Act 5 Macbeth Study Guide – Flashcards
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What do the doctor and the gentlewoman see Lady Macbeth doing? What do they decide to do? What is Lady Macbeth's mental state in Scene 1?
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Lady Macbeth is sleep-walking; trying to wash blood from her hands - "Out, out damn spot." She recounts all the murders they are responsible for- insane Speaks to no one, including her husband
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What are conditions in Scotland?
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Scotland - out of control, starving people, murdering, stealing, no laws.
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What is Macbeth's mood in Scene 3?
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Remains confident because of witches' prophecies
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What trick does Malcolm use to hide the number of men in his army? What is the importance of the camouflage in Scene 4?
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10,000 men - cut a branch from a tree in Birnam Wood - and use it to camouflage themselves and their numbers. Birnam Wood is marching to Dunsinane - witches' prophecy is coming true
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What does Malcolm explain about the state of Macbeth's armies?
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Many of his men have gone over to Malcolm's side; the ones who have stayed with Macbeth are there because of fear - they cannot possibly fight their best because their hearts are not in it - they no longer support the king, Macbeth
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What is Macbeth's reaction to Lady Macbeth's death?
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"Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is here no more."
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What is the importance of Malcolm's speech in Scene 6?
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Malcolm - great leader - war strategy - (been trained to take this role; he has watched and learned from his father) - his men trust him - he asks nothing of his men that he is not willing to do. Remember to add: Malcolm tests Macduff to see if he is still loyal to Macbeth - intelligent and clever - strategy with the branches as they move in to take Macbeth.
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What is Macbeth's reaction to the news that Birnam Wood is moving?
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He is somewhat sorry about all that he has done. He knows the witches have mislead him. - the witches' prophecy is coming true
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Who first fights Macbeth? What happens?
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Young Siward runs into Macbeth first - challenges Macbeth -perfect example of young warrior - believes he is invincible.
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What is Young Siward's reaction to the name Macbeth? Why is it important that Young Siward die with wounds to the front chest?
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Even the devil - is better than Macbeth - worse comparison possible. Wounds are in his chest - shows that he went down fighting - did not run.
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What excuse does Macbeth give Macduff for not wanting to fight him?
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Macbeth tells Macduff that he has killed too many in his family already. "My soul is too much charged with blood of thine already."
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How does Macduff reveal Macbeth's doom?
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Macduff reveals that he was not born naturally - he was ripped from his mother's womb.
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How does Macbeth die?
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Macduff kills him in a sword fight and cuts his head off.
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Who will be the new king of Scotland? What is the significance of Malcolm's ascension?
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Malcolm is placed on the throne where he takes his rightly position.
