How can we describe the character of Macbeth?
Gullible, Murderer, Greedy for power, Ambitious, Impatient, Ruthless, Amoral
Describe how Fate vs. Freewill is a thematic argument in Macbeth?
We debate Macbeth's individual power and also his destiny.
What are some examples of how Fate plays a role in Macbeth
Examples of Destiny: The play starts out with the witches who are simply waiting for Macbeth.
This proves that "something is waiting for him" maybe it's his fate or maybe its his destiny.
They give him this prophecy: Glamis then Thane or EARL of Cawdor th
What are some examples of how Freewill contributes to the character of Macbeth's actions?
Because he does not wait for anymore time to pass after he becomes thane of cawdor it suggest that it is his own will to make the second part of the prophecy come true. Macbeth is never settled with what he has
What is the Supernatural vs. Psychological thematic argument in Macbeth?
We debate whether it the whitches are real and supernatural or whether the entire supernatural aspet is a figment of Macbeth's madness.
What are some examples of Supernatural occurrences in Macbeth?
The witches can disappear into thin air, there are occurrences of other ghost and apparitions.
What are some examples of Psychological occurances in Macbeth?
Macbeth hears voices that no one else can hear, and sees the dagger that no one else can see, and sees the ghost of Banquo that no one else can see
How is Ambition portrayed in Macbeth?
Ambition is portrayed as doing whatever it takes to gain social status, even if it means killing your best friend. Macbeth is a warrior so we know his method of advancement is through violence.
Describe the Character of Lady Macbeth
Wants to be cruel and violent
Rejects her gender wishing that she could not be a nurturing figure. She is manipulative and uses her husband to increase her own social status as well
How are light and darkness portrayed in the play Macbeth
These two motifs represent day and night. The darkness indicates that scottland is going to descend on bad occurances resulting from Macbeth ruling. Macbeth calls night upon him.
Explain the theme of sight vs. unseeing in the play Macbeth
The way Macbeth and Lady Macbeth think about the images of death before they happen. Macbeth only allows himself to believe or see his visions at certain points. Lady Macbeth convincing herself that her hands were covered in blood
Describe the three witches in Macbeth
Three "black and midnight hags" who plot mischief against Macbeth using charms, spells, and prophecies. Their predictions prompt him to murder Duncan, to order the deaths of Banquo and his son, and to blindly believe in his own immortality. The play leave
Describe the character of Banquo in Macbeth
The brave, noble general whose children, according to the witches' prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne. Like Macbeth, Banquo thinks ambitious thoughts, but he does not translate those thoughts into action. In a sense, Banquo's character stands as a
Describe the character of King Duncan in Macbeth
The good King of Scotland whom Macbeth, in his ambition for the crown, murders. Duncan is the model of a virtuous, benevolent, and farsighted ruler. His death symbolizes the destruction of an order in Scotland that can be restored only when Duncan's line,
Describe the character of Macduff in Macbeth
A Scottish nobleman hostile to Macbeth's kingship from the start. He eventually becomes a leader of the crusade to unseat Macbeth. The crusade's mission is to place the rightful king, Malcolm, on the throne, but Macduff also desires vengeance for Macbeth'
Describe the character of Duncan in Macbeth
The son of Duncan, whose restoration to the throne signals Scotland's return to order following Macbeth's reign of terror. Malcolm becomes a serious challenge to Macbeth with Macduff's aid (and the support of England). Prior to this, he appears weak and u
Describe the character of Hecate in Macbeth
The goddess of witchcraft, who helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth.
Describe the character of Fleance in Macbeth
Banquo's son, who survives Macbeth's attempt to murder him. At the end of the play, Fleance's whereabouts are unknown. Presumably, he may come to rule Scotland, fulfilling the witches' prophecy that Banquo's sons will sit on the Scottish throne.
Who is Donalbain in Macbeth
Duncan's son and Malcolm's younger brother.
When the play Macbeth written?
1606 in England
What is the setting of Macbeth
The middle ages, eleventh century, in various location in Scotland and also in England briefly
What are the major conflicts in Macbeth?
The struggle within Macbeth between his ambition and his sense of right and wrong; the struggle between the murderous evil represented by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and the best interests of the nation, represented by Malcolm and Macduff
Characterize the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. If the main theme of Macbeth is ambition, whose ambition is the driving force of the play�Macbeth's, Lady Macbeth's, or both?
The Macbeths' marriage, like the couple themselves, is atypical, particularly by the standards of its time. Yet despite their odd power dynamic, the two of them seem surprisingly attached to one another, particularly compared to other married couples in S
One of the important themes in Macbeth is the idea of political legitimacy, of the moral authority that some kings possess and others lack. With particular attention to Malcolm's questioning of Macduff in Act 4, scene 3, try to define some of the characte
After Duncan's death, the nobles of Scotland begin to grumble among themselves about what they perceive as Macbeth's tyrannical behavior. When Macduff meets Malcolm in England, Malcolm pretends that he would make an even worse king than Macbeth in order t
An important theme in Macbeth is the relationship between gender and power, particularly Shakespeare's exploration of the values that make up the idea of masculinity. What are these values, and how do various characters embody them? How does Shakespeare s
Manhood, for most of the characters in Macbeth, is tied to ideals of strength, power, physical courage, and force of will; it is rarely tied to ideals of intelligence or moral fortitude. At several points in the play, the characters goad one another into
The fantastical and grotesque witches are among the most memorable figures in the play. How does Shakespeare characterize the witches? What is their thematic significance?
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Compare and contrast Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo. How are they alike? How are they different? Is it possible to argue that Macbeth is the play's villain and Macduff or Banquo its hero, or is the matter more complicated than that?
