Everything There is to Know About...

Macbeth

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Who was Shakespeare?

Shakespeare, also called the Bard of Avon, was a famous playwright and poet and was
particularly well known for his sonnets. He was born in 1564 and died in 1616, in England.
He married Anne Hathaway and had three children. He made many contributions to the
English language and literature.

History of the Play

Macbeth was written in 1606, when James I was the King of England. James I was a
descendent of Banquo and was born in Scotland. The play is loosely based on the story of
Macbeth, from August 1040. He was a real King of Scotland in the 11 th century. However,
the portrayal of these characters in the play is not historically correct.
The play encountered many problems in production. It was performed at the Globe Theatre
in 1611. Its first performance would have been before King James I, and was written to
please him. It was written after the gunpowder plot in 1605, an attempt to kill James I.

Superstition and the Three Witches

In the Elizabethan era, witches were believed to have evil power to communicate with the
devil, the dead and see the future. They could use spells and potions to spread disease and
murder. They could fly or become invisible, disguise themselves as animals, affect the
weather and destroy crops.
In Shakespeares day, these myths were widely believed, which meant that a large number
of women were tortured and executed for being witches. Even the king had a fear of
witches, leading to the passing of the law that anyone found to be using witchcraft would be
put to death.

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Playwrights Techniques
Technique

Definition

Example

Antithesis

When two words of

opposite or contrasting
meaning are used
together to give balance
Two things are placed
together to highlight
their differences and
compare and distinguish
them

Fair is foul, and foul is fair. (Act I, Scene

I)

Juxtaposition

Oxymoron

Paradox

Em Dash

Rhyming Couplet

Enjambment

Triads

A condensed form of a
paradox in which two
contradictory words are
used together. Produces
a rhetorical effect.
A seemingly selfcontradictory statement
which in fact expresses
the truth
The symbol - indicates
a break in thought,
adding emphasis.
Two successive lines of
poetry, often expressing
a complete idea, with
the same rhyme and
meter
Running together of
lines of poetry, from one
line or couplet to the
next

A collection of three
ideas, concepts or
deities loosely
connected.

Lady Macbeth vs. Lady MacDuff

Lady Macbeth vs. the gentlewoman
King Duncan vs. Macbeth
Macbeth vs. Lady Macbeth
Macbeth vs. Banquo
Duncan: But signs of nobleness, like
stars, shall shine
Macbeth: Stars, hide your fires; Let not
light see my black and deep desires
So foul and fair a day... (Act I Scene III)

So foul and fair a day I have not seen (Act

I Scene III)

Fair is foul, and foul is fair:

Hover through the fog and filthy air (Act
I, Scene I)
Stars, hide your fires; let not light see
my black deep desires (Act I Scene IV)
Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible
To feeling as to sight? or art thou but
A dagger of the mind, a false creation,
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed
brain?
(Act II Scene I)
Glamis hath murder'd sleep, and
therefore Cawdor Shall sleep no more;
Macbeth shall sleep no more (Act II
Scene II)
The three witches

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Rhythm
Rhyme

Motif

Apostrophe

Theme

Irony

Dramatic Irony

The regular pattern or

flow of language
Words with the same
terminal sounds, often
located at the end of
lines of poetry

Repeated contrasts,
literary devices or
structures that develop
and contribute to a
specific theme or the
mood in the text. Has
symbolic significance in
the work.
An address to an absent
or imaginary person, or
an abstract quality or
idea.
A central point about
which a text is
composed

A statement expressing
the opposite of what is
really meant, whereby
the reader is expected to
realise the true meaning.
Uses contradictory
statements. A statement
which, when taken in
context, can mean the
opposite of what is
written literally.
When the audience is
aware of certain
information that the
characters are unaware
of.

Use of iambic pentameter

ROSS I'll see it done.
DUNCAN What he hath lost noble
Macbeth hath won (Act I Scene II)
Old Man God's benison go with you; and
with those
That would make good of bad, and
friends of foes! (Act II Scene IV)
Blood
Water
Washing hands
Fair is foul, and foul is fair - good and
evil
Supernatural
Clothing - borrowed robes
Macbeths address to Banquos ghost
Macbeths address to the dagger

Ambition
Nature
Guilt
Order and chaos
Light and Darkness
Sleep
Fate
Loyalty
Macbeths entrance just as King Duncan
notes his own inability to judge the
character of others (Act I Scene IV)

MACDUFF How does my wife?

