MACBETH: ACT II Questions
Scene i
1) Who says the following: “Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, and yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives away in repose.” What is significant about the quote? How has the atmosphere of the castle been changed?
Banquo says this, he can't sleep because of demons/ dark thoughts in his head. It went from welcoming to dreary.
2) Why does Banquo mention his dream of the Weird Sisters? Hint: Ironically this is his last dream.
They have showed him truth.
3) What does Macbeth say he and Banquo will talk about later in private?
He says he will talk about the witches and their predictions later.
4) Reread lines 42-70. Briefly summarize what Macbeth is saying in this soliloquy.
He is imagining his murder weapon even though its not really there, it is telling him to kill Duncan.
5) How does the illusion of the dagger play into the mindset of either witchcraft or Macbeth losing it.
It possibly has to do with witchcraft, considering the witches said he would be king.
Scene ii
1) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold”?
The demons have made her bold enough.
2) Symbolically what does the fatal bellman toll? More than one thing here. And who is the fatal bellmen—the one Lady Macbeth hears?
He is telling him to kill Duncan. The bellman Lady Macbeth hears is the owl.
3) How do you read the lines, “Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done ‘t.” What does this say about Lady Macbeth?
She would've killed him if he didn't look like her father, or she would have someone else kill him.
4) Sleep is an important symbol in this play. Please keep a list of all the times (with line numbers) that sleep is mentioned in Act II. Attach and turn this list in with these questions.
Scene 1: 5, 50, 14, Scene 2: 13, 22, 42,
5) What is meant when Macbeth says, “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep”?
When he killed Duncan he killed his own sleep, he will never sleep again in a sense.
6) Why is Lady Macbeth upset with Macbeth towards the end of scene ii?
Because Macbeth forgot to leave the daggers at the murder scene.
7) What is symbolic about the knocking that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hear?
The knocking could be God at the door.
8) What does Lady Macbeth say about washing of hands at the end of the scene? Do you believe her?
She says that Macbeth can be relieved of his evil doing if he just washes that blood off his hands.
Nope.
Scene iii
1) How is the Porter a humorous character? What does he say about drink? How does he metaphorical set the atmosphere of the scene?
He is funny because he is drunk. He says drinks are an equivocator. It metaphorically turns the castle into hell.
2) Who is at the gates? (more than 1 person)
Macduff and Lenox.
3) What does Macduff mean when he says, “Confusion now hath made his masterpiece!”?
It is incomprehensible to understand what happened.
4) How does Macbeth react to the news of the king’s murder? How does Lady Macbeth react?
He says he was so mad about his death that he killed the guards and Lady Macbeth faints.
5) Where do Donalbain and Malcolm decide to go? Why?
Donalbain went to Ireland and Malcolm went to England. If they are innocent someone will kill them.
Scene iv
1) What is meant by the old man when he says, “On Tuesday last, a falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place, was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed”? What is symbolically suggested here? Hint: Relate the birds to scene ii.
Macbeth the owl has just killed the falcon Duncan.
2) What does Macduff say about Malcolm and Donalbain?
They fled making them suspicious.
3) What does Macduff say about Macbeth?
He is already on his way to be crowned.
4) What is meant by the line, “Lest our old robes sit easier than our new”?
Duncan was a better king then Macbeth will become.
5) Why doesn’t Macduff go to the coronation?
Because he is suspicious of Macbeth.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
Macbeth Act 1 Summary
In Act 1 in a spooky atmosphere we first meet the witches who speak in poetry, planning to meet with Macbeth. The bloody Captain speaks of the battle and victory of Scotland, and the bravery of Macbeth and Banquo, it is then we are introduced to the "Bird" motifs. The three witches meet with Macbeth and hail him thane of Cawdor, even though he hasn't heard of King Duncan's plan of who is to reign. Duncan praises Banquo and Macbeth for their heroism in the battle, the same battle that Cawdor was executed in. Macbeth (in his head) acknowledges that Malcom is the only thing keeping him from the crown, Lady Macbeth knows this too. Lady Macbeth completely power hungry plots out how they are to kill Malcom. Macbeth starts having second thoughts, which leads to Lady Macbeth to call him a coward.
