle now raging ends. There they’ll meet
Macbeth.
 The witches’ rhyming speech makes them seem
inhuman, ominous, and paranormal, which, in fact,
they are.

24. MACBETH

25.  Macduff’s family has just been brutally murdered and
he is sadly unaware of this tragedy.
 He is currently in England at the castle of King
Edward, trying to convince Malcolm to fight for his
rightful place as king of Scotland.

26.  Outside King Edward’s palace, Malcolm speaks with
Macduff, telling him that he does not trust him since
he has left his family in Scotland and may be secretly
working for Macbeth.
 To determine whether Macduff is trustworthy,
Malcolm rambles on about his own moral weaknesses.
 He admits that he wonders whether he is fit to be
king, since he claims to be lustful, greedy, and violent.

27.  At first, Macduff politely disagrees with his future
king, but eventually Macduff cannot keep himself
from crying out, “O Scotland, Scotland!” (4.3.101).
 Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland leads him to agree that
Malcolm is not fit to govern Scotland and perhaps not
even to live.
 By speaking his mind - Macduff has passed Malcolm’s
test of loyalty. Malcolm then retracts the lies he has
put forth about his supposed shortcomings and
embraces Macduff as an ally.

28.  A doctor appears briefly and mentions that a “crew of
wretched souls” waits for King Edward so they may be
cured (4.3.142).
 Malcolm explains to Macduff that King Edward has a
miraculous power to cure disease.
 Ross enters. He has just arrived from Scotland, and
tells Macduff that his wife and children are well.
 He urges Malcolm to return to his country, listing the
troubles that have befallen Scotland since Macbeth
took the crown.

29.  Malcolm says that he will return with ten thousand
soldiers lent him by the English king.
 Ross eventually confesses to Macduff that Macbeth has
murdered his wife and children.
 Macduff is crushed with grief. Malcolm urges him to
turn his grief to anger, and Macduff assures him that
he will inflict revenge upon Macbeth.

30.  Quotes to remember:
 “I shall do so; But I must also feel it as a man” – Macduff
acknowledging that he WILL take revenge BUT he also
needs to grieve for his family.
 “Let grief convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage
it” – Malcolm encouraging Macduff to use his grief to
cement his desire for revenge and not let it weaken him.

31.  Malcolm and Macduff now state that they will
definitely go to Scotland and get their revenge on
Macbeth.
 They go to see King Edward and make preparations for
the attack.
“Bring thou this fiend of Scotland ----- Heaven forgive
him too.”  Macduff threatening to kill Macbeth

32.  After the last emotional scene – we discover something
shocking about Lady Macbeth in this scene.
 The doctor plays the role of the ‘informer’ to the
audience.
 We see that Lady Macbeth is haunted by the things
that she has done in the past. (killing Duncan)

33.  The doctor and the waiting gentlewoman discuss what
has been happening with Lady Macbeth:
 She sleepwalks,
 Gets paper out of her cupboard,
 Folds it,
 Writes on it,
 Reads it,
 Seals it (in an envelope)
 And returns to bed.

34.  The doctor does not believe the gentlewoman until he
witnesses Lady Macbeth walking with the candle.
 She washes her hands – which puzzles the doctor and
then she speaks (another sign of a guilty conscience)
 She says: “Out, damned spot!” Out I say”
 We know this to refer to the “blood” she sees on her hands 
Duncan’s blood.

35.  She has a guilty conscience about her role in Duncan’s
murder.
 It seems as though Lady Macbeth is regretting the
effects that have come about as a result of Duncan’s
murder – Macbeth killing the two guards, killing
Banquo, Killing Macduff’s ENTIRE family etc.
 It is possible that she feels Macbeth would not have
done these evil deeds if Duncan had not been
murdered.

36.  We see Lady Macbeth speak about the murders she
has been involved in: Macduff’s family, Banquo and
Duncan.
 She relives these moments because she cannot and has
not dealt with them on a conscious level. Despite all
the trauma she feels – she has to keep supporting her
husband.
 It is clear that she wants Macbeth to stop his
murderous ways when she says: “No more o’that my
Lord.”