ROSS Why, well.
MACDUFF And all my children?
ROSS Well too.
MACDUFF The tyrant has not batter'd at

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Binary Opposition

Foreshadowing

Characterisation

Symbolism

Foil

Metonymy

Personification

Placing two things that

are complete opposites
together to contrast
them
When an event later in
the text is hinted,
suggested, or showed to
the readers or audience.
The hints often appear
coincidental, but set the
tone. The author hints
about future plot
developments.

The way a writer

describes how a
character looks, speaks,
behaves and thinks
When a person, object,
image, word or event is
used to evoke a range of
additional meaning
beyond its literal
significance and suggests
something greater than
itself.
A character that
juxtaposes or highlights
the opposite traits of
another
A type of metaphor
when something closely
associated with the
subject is substituted for
it.
A form of metaphor in
which human
characteristics are
attributed to non-human

their peace?
ROSS No; they were well at peace when I
did leave 'em. (Act IV Scene III)
In the previous scene, Macduffs family
were murdered.
Natural vs. Unnatural
Good vs. Evil
Light vs. Dark
Foul and fair - this foreshadows the
commotion and chaos that will ensue
once Macbeths ambition takes over and
he murders Duncan.
Sleep shall neither night nor day (Act I
Scene III) - Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
could not sleep from their guilt later in
the play
A little water clears us of this deed (Act
II Scene II) - Lady Macbeth later went
insane over the guilt that would not be
washed away
Soliloquies reveal inner thoughts of the
more complex characters in the play.
Dialogue between Lady Macbeth and
Macbeth shows their relationship
Blood is a symbol of guilt
Weather symbolises the state of the
world (turmoil and chaos, or peace and
order)
Dagger as a symbol of ambition

Banquo and Macbeth

Duncan and Macbeth

The stormy weather when Macbeth and

Banquo encounter the witches

And fortune, on his damned quarrel

smiling, Show'd like a rebel's whore (Act
I Scene II)

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Hyperbole

Pun

Metaphor

Allusion

things. Familiar human

behaviours and
emotions are assigned to
animals, inanimate
objects and abstract
ideas.
A boldly exaggerated
statement that adds
emphasis without
intending to be literally
true. Can be used for
serious, ironic or comic
effect
A play on words to bring
out a different meaning,
suggesting two or more
meanings, with
humorous or rhetoric
effect. Different senses
of the same word are
deliberately confused.

A comparison between
two unlike things
without using the words
like or as. It asserts
the identity of dissimilar
things. Two seemingly
unlike things are linked
in the form of implicit
comparison to suggest
some kind of identity.
Creates dramatic effect.
A brief reference to a
person, place, thing,
event or idea from
literature to enrich the
authors work. It implies
reading and cultural
experiences in the
reader. Provides an
emotional and
intellectual context.

Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this

blood Clean from my hand? (Act II
Scene II)

Porter Marry, sir, nose-painting, sleep,

and urine. Lechery, sir, it provokes, and
unprovokes; it provokes the desire, but it
takes away the performance: therefore,
much drink may be said to be an
equivocator with lechery: it makes him,
and it mars him; it sets him on, and it
takes him off; it persuades him, and
disheartens him; makes him stand to,
and not stand to; in conclusion,
equivocates him in a sleep, and, giving
him the lie, leaves him. (Act II Scene III)
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 (Act V Scene
V)
look like the innocent flower, But be the
serpent under't (Act I Scene V)

Or memorise another Golgotha (Act I

Scene II) - reference to Christs
crucifixion.

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Imagery

Simile

Diction

Register

Repetition

Stage Directions

Lighting

Descriptions that appeal

to the readers senses,
suggesting mental
images of sights, sounds,
tastes, feelings or
actions. Conveys sensory
impressions, emotions
or moods
An explicit comparison
between two things
using the words like,
as, appears, than
or seems. The
differences between the
two things add to the
effect of the simile.
Specific choices in words
or phrases; often
figurative language. It is
appropriate to analyse
diction when you can
discuss the connotations
of particular word
choices.

The language used in a

particular setting formal, informal,
colloquial, vulgar.
Determined by diction.
The repeated use of
particular sounds,
words, phrases,
sentences, etc to
structure a text.
The written instructions
on how characters
should act and move in a
play, as well as lighting,
props, etc.
The control of the
quality of light on the

Where the Norweyan banners flout the

sky And fan our people cold (Act I Scene
II)

As two spent swimmers, that do cling

together And choke their art (Act I
Scene II)

All our service

In every point twice done and then done
double
Were poor and single business to
contend
Against those honours deep and broad
wherewith
Your majesty loads our house: for those
of old,
And the late dignities heap'd up to them,
We rest your hermits.
Act I Scene VI - Pleasant words,
welcoming tone - hides true intentions.
Lady Macbeth - uses formal register
when speaking to others to maintain
regal composure, using more informal
register when she is talking to Macbeth
knock knock knock (Act II Scene III)
Out, damned spot! out, I say! (Act V
Scene I)