Macbeth vocabulary sentences
1. Mirth: (noun)
I desire to have a certain type of mirth when jokes are made.
2. Liege (noun)
My liege came to tell me of great news this evening.
3. Parricide (noun)
That poor kid Danny fell victim to a parricide in his family
4. Verity (noun, plural)
The verity of his words were found to be wrong.
5. Avarice (noun)
Mr. shield's avarice got in the way of his family life.
6. Avaunt (adverb)
She told that crazy kid to avaunt.
7. Posterity (noun)
It would be interesting to see my whole posterity in the future.
8. Homage (noun)
Francis always has a good homage towards his teachers.
9. Cloistered (adjective)
The Clampetts were in quite a culture shock, considering they were cloistered.
10. Equivocator (verb)
Some say I tend to not not have enough equivocator.
11. Avouch (verb)
I try to avouch everyone who does well or tries hard.
12. Eminence (noun)
Dan is held to a certain eminence compared to others.
13. Thralls (noun)
Sometimes sharry feels like she is in thralls when she's will her family.
14. Malevolence (noun)
I try not to show too much malevolence when McKenna doesn't pick up her clothes.
I desire to have a certain type of mirth when jokes are made.
2. Liege (noun)
My liege came to tell me of great news this evening.
3. Parricide (noun)
That poor kid Danny fell victim to a parricide in his family
4. Verity (noun, plural)
The verity of his words were found to be wrong.
5. Avarice (noun)
Mr. shield's avarice got in the way of his family life.
6. Avaunt (adverb)
She told that crazy kid to avaunt.
7. Posterity (noun)
It would be interesting to see my whole posterity in the future.
8. Homage (noun)
Francis always has a good homage towards his teachers.
9. Cloistered (adjective)
The Clampetts were in quite a culture shock, considering they were cloistered.
10. Equivocator (verb)
Some say I tend to not not have enough equivocator.
11. Avouch (verb)
I try to avouch everyone who does well or tries hard.
12. Eminence (noun)
Dan is held to a certain eminence compared to others.
13. Thralls (noun)
Sometimes sharry feels like she is in thralls when she's will her family.
14. Malevolence (noun)
I try not to show too much malevolence when McKenna doesn't pick up her clothes.
Outline of Macbeth
Elements of Tragedy
1) Tragic hero
2) Ready to fall
3) Internal conflict
4) Dramatic foils
1) Tragic hero
2) Ready to fall
3) Internal conflict
4) Dramatic foils
5) The audience learns something about the nature of human existence
Elements of Tragic Hero
1) Noble birth
2) Loyal, virtuous, full of high morals
3) Tragic flaw
4) Tragic flaw causes down fall
5) Audience learns something through the character's downfall
Dramatic Foils (definition):
Two characters that contrast as a way to bring out their character traits.
Example: Macbeth/Banquo and Macbeth/Lady Macbeth.
List of Motifs from ACT 1.
BIRDS - Eagles, Sparrows, Marlet.
"Fair is foul, foul is fair"
Weather
The idea of things being planted or grown.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Macbeth
Questions for scenes 5-7
1. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him?
She believes he is too full of human kindness, and she wants to help him seize the crown.
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing?
She wanted to be possessed be evil spirits.
3. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
To be like a snake hiding under a flower.
4. What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan ?
1. Because he is his kinsman and 2. because he is his host and should defend his murder not be the murderer.
5. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder?
She basically says he is a coward for not wanting to kill him.
6. What is Lady Macbeth’s plan?
To poison him and bloody his face so it looks like he killed himself.
VOCABULARY (from Macbeth)
1) Mirth
Amusement, laughter. (noun)
2) Liege
A feudal superior. (noun)
3) Parricide
A killing of a parent or other near relative. (noun)
4) Verity
A true principle or belief. (noun, plural)
5) Avarice
Extreme greed for wealth or other material gain. (noun)
6) Avaunt
Go away. (adverb)
7) Posterity
succeeding or future generations collectively. (noun)
8) Homage
Respect or reverence paid or rendered. (noun)
9) Cloistered
secluded from the world; sheltered. (adjective)
10) Equivocator
Someone with ambition or unclear expressions. (verb)
11) Eminence
High station, rank, or repute. (noun)
12) Avouch
To make frank acknowledgement or affirmation. (verb)
13) Thralls
Slaves: people in bondage. (noun)
14) Malevolence
The feeling of ill will; hatred; malice. (noun)
Questions for scenes 5-7
1. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him?
