Macbeth Test PART VIII: SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS – Flashcards
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The supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth. To what extent does it motivate Macbeth's actions?
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The witches are the ones that tell Macbeth all of these different prophecies that Macbeth take to the extreme. Through these foretold prophecies, Macbeth acts on these events in very violent ways. He goes to the extent of murdering anyone who got in his way of achieving the prophecies.
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Discuss King Duncan and examine what contribution he makes to the play.
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Duncan is the role of the leader in the play which is well respected. He gives respect to Macbeth by honoring him the title of Thane of Cawdor. Due to Duncan being king, Macbeth later has to kill him in order to achieve one of the prophecies that told him Macbeth shall be deemed king.
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In constructing Macbeth, Shakespeare dramatically altered historical characters to enhance certain themes. Examine Shakespeare's sources and discuss why he made these radical changes.
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Shakespeare used the powers of the supernatural to make the plotline more interesting and eventful. There is a use of foreshadowing by the witches to keep the reader on their toes and questioning what will happen next. He also uses personification with one of Lady Macbeth's quotes and says "Let a crack from hell fill the skies with smoke so heaven cannot see what it is I am doing"
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Is Lady Macbeth more responsible than Macbeth for the murder of King Duncan" Is Lady Macbeth a more evil character than her husband and, if so, why?
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Lady Macbeth is equally as responsible for the death of Duncan because She planned it but Macbeth is the one who executed the plan. Both of the couple are evil in their own ways but are taken place at separate times.
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The sleepwalking scene in Act V is one of the most memorable in all of drama. Relate this scene to the overall play and examine what makes Lady Macbeth's revelation so provoking.
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Lady Macbeth sleepwalking is a symbol to the whole story. This is a symbol because most of the people are walking around while evil is still inside of them.
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Choose two of the minor characters in Macbeth and examine how they contribute to the play's action.
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The messenger and Fleance present an effect on the story that would make the story lose its sharpness. The messenger brings huge information and even informs Lady Macduff that she is about to die right before she dies. Fleance was the factor that changed the story from staying smooth to rough waters. This all changed when Fleance escaped from death in the woods with Banquo.
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The witches tell Banquo that he will be the father of future kings. How does Banquo's reaction reveal his true character?
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This reveals Banquo's true character because he understands what is soon to come. He is filled with intelligence and is revealed by this scene.
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Examine Macbeth's mental deterioration throughout the play.
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Macbeth starts out as a good man like Macduff. As soon as Macbeth kills Duncan it just goes downhill from there. He greased the wheels of this more when he sent the two murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance without having a hesitation.
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Discuss the speech Macbeth gives upon hearing that his wife is dead in Act V, Scene V. How do his words capture one of the major themes in the drama?
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After Macbeth gets the news he is not upset, crying or any feel of sadness. It is none other than crude and pitiful to watch the reaction if it should even be called that. Macbeth has lost all emotion.
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Discuss the role that blood plays in Macbeth, particulary immediately following Duncan's murder and late in the play. What does it symbolize for Macbeth and his wife?"
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The blood affects Macbeth by staining his hands from all of who he has killed. After Duncan's murder, Lady Macbeth doesn't worry about it and says wash it off and you will be fine. This symbolizes sin that cannot be washed off for both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