Exit and entrance of characters,

especially around soliloquies.
i.e. Lady Macbeths soliloquy in Act I
Scene V - entrance of the messenger
shows dual personality.
Darkness during the scenes with the
witches (storm and clouds)

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Sound

Onomatopoeia

Alliteration

Tragic Hero

Hamartia

Hubris

Peripeteia

Mood

stage - dimness,
brightness, direction, etc
Noises that are made
during the play, such as
music, bells, cries, etc.
The use of a word that
resembles the sound it
denotes.
The repetition of the
same consonant sounds
in a sequence of words,
often at the beginning of
the words. Emphasises
key words and adds
rhythm.
The main character in a
tragedy. They have a
tragic flaw that
eventually causes their
downfall.
When a character has a
tragic flaw,
misperception, or
blindness that is the
result of their strengths
or abilities. It usually
implies that the trait
that gave them strength
would ironically bring
about their downfall.
A term implying
arrogance, excessive
self-pride, and selfconfidence. They cannot
recognise their personal
limitations, and leads to
their downfall.
The sudden reversal of
fortune in the story,
often leading to the
downfall of the
protagonist
The emotion of a piece
of writing created by the
writer. The

Lady Macbeths candle

Ringing of the bell to indicate murder
Knocking on the door
Knock, knock, knock! Who's there, i' the
name of Beelzebub? (Act II Scene III)
Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover
through the fog and filthy air (Act I
Scene I)

Macbeth - starts off with too much

goodness to let him do unnatural deeds,
but eventually he is overcome by
ambition and destroys the natural order
that existed around him, bringing about
his downfall.
Macbeths hamartia is his ambition

Macbeth becomes like this once he is

king.

Everything goes well for Macbeth, and

then the tides turn and his downfall
begins.

Macbeth has a very dark mood, as the

audience sees that Macbeth goes about
realising his ambition in a way that will

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predominating
atmosphere or tone of
the work.
Tone

Atmosphere

Soliloquy

Prose

Dialogue

Stream of
Consciousness

Gaps and Silences

A reflection of the
attitude of the writer,
used to create the
mood. It is used to
convey the attitude of
the writer. Relies on
diction, imagery,
language and syntax. It
can change.
The mood or tone
created by describing
the characters and the
setting in a piece of
writing
A speech that is made
without the presence of
other characters,
allowing them to reveal
their innermost thoughts
and feelings.
Literary work that
mirrors the language of
everyday speech
Conversation between
characters in a literary
work
The continuous flow of
ideas and feelings
experienced by the
speaker at that time,
reflecting their thought
processes. It is often
fragmented
When the author
assumes that the
audiences realises when
is going on, even though
it is not explicitly stated.
Leaves unanswered
questions. Allows the
audience to bring their

bring about his downfall. Lady Macbeths

planning makes it more sinister, the
nature of the witches and their
prophesies also.
Macbeths fear contributes to the tone of
suspense, trepidation in Act I Scene III
Lady Macbeths determination and evil
desires contribute to a sinister tone in
Act I Scene 5
Change in Lady Macbeths tone when the
messenger enters - Act I Scene V

Atmosphere during the encounter with

the witches is created by the weather rain, thunder. Horrific descriptions of the
witches, and the fear felt by Macbeth
and Banquo. Act I Scene III
Lady Macbeths soliloquy after receiving
Macbeths letter. Act I Scene V

Most of the play, except for the parts

that rhyme
MACBETH My dearest love,
Duncan comes here to-night.
LADY MACBETH And when goes hence?
MACBETH To-morrow, as he purposes. (Act I
Scene V)

Lady Macbeths speech after she goes

insane, in front of the doctor and
gentlewoman.

Lady Macduff and her children are

murdered offstage
Lady Macbeths commits suicide offstage

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Aside

Tension

Iambic Pentameter

Elision

Internal Conflict

External Conflict

own experience into the

interpretation and
understanding of the
work.
A comment made by a
character intended to be
heard by the audience,
but not any other
characters

Friction between
opposing forces or
conflicting elements in
literature.
A metrical pattern in
poetry which consists of
five iambic feet per line.
An iamb is an unstressed
syllable followed by a
stressed syllable
The omission of a sound
between two words
In a play, it is the
omission of an action
that is assumed to have
taken place
An issue within a
character that need to
be resolved

An issue in the
environment or
surroundings that needs
to be resolved

MACBETH [Aside] The Prince of

Cumberland! that is a step On which I
must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in
my way it lies. 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. (Act I Scene IV)
Natural elements conflicting
Conflict between Banquo and Macbeth
over action to be taken on prophesies
Used for royal or intelligent character.
Note that Lady Macbeth stops speaking
in iambic pentameter after she goes
insane.