She believes he is too full of human kindness, and she wants to help him seize the crown.
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing?
She wanted to be possessed be evil spirits.
3. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
To be like a snake hiding under a flower.
4. What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan ?
1. Because he is his kinsman and 2. because he is his host and should defend his murder not be the murderer.
5. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder?
She basically says he is a coward for not wanting to kill him.
6. What is Lady Macbeth’s plan?
To poison him and bloody his face so it looks like he killed himself.
VOCABULARY (from Macbeth)
1) Mirth
Amusement, laughter. (noun)
2) Liege
A feudal superior. (noun)
3) Parricide
A killing of a parent or other near relative. (noun)
4) Verity
A true principle or belief. (noun, plural)
5) Avarice
Extreme greed for wealth or other material gain. (noun)
6) Avaunt
Go away. (adverb)
7) Posterity
succeeding or future generations collectively. (noun)
8) Homage
Respect or reverence paid or rendered. (noun)
9) Cloistered
secluded from the world; sheltered. (adjective)
10) Equivocator
Someone with ambition or unclear expressions. (verb)
11) Eminence
High station, rank, or repute. (noun)
12) Avouch
To make frank acknowledgement or affirmation. (verb)
13) Thralls
Slaves: people in bondage. (noun)
14) Malevolence
The feeling of ill will; hatred; malice. (noun)
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Monday, January 19, 2015
Macbeth Study Questions
ACT I
Scene 1:
1) The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter. What does this tell us about the mood of the play? What do the witches symbolize beyond just superstition? Do you really believe that they are witches?
*Its very dark and haunting. They know what is to come, and seem to be casting a spell.
2) What does the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”? What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the play?
* There are no rules/ limits. Wrongs things will be right, right things will be wrong.
3) How can a battle be “Lost and won”? What foreshadow might this set-up? What is the real battle in this play?
* It seems like both side in a sense would die so they would win and loose at the same time.
4) Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad). What does this suggest about the action of the play? What might they symbolize?
* Its a battle between a cat and toad. The familiarity between them goes with the "Battle will be lost and won" symbol.
Scene ii
1) What does the bloody man report?
* He reports the first victory and describes how Macbeth slew Macdonwald.
2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel?
* Because he was a merciless villain.
3) What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to describe Macbeth and Banquo? What is significant about these descriptions?
* Choke their art: defeat their own efforts, Villainies of nature: evil within nature, A rebel's whore: a treacherous prostitute, Me'er shook hands: never parted from him.
Macbeth and Banquo were Eagles.
4) “Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another Golgotha.” What is the allusion? What is significant about the statement? What does it suggest? Please keep in mind the religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented.
* The captain tells King Duncan that the army he has just encountered is as violent and cruel as the soldiers who put Christ to death. The statements significance is him saying the moments he just witnessed were like that of Christ crucifixion.
5) Who was Scotland fighting?
* Norway.
Scene iii
1) Why do the witches talk in poetry?
* Because thats how their spells are cast.
2) What do the witches predict for Macbeth? What is the dramatic irony involved?
* He will become king. There is already a king in place.
3) What do they witches predict for Banquo? What irony is involved in this promise?
* Banquo will be not so happy, yet much happier and his offspring will become king. Macbeth will be king but it won't be a happy reign.
4) What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii? What is your first impression of Banquo?
* He first seems connected with the witches because they say they are going to meet him, also gullible. It seems like he is really good friends with Macbeth.
5) How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions? What does this tell us about their characters?
* Macbeth wants to know more and Banquo doesn't care that much.
6) What message does Ross bring?
* Ross brings the news about the King has bestowed upon Macbeth the title of Thane Cawdor, just as the three witches predicted.
7) “But ‘tis strange! And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence.” Who speaks the above quote? What is the significance or meaning of the quote?
* Banquo says this quote. I think this quote is saying to win might not be exactly what it seems, and or winning could lead to destruction.
Scene iv
1) What is Malcolm’s description of Cawdor’s execution?
* Cawdor confessed to his crimes and was executed.