37.  After witnessing the strange behaviour of Lady
Macbeth, the doctor realises he cannot help her.
 “More needs she the divine than the physician.”
 All the doctor can advise is to keep Lady Macbeth away
from anything she could use to injure herself.

38.  We learn that Malcolm and the army are on their way
to meet MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS, LENNOX,
and the soldiers.
 They plan to meet near BIRNHAM WOOD, Donalbain
is not with his brother although Old Siward’s son is
with Malcolm and Macduff.
 At the time, Macbeth is fortifying his castle at
Dunsinane. Caithness says that “Some say he’s mad”
while others call it a brave anger.
 Macbeth is definitely out of control.

39. Summary Act 5, Scene 2
• Angus now describes Macbeth as finally
feeling the blood of his enemies on his
hands.
• Even the soldiers who Macbeth commands
are not fighting out of loyalty or love – only
because he is the king.

40. IMPORTANT QUOTE
‘Now does he feel his title
Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe
Upon a dwarfish thief.’ Angus (Act 5, Scene 2)
Macbeth now seems too “small” to be a great
king, like a midget trying to wear the robes of
a giant.

41. Summary Act 5, Scene 2
• Menteith states that it is not surprising for
Macbeth to be acting crazy because he feels
intense guilt for all his evil deeds.
• The men decide to carry on with their
march so they can give their loyalty to
someone who really deserves it  Malcolm

42. Summary Act 5, Scene 3
• We finally see Macbeth for the first time in
a long while – he is with the doctor and
attendants.
• Despite the reports of people deserting his
cause – Macbeth feels that he has no reason
to worry. WHY??
• He believes in the apparitions and the
spirits who know the future.

43. Summary Act 5, Scene 3
• A servant brings news that the ‘rebel army’
numbers TEN THOUSAND.
• Macbeth is angry that the boy shows such
fear and he commands the servant to
become brave  clear that he does not feel
in danger.
• Macbeth says that this battle will either
cement his rule OR topple him from the
throne.

44. Summary Act 5, Scene 3
• We see a moment of weakness when Macbeth
reveals that he has lived a long life – but will
get none of the pleasure that comes with being
old (such as loyal friends) instead he has
traitors whispering behind his back
• However, Macbeth regains his courage and
firmly tells his seton :
“I’ll fight, till from my bones my flesh be
hacked.’
• The seton tries to advise Macbeth that the
armour is not necessary but he is ignored.

45. Summary Act 5, Scene 3
•Macbeth asks about his wife and the doctor
reveals that she is not sick, but she is suffering
from visions which prevent her from sleeping.
•After hearing that his wife is suffering,
Macbeth asks if the doctor cannot cure her
somehow.
•The doctor’s response is that she will need to
heal herself in order to deal with her mental
disturbances.

46. Summary Act 5, Scene 3
•Macbeth refuses to believe the doctors words
– he resumes his commanding attitude and
starts ordering everyone around.
•The forces from England are drawing closer
to the castle and this increases Macbeth’s
paranoia.

47.  We shift our focus to Malcolm and his forces.
 Siward enquires about the name of the wood they are
camped it  BIRNAM WOOD
 Malcolm now gives an instruction for the soldiers to
each carry a bough (branch) and carry it in front of
him  this is to hide their true numbers and sneak up
on Macbeth...
...IT IS ALMOST AS THOUGH BIRNAM WOOD IS
MOVING TO DUNSINANE CASTLE...
 The soldiers then advance to Dunsinane castle where
the battle will decide their fate.

48.  The action shifts back to the castle.
 Macbeth is preparing to face the attack by the English
forces – it is just a matter of time before they arrive at
his door.
 The women inside the castle cry out and the seton
reports the tragic news
‘The queen, my lord, is dead’ (5,5, 16)
 Macbeth is understandably upset...