Murder of Duncan - puts the focus back

on the consequences and guilt over it,
and not on the murder itself. Allows the
audience to develop a more terrible idea
of the nature of the murder than would
be if it were shown.
Macbeths internal conflict over his
ambition and goodness - he cannot
decide for himself because there is too
much kindness in him to allow him to
perform an evil deed with hesitation
The conflict in nature, seen in the
weather

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Scene-by-Scene Notes
Act 1
Scene 1
Sets the tone of the play using the metonymy of thunder, lightning and rain and the
reference to the supernatural by calling the women witches. They do not specify their
purpose in speaking to Macbeth, creating suspense and mystery. Adds to the thrill of the
play and draws the interest of the audience. This scene foretells the mood and links to the
main idea of the human struggle against the forces of evil. The number three also has
supernatural significance, such as the fact that there are three witches.
The witches speech rhymes to give the idea of them casting a spell, and affecting fate.
The theme of the play is established in the line fair is foul, and foul is fair. This shows the
discrepancy between appearance and reality.
This paradox is also seen in the line When the battles lost and won, emphasising how
difficult it is to discern the truth.
The last two lines are a rhyming couplet. This signals the end of the scene and leaves the
audience on a climatic note.

Scene 2
This scene gives the audience the first real introduction to Macbeths character, showing
him to be valiant in battle and loyal to his country. He is loved by the king and has potential
for greatness, making his eventual downfall tragic. This continues the dramatic build-up
before Macbeth actually enters the stage.

Similes of eagles, lions to describe their valour, in contrast to the sparrows or hares
of the Norwegians.

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The audience sees that King Duncan is a poor judge of character, highlighted by his betrayal
by the Thane of Cawdor. It also shows that there is trouble in Scotland, with many people
dissatisfied. King Duncan becomes a figurehead of order. However, his inability to read
people makes him an unfit king, leading to rebellion.
The association between Macbeth and Banquo is established.
Scene 3
The audience meets the witches for the second time, when they give the prophesies to
Macbeth and Banquo. These predictions are immediately supported when Macbeth learns
that he has been made Thane of Cawdor.
The opening lines, describing a sailor, represent the fate of Macbeth. Captain = king. Note
the line Sleep shall neither night nor day Hang upon his pent-house lid - reference to
Macbeth has murdered sleep. The metaphor of the storm also foreshadows the confusion
that would be caused by Macbeths defiance of nature.

The witches should not be trusted - evil

The idea of confusion over the truth is highlighted by the greetings of Macbeth and Banquo.
The men cannot determine what the witches are, yet the witches immediately recognise
them and name them with their future roles.

Unpredictability is also shown in the lines: Lesser than Macbeth, and greater Not
so happy, yet much happier Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none

Note Macbeths fear - horrible imaginings - he retains an element of goodness. He

tries to fight his ambition to become king and dismiss the prophesies.

The contrast between Macbeth and Banquo is seen through their different reactions to the
prophesies. Whilst Banquo immediately dismisses them as evil, Macbeth is more willing to
believe them. He sees the recent news as reason to trust them, and is hopeful that the
prophesy of becoming king would come true. Banquo does not have as much ambition.

Ambition begins to grow in Macbeth

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Reference to the witches line So foul and fair a day I have not seen

Dramatic Irony - the audience knows that Macbeth has already been made Thane of
Cawdor

Scene 4
Macbeths desire to be king is highlighted by his disappointment at the naming of Malcolm
as heir to the throne. He indicates that he would be willing to take fate into his own hands,
saying The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step On which I must fall down, or else
o'erleap. His ambition is being developed.

Note that the line Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black deep desires is
mirrored by Lady Macbeth in the next scene, showing the close relationship between
husband and wife.

Further emphasis that Duncan is not a good judge of character and is weak. There's
no art to find the mind's construction in the face - dramatic irony of Macbeths
entrance at that point.

Development of the relationship between Duncan and Macbeth. Shows that

Macbeth would be a more powerful, strong and fitting leader than Duncan

Contrasting statements of stars from Duncan and Macbeth - juxtaposition

Banquo shows no jealousy of Macbeth over the throne

Scene 5
The audience is introduced to Lady Macbeth for the first time. In this scene, her dire
ambition, greed and dual personality are made clear. These are developed later at the
murder of Duncan and when Banquos ghost appears at the feast.