2) What is the King’s response to this description?
* He was filled with sorrow because they were close.
3) Who does the King name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this information?
* His son Malcolm. He basically says he is going to either step over him or on him, because he is in his way.
4) “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.” Who speaks this quote and what is the significance of it?
ACT I
Scene 1:
1) The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter. What does this tell us about the mood of the play? What do the witches symbolize beyond just superstition? Do you really believe that they are witches?
*Its very dark and haunting. They know what is to come, and seem to be casting a spell.
2) What does the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”? What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the play?
* There are no rules/ limits. Wrongs things will be right, right things will be wrong.
3) How can a battle be “Lost and won”? What foreshadow might this set-up? What is the real battle in this play?
* It seems like both side in a sense would die so they would win and loose at the same time.
4) Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad). What does this suggest about the action of the play? What might they symbolize?
* Its a battle between a cat and toad. The familiarity between them goes with the "Battle will be lost and won" symbol.
Scene ii
1) What does the bloody man report?
* He reports the first victory and describes how Macbeth slew Macdonwald.
2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel?
* Because he was a merciless villain.
3) What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to describe Macbeth and Banquo? What is significant about these descriptions?
* Choke their art: defeat their own efforts, Villainies of nature: evil within nature, A rebel's whore: a treacherous prostitute, Me'er shook hands: never parted from him.
Macbeth and Banquo were Eagles.
4) “Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another Golgotha.” What is the allusion? What is significant about the statement? What does it suggest? Please keep in mind the religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented.
* The captain tells King Duncan that the army he has just encountered is as violent and cruel as the soldiers who put Christ to death. The statements significance is him saying the moments he just witnessed were like that of Christ crucifixion.
5) Who was Scotland fighting?
* Norway.
Scene iii
1) Why do the witches talk in poetry?
* Because thats how their spells are cast.
2) What do the witches predict for Macbeth? What is the dramatic irony involved?
* He will become king. There is already a king in place.
3) What do they witches predict for Banquo? What irony is involved in this promise?
* Banquo will be not so happy, yet much happier and his offspring will become king. Macbeth will be king but it won't be a happy reign.
4) What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii? What is your first impression of Banquo?
* He first seems connected with the witches because they say they are going to meet him, also gullible. It seems like he is really good friends with Macbeth.
5) How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions? What does this tell us about their characters?
* Macbeth wants to know more and Banquo doesn't care that much.
6) What message does Ross bring?
* Ross brings the news about the King has bestowed upon Macbeth the title of Thane Cawdor, just as the three witches predicted.
7) “But ‘tis strange! And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence.” Who speaks the above quote? What is the significance or meaning of the quote?
* Banquo says this quote. I think this quote is saying to win might not be exactly what it seems, and or winning could lead to destruction.
Scene iv
1) What is Malcolm’s description of Cawdor’s execution?
* Cawdor confessed to his crimes and was executed.
2) What is the King’s response to this description?
* He was filled with sorrow because they were close.
3) Who does the King name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this information?
* His son Malcolm. He basically says he is going to either step over him or on him, because he is in his way.
4) “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.” Who speaks this quote and what is the significance of it?
* Macbeth says that quote. basically he is asking if ambition ok in any situation.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
What is being dramatized? What conflicts or themes does the poem present, address, or question?
*Kenneth Patchen's sister has died in a tragic car accident. It presents his grief and over coming of his sister's death.
Who is the speaker? Define and describe the speaker and his/her voice. What does the speaker say? Who is the audience? Are other characters involved?
*Kenneth Patchen is the speaker. Kenneth sounds very sad and almost pleading. I believe the audience is God. No other characters.
What happens in the poem? Consider the plot or basic design of the action. How are the dramatized conflicts or themes introduced, sustained, resolved, etc.?
*Kenneth is praying for his sister, like a last goodbye or farewell. He is asking God to watch over, take care of and cherish her.
When does the action occur? What is the date and/or time of day?
*Not exactly sure, I'm assuming at night.
Where is the speaker? Describe the physical location of the dramatic moment.
*I think the speaker is at his sisters funeral.
Why does the speaker feel compelled to speak at this moment? What is his/her motivation?
*I feel as is he is desperate for some sort of assurance of his sister's safety.
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