49.  He says that she would have died later anyway.
 ‘Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. Creeps in
this petty pace from day to day.’  The days creep
slowly along until the end of time.
 Every day we live takes us closer to our deaths.
 ‘Out, out, brief candle. Life is but a walking shadow’
Life is nothing more than an illusion.
 Life is a story told by an idiot, full of noise and
emotional disturbance but devoid of meaning.
 Is Macbeth being insensitive and cold OR is he just
facing reality? Why do you say this?

50.  Right after hearing of his wife’s death – Macbeth is
told by a messenger:
‘As I did stand my watch upon the hill,/ I looked toward
Birnam, and anon methought/The wood began to move.’
 Macbeth is enraged by this statement and goes to
investigate – threatening the messenger with death if
he is lying.
 If, however, the messenger is truthful, then Macbeth
states he might as well kill himself.
 His faith in the apparitions is declining as they said:
‘Fear not, till Birnam wood/ Do come to Dunsinane;’
 And now the wood DOES come toward the castle.

51.  A very short scene near Dunsinane Castle gate.
 The English army has gone far enough and Malcolm
instructs them to throw down their boughs and begin
the attack.
 Siward and his son will lead the first battle charge.
 Malcolm and Macduff will do the rest according to
their battle plan.
 The soldiers blow all the trumpets. They announce the
news of blood and death.

52.  Macbeth realises he cannot run from this battle and he
must fight. He reassures himself by thinking of the
witches final prophecy – that he will not be harmed by
any man born of a woman.
 Macbeth and Young Siward battle and the young man
is killed. Macbeth views this as proof of the prophecy –
that he can easily defeat any man.
‘Thou wast born of woman./But swords I smile at,
weapons laugh to scorn,/Brandished by man that’s of a
woman born.’
 After Macbeth exits, Malcolm and Old Siward arrive
and enter the castle walls.

53.  Macbeth questions why he should act like a Roman
and kill himself out of nobility – he feels it is better to
use his sword on those around him.
 MACDUFF and MACBETH finally meet...
 Macbeth has no desire to fight Macduff as there is too
much blood from the family on his hands.
 BUT Macduff wants to get revenge for his beloved
family.

54.  Macbeth tells Macduff that fighting serves no purpose
as he cannot be harmed by a man born from a woman.
 We then hear: ‘Despair thy charm,/And let the angel
whom thou still hast served/Tell thee, Macduff was
from his mother’s womb/Untimely ripped.’
 Hearing this – Macbeth knows that he will die on this
day.

55.  Macduff tells Macbeth to surrender so that he can be
put on “display” for all of Scotland to see.
 Macbeth’s pride will never let him surrender – much
less to Malcolm and so he continues fighting ... To his
death.

56.  Macbeth’s ‘reassurances’ from the witches seem
useless now.
 It appears that Hecate and the three witches were
playing a game with him to lure him into a false sense
of security.
 Macbeth’s entire “empire” crumbled down in front of
him – because he had based his rule on something
very unstable  the murders of his enemies.

57.  This occurs after the battle – we are now INSIDE the
castle at Dunsinane.
 Malcolm and Old Siward are discussing the losses they
suffered – notably Malcolm and Young Siward.
 Ross states that ‘like a man he (Young Siward) died’
 Siward is happy that his son died fighting an
honourable battle.
 Macduff now enters with Macbeth’s head on a pole
and hails Malcolm as king.

58.  Macduff’s killing of Macbeth has freed Scotland of his
evil rule and the people rejoice.
 All hail Malcolm as king of Scotland.

59.  Malcolm says that it won’t be long before he rewards
each man as they deserve.
 He names the Thanes ‘Earls’ which is a first for
Scotland.
 All the exiled people from Scotland will be brought
back to their homeland.
 We learn that Lady Macbeth committed suicide and
now that the “evil” couple has been eliminated –
Malcolm will now go to Scone to be crowned king .