Note the omission of the prophesy about Banquo in the letter - shows that Macbeth
already fears it

There is juxtaposition between the attitudes of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The audience is
invited to see that Macbeth is weaker and unwilling to take action, instead choosing
inaction, and to let the prophesy fulfil itself. Lady Macbeth highlights this in her remark Yet
I do fear thy nature; it is too full o the milk of human kindness, relating Macbeths attitude

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to a small child that is still dependent on its mothers milk, and portraying him as weak. On
the other hand, Lady Macbeth is a powerful, dominating character, and expresses a
willingness to take extreme action. This is seen when she proclaims unsex me here,
showing that she desires to be free of everything that hinders her from reaching her goal
and following her ambitious drive. She almost controls Macbeths actions.

Note the link to Hamlet: pour spirits in thine ear

Importantly, the opening of the scene is a soliloquy, which allows all of Lady Macbeths
deepest thoughts and desires to be revealed to the audience, contributing to Shakespeares
characterisation of her. The audience also notes a dark, foreboding tone as Lady Macbeth
describes the unnatural action that she must take to sway Macbeth and help him claim the
throne.

Imagery of death and destruction

The audience sees that Macbeth must discard his good nature for him to be able to achieve
his goal of becoming king. However, they also see that as he loses this virtue, he is
weakened by it, and it becomes his downfall. On the other hand, Banquo maintains his
royalty of nature which gives him strength.
The change in Lady Macbeths attitude after the messenger re-enters highlights her dual
personality. She immediately loses the dark, sinister aspect and regains her composure.
The raven is a symbol used to create a dark, foreboding mood.
Other things to note:

Lady Macbeths diction reflects her ambition

The greetings Lady Macbeth gives - all-hail and hereafter are the same as the
ones used by the witches

During the dialogue between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the half-line breaks add to
the drama and intensity of it, which is again used after the murder of King Duncan.

Recurring theme that feminine characteristics are weak

Alliteration of murdering ministers and sightless substances

Motif of light and dark - calling on the blanket of the dark

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The reversal of the gender roles between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, contributing
to the idea of nature being in upheaval. Leave all the rest to me

Use of metaphors: book, flower/serpent (Biblical allusion to Eve and the serpent)

Note that up until this scene, there was a pattern of Witch scene-Macbeth scene-Witch
scene-Macbeth scene. Since this should be a witch scene to complete the pattern, it shows
that, like the witches, Lady Macbeth acts as an agent of fate. Her soliloquy portrays an evil,
unnatural nature, like that of the witches. This reinforces the sinister nature of her speech,
and links it to the prophesies of the witches.
Scene 6
King Duncans speech is heavily ironic, commenting on the beauty of the castle: This castle
hath a pleasant seat; the air Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses,
all the while Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are plotting his murder. He is under their power.
Audience feels sympathy for Duncan because of his weak, good nature.
The audience sees the development of Lady Macbeths dual nature with her formal
greetings and falsely welcoming tone as King Duncan enters.
The stage directions, such as the music, show the pomp and ceremony of the entrance of
King Duncan. It shows that King Duncan was well taken care of. Only scene with the
presence of daylight.
Scene 7
Macbeth gives a soliloquy that shows the audience that, although Macbeth desires to have
the throne, his mind is still confused over the prophesies. There is a great deal of repetition
in his speech, indicating a train of thought. He fears the earthly consequences of his actions.
Macbeths tragic flaw is revealed: his ambitious drive, which will lead him to commit the
murder and essentially seal his downfall. We also see that he is not entirely evil, but has a
conscience. We see that he is in a state of inaction, in contrast to Lady Macbeth, who is
driven and active.

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Similar to Hamlets soliloquy, Macbeth wonders about the consequences of murdering

Duncan. He already realises that the murder would cause an imbalance in nature this evenhanded Justice Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice To our own lips. He also
knows that he would not be well received as king, since the people loved Duncan.

Act 2
Scene 1
Macbeth speaks to Banquo about the prophesies, who states that he will only aid Macbeth
as long her can keep a clear conscience. Banquo is quite uneasy. He has remained loyal to
Duncan.
The appearance of the dagger indicates an apostrophe. Here, there is still an element of
doubt about the reality of the dagger, which contrasts to the appearance of Banquo later in
the play, where Macbeth merely accepts it, and does not question whether it could be his
imagination. Also links back to the initial encounter with the witches, where Macbeth also
questions their reality.
The sound of the bell ringing signals to Macbeth that it is time to murder. We see that
Macbeth has resolved to kill Duncan now.
Scene 2
Lady Macbeth is very tense as she awaits the news from Macbeth that he has done the
deed. She mentions that she could not have done it herself - Had he not resembled My
father as he slept, I had done't. The first sign of weakness in her. She will ultimately lose all
her strength.
Macbeth recounts to Lady Macbeth that he heard a cry of Macbeth does murder sleep!
This is reflected later when Lady Macbeth can no longer sleep because she goes insane from
the deeds. By going against nature, they have lost the ability to do sleep, which represents
peace of mind. They both become so wary of others and fearful for their positions that they
no longer feel secure.

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Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are still seen to be humane. They had to drink to
overcome their fears and realise their ambitions.

The sound of a shrieking owl is heard, which startles Lady Macbeth. This foreshadows her
breakdown later in the play, as it shows her confidence to be shallow.

Macbeths hallucination of the voice crying out shows that he is going insane. Relates
to appearance of dagger, and later Banquos ghost. He has lost his peace because of
the deed, and cannot reclaim it through sleep.

Tension develops between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

Motif of water in the play - A little water clears us of this deed - once again, linked to
when Lady Macbeth goes insane. Linked to Macbeths line Will all great Neptune's ocean
wash this blood Clean from my hand? and then Lady Macbeths line later in the play all the
perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. (Act V Scene I). It is ironic that Lady
Macbeth uses an understatement when she describes how little water is required to
cleanse them of their guilt

Blood is a symbol for guilt

Scene 3
The natural disturbances of the night reflect the turmoil that is caused by Macbeths
unnatural deed. There has been aq disruption to the natural order.

Irony: O gentle lady - Lady Macbeth had stripped herself of her gentle, feminine
qualities and became more evil, able to inspire Macbeth to perform unnatural deeds

The audience sees that Macduff is very loyal to Duncan, and that he believes in the Divine
Right of Kings

Beelzebub = devil. The porter is pretending to be the porter at hells gates.

The ramblings and puns of the porter provide comic relief after the intense, dark
scene of the murder
o Irony of many of his statements considering the murder had just taken place

Binary opposition of heaven and hell

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Lady Macbeth faints to distract everyone from Macbeths odd actions. She maintains her
composure and is working to support Macbeth in his ambitions.

Malcolm and Donalbain are already suspicious of Macbeth

Scene 4
More news of the unnatural events taking place on the night of Duncans murder are
revealed, adding to the theme of nature, showing that Macbeth has gone against nature
and the world is responding to it.
Malcolm and Donalbain are accused of murdering their father because they immediately
fled the country.
Macduffs refusal to attend Macbeths coronation shows that he does not like the changes
that are taking place and does not trust Macbeth. He is trying to distance himself from
Macbeth. This is important later, as Macduff ultimately plots the attack on Macbeth to bring
him down.

Motif of darkness

Metaphors used throughout the scene - On Tuesday last, A falcon, towering in her
pride of place, Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill'd - Metaphor for the
murder of Duncan

Reference to animals - horses - adds to the theme of nature, showing the unnatural
act has caused imbalance and disorder in nature.

Horses eating each other reflects the conflict between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Act 3
Scene 1
The audience sees through Banquos soliloquy that he is beginning to suspect Macbeth of
the murder - I fear, Thou play'dst most foully for't.. However, he remains silent because
he hopes that the prophesies will also come true for him. He is becoming more concerned
about the witches prophesies, and is not taking action to stop Macbeth.

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He reveals to Macbeth of his intention to go out horse riding with his son, Fleance, and
would return for the feast.
Macbeth has begun to obsess over the witches prophesy for Banquos descendants, and
fears for his throne. We see that Macbeth is not comfortable being king. The prophesies
about Banquo have made him insecure and he fears that he will suffer the same fate as
Duncan. However, there is a change taking.
This scene shows development in Macbeths character, as the audience sees his ambition is
finally leading him to take control of his situation without the input of Lady Macbeth. This is
contributes to the theme of ambition in the text. Importantly, the audience sees that
despite his actions, Macbeth still receives no satisfaction even after he has obtained the
throne.
Macbeth employs murderers to kill Banquo and his son. During his speech to them, he tries
to convince them that they are doing well and are justified in killing him. He takes advantage
of their past experiences to make them hate Banquo and feel like they have been wronged
by him.
Scene 2
The audience begins to see that the unnatural deed has caused Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
to lose natural activity. However, Lady Macbeths dual character is highlighted once more as
she continues to hide her true feelings from others and act as though nothing is wrong.
Lady Macbeths soliloquy foreshadows her descent into madness, hinting at the ongoing
dissatisfaction their deeds have caused. Macbeth later speaks of the torment going on in his
mind over their actions and the guilt it caused.
We also see that Macbeth is acting more independently and without Lady Macbeths
promptings. He plans the murder of Banquo on his own. Their relationship is changing.

Biblical reference again to serpent and Eve - We have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd
it

Reference is made back to the witches through the imagery of Macbeths closing remarks.

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Scene 3
Banquo is murdered, but his son Fleance escapes. The audience realises that Macbeth, who
is already insecure and fearful over the prophesies, will not handle the news of Fleances
escape well.

Mysterious appearance of a third murderer

The audience sees that Macbeth no longer trusts anyone.

Scene 4
Macbeth gives the impression of being collected and confident before others,
demonstrating a similar dual personality as Lady Macbeth. Once the murderer enters, there
is a change in tone. Macbeths downfall begins when he learns that Fleance escaped. He is
no longer capable of maintaining the jovial appearance from before. Others see that he is
more concerned by the prophesies and his own guilt, and loses his composure and control.
The appearance of the ghost shows that Macbeth is still scared of Banquo and the prophesy
about his descendents. Unlike with all the other apparitions - the witches and the dagger Macbeth does not question whether the ghost is a figment of his own imagination, but
simply accepts it as real.
Macduffs absence is noted, which is crucial for the rest of the play. Macduff will become
Macbeths nemesis and finally bring him down.

Note the reversal - at the beginning, the witches came to Macbeth. Now Macbeth is
going to them. This highlights his degeneration.

Scene 5

According to most scholars, this scene was not actually written by Shakespeare.

The witches know that Macbeths over-confidence will bring about his downfall And you all
know, security Is mortals' chiefest enemy. He relies too much on their prophesies.
Hecate is angry at the witches for not consulting her before they prophesied to Macbeth,
and will punish him as a result. Adds to the supernatural theme.

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Audience questions whether Macbeths downfall is a result of the curse, or his own
hamartia, ambition.

Scene 6
Lennoxs speech is filled with sarcasm. Its purpose is to show the attitude of Macbeths
subjects to him. He suspects Macbeth is guilty for the murders of Duncan and Banquo. He
and the lord want Malcolm to reclaim his birthright and end Macbeths tyranny.
The audience learns that Macduff is in England with Malcolm, building up an army to battle
Macbeth and bring him down.

Act 4
Scene 1

Metonymy of weather associated with the witches - the storm - dark and foreboding

Rhyme of their chanting, indicates a spell

In his visit to the witches, Macbeth receives false hope from the witches. They give new
predictions.
The change in Macbeth is seen through his diction. He is now more demanding of the
witches. He only becomes more confused by their seemingly contradictory prophesies.
Scene 2
Ross reassures Macduffs wife, then leaves them. Lady Macduff is angry that her husband
has abandoned them. She tells her son that Macduff fled because he was a traitor, and was
killed for it, however the son does not believe her.

Love for her children - foil for Lady Macbeth

Macduffs family are killed by murderers. This shows Macbeths total insecurity and descent
into evilness, as he is willing to kill Macduffs innocent family.

Note the use of imagery of nature in this scene to describe circumstances in Scotland

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Scene 3
Malcolm is established as the worthy king of Scotland, showing that he is not deceived by
others and does not judge by appearances. He tests Macduffs loyalty before he trusts him.

Note the symbolism of animals and colour

Reference to Lady Macbeths speech: Nay, had I power, I should Pour the sweet
milk of concord into hell

Use of hyperbole to describe how bad a king Malcolm would be

Ross informs Macduff of his familys murder. Malcolm encourages Macduff to seek revenge
on Macbeth.

Contrast between king of England who is good, and saves lives, to Macbeth, who is
evil and is going about killing everyone

Act 5
Scene 1
Themes: Supernatural, good and evil
This scene shows development of Lady Macbeths character and her descent into madness.
Show the deterioration of her mind as a result of her guilt. Ironic as she told Macbeth that
they could easily wipe away their guilt. She is unable to sleep because her guilt prevents her
from having the peace of mind that comes with sleep. She has a series of flashbacks,
summarising the important events of the play.

Holding the paper - reading the letter from Macbeth

A great perturbation in nature - the deed went against the natural order

Holding the candle - wants to go back to the light. Initially she asked for the light to
leave to allow her to do evil things, but now she seeks for the purity she had before.

Look, how she rubs her hands - trying to wash her hands clean of the blood motif
of guilt). Her sleepwalking is a consequence of the moral disorder she has caused

The thane of Fife had a wife: where is she now? - Irony - she is dead. Lady Macbeth
was not involved, Macbeth cut her off from him and acted without her.

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all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh! - Refers to
Macbeth speaking of Neptunes oceans - hyperbole - shows that they cannot be
cleared of their unnatural deeds.

The gentlewoman is told to keep a close eye on Lady Macbeth, foreshadowing her eventual
suicide.
Scene 2
The audience learns that military preparations are begin made against Macbeth. Dramatic
irony is being created - meeting at Birnam Wood, as prophesied by the witches.
The people are seeking their revenge on Macbeth for the disruptions he has caused to the
natural order. They intend to purge the country of the damage and disorder that Macbeth
has caused.
This scene builds the tension for impending battle.
Scene 3
Short scenes give a sense of events moving quickly, showing Macbeth rapid demise.
Macbeth is clearly more self-confident now, which draws the audiences attention to
Hecates prophesy that confidence would be his enemy and downfall. He has become a
confident tyrant. Macbeth is becoming more insane. He also realises that he is losing favour
with the people. He knows he will never be happy and satisfied with royalty because he
does not have the respect of his people.
Macbeth tells the doctor to cure his wife, but is told there is nothing to be done, and the
doctor leaves. He no longer wishes to serve Macbeth and hopes to see him fall.
Scene 4
The prophesy of Birnam Wood is coming true, but not in the manner that Macbeth
expected. Macbeth realises that the fair prophesies are becoming foul and he has lost
almost everything. Only one prophesy remains to be fulfilled.

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Cousins, I hope the days are near at hand That chambers will be safe. Reference to
murder of Duncan, and the theme of sleep. Chamber = bedroom

Macbeth no longer has enough support to procure an army to fight against Macduff. This
adds to the theme of loyalty, showing that Macbeths unnatural deeds have caused him to
lose the loyalty of those around him, who have instead joined Malcolm, the rightful and
natural leader of Scotland.
The inevitability of Macbeths downfall is now clear.
Scene 5
Stage directions - drum and colours - builds tension, indicating the impending battle, which
the audience knows will be Macbeths demise.
Macbeth remains confident in the prophesies. This is shown through his formal language
o No exclamation marks
o Long sentences
Macbeth comments that screams and other frightening sounds no longer disturb him. The
scream adds to the tension. This contrasts Lady Macbeths sensitivity at the beginning of the
play when she jumps at the shriek of an owl. Evilness has taken over him.
Even at the report of Lady Macbeths suicide, Macbeth does not seem to care anymore. He
has descended so far that he is past feeling.
Macbeth seems to have lost his purpose. He no longer values life and feels like he has
nothing to live for.
Upon hearing that the wood is moving, Macbeths syntax changes, showing his despair as
another prophesy is fulfilled contrary to his idea. The audience sees more emotion in him more exclamation marks and broken by em dashes, indicating panic. He realises there is
nowhere for them to go. He finally expresses his regret for his actions and wishes the world
would return to its natural order. Reference to the sun contributes to the theme of light and
dark.

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Scene 6

Drum and colours - rising tension

Short scene - further sense of impending doom for Macbeth

The intentions of Malcolm and Macduff are clear: they will fight to the death to destroy
Macbeth.
The respect that Siward has for Malcolm and Macduff is clear, showing the loyalty the
people have to the rightful leaders.
Harbingers - show that fate is about to catch up with Macbeth
Scene 7

Nature imagery - bird, bear. Macbeth cannot do anything now - he must simply
await his destiny.

Macbeth still relies on the final prophesy to save him, resting all his confidence on it. He
gloats that Young Siward was born of woman. He sees the defeat of Young Siward as
confirmation of the prophesy.

Personification of fate and fortune

Macduff clearly wants revenge on Macbeth for the murder of his family. In an ironic twist,
Macduff takes the stage to battle Macbeth, who was not born of a woman.
Scene 8
Macbeth is already contemplating suicide when Macduff challenges him. He makes
reference to the ongoing theme of heaven and hell. At first, Macduff appears to be losing.
Macduff reveals that he was not born of woman, to Macbeths dismay. Macbeth returns to
more cowardly speech as he realises that he no longer has any prophesies to rely on.
Macbeth is killed by Macduff, who drags the body offstage.
Malcolm is named king of Scotland and proclaims honour to Young Siward for his service.
Old Siward is proud of his son, and refuses to ask for more honour than is necessary.

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Personification of grace

The natural order is seen to have returned to Scotland now that the tyrant is dead and the
rightful king is on the throne.

time and place - everything in the right order

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