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Discuss the role that blood plays in Macbeth, particularly immediately following Duncan's murder and late in the play. What does it symbolize for Macbeth and his wife?
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Discuss Macbeth's visions and hallucinations. What role do they play in the development of his character?
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s Macbeth a moral play? Is justice served at the end of the play? Defend your answer.
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Discuss Shakespeare's use of the technique of elision, in which certain key events take place offstage. Why do you think he uses this technique?
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Who kills Macbeth
Macduff
How many men reign as king of Scotland throughout the play
3
Whom does Lady Macbeth frame for the murder of Duncan?
Duncan's drunken chamberlins
Who kills Banquo?
a group of murderers hired by Macbeth
What best describes Lady Macbeth's death
Offstage
Who discovers Duncan's body?
Macduff
Whom does Macbeth see sitting in his chair during the banquet?
Banquo's ghost
What vision does Macbeth have before he kills Duncan?
he sees a floating daggar pointing him to Duncan's chamber
With whom are the Scots at war at the beginning of the play?
Norway
Which nation's army invades Scotland at the end of the play
England
Who is the goddess of witchcraft in the play?
Hecate
Who kills Donalbain?
No one
What happens to Lady Macbeth before she dies?
He is plagued by fits of sleepwalking
Who kills Lord Siward's son?
macbeth
Where are Scottish kings crowned?
scone
Why is Macduff able to kill Macbeth despite the witches' prophecy?
he was born by a cesarian section
Where is Duncan killed?
in his bed chamber at Macbeth's castle
Who flees Scotland to join Malcolm in England?
Macduff
What was the weather like the night Duncan was murdered?
Stormy and violent
Who kills Lady Macbeth?
lady macbeth
Who flees Scotland immediately after Duncan's death?
Malcom and dolalbain
Who jokes that he works at "hell gate"?
the porter
What title is Macbeth given after his victory described in Act 1?
thane of cawdor
Who tells Macduff that his family has been killed?
ross
How does Birnam Wood come to Dunsinane?
malcom's army hides behind cut-off tree branches
Where and when does Hamlet take place?
Denmark during the Middle Ages (1599-1601)
What are the "kings 2 bodies" in Hamlet
Body natural and Body polictic
What is the "body natural
material body that can grow old, get sick, and die
What is the "body politic
The immortal status of king that is mystically connected to the people, so when a king dies someone else has to immediately replace him because that stauts of monarchy only works when it is immortal.
What question does shakespeare propose by opening up the play with the ghost of King Hamlet?
Forces the audience to question if the body politic is trying to maintain his body natural. We question whether Claudius is just a figurative King
What are some things that the Murder of King Hamlet represents?
Fratricide, usurptation, horrible, immoral (no last rites), cowardice because he was sleeping
Describe the character of Hamlet
The Prince of Denmark, the title character, and the protagonist. About thirty years old at the start of the play, Hamlet is the son of Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet, and the nephew of the present king, Claudius. Hamlet is melancholy, bitter, and
Describe the character of Claudius
The King of Denmark, Hamlet's uncle, and the play's antagonist. The villain of the play, Claudius is a calculating, ambitious politician, driven by his sexual appetites and his lust for power, but he occasionally shows signs of guilt and human feeling�his
Describe the character of Gertrude
The Queen of Denmark, Hamlet's mother, recently married to Claudius. Gertrude loves Hamlet deeply, but she is a shallow, weak woman who seeks affection and status more urgently than moral rectitude or truth.
Describe the character of Polonius
The Lord Chamberlain of Claudius's court, a pompous, conniving old man. Polonius is the father of Laertes and Ophelia. He is a very snakey character always in other people's business and so it is quite appropriate that his death mirrors his "gossipy" char
Describe the character of Horatio
Hamlet's close friend, who studied with the prince at the university in Wittenberg. Horatio is loyal and helpful to Hamlet throughout the play. After Hamlet's death, Horatio remains alive to tell Hamlet's story.
Describe the character of Ophelia
Polonius's daughter, a beautiful young woman with whom Hamlet has been in love. Ophelia is a sweet and innocent young girl, who obeys her father and her brother, Laertes. Dependent on men to tell her how to behave, she gives in to Polonius's schemes to sp
Describe the character of Laertes
Polonius's son and Ophelia's brother, a young man who spends much of the play in France. Passionate and quick to action, Laertes is clearly a foil for the reflective Hamlet.
Describe the character of Fortinbras
The young Prince of Norway, whose father the king (also named Fortinbras) was killed by Hamlet's father (also named Hamlet). Now Fortinbras wishes to attack Denmark to avenge his father's honor, making him another foil for Prince Hamlet.
Describe the character of the Ghost
The specter of Hamlet's recently deceased father. The ghost, who claims to have been murdered by Claudius, calls upon Hamlet to avenge him. However, it is not entirely certain whether the ghost is what it appears to be, or whether it is something else. Ha
Describe the characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Two slightly bumbling courtiers, former friends of Hamlet from Wittenberg, who are summoned by Claudius and Gertrude to discover the cause of Hamlet's strange behavior.
Who is Osric?
The foolish courtier who summons Hamlet to his duel with Laertes.
Describe the major conflict in the play Hamlet
Hamlet feels a responsibility to avenge his father's murder by his uncle Claudius, but Claudius is now the king and thus well protected. Moreover, Hamlet struggles with his doubts about whether he can trust the ghost and whether killing Claudius is the ap
Shakespeare includes characters in Hamlet who are obvious foils for Hamlet, including, most obviously, Horatio, Fortinbras, Claudius, and Laertes. Compare and contrast Hamlet with each of these characters. How are they alike? How are they different? How d
Horatio's steadfastness and loyalty contrasts with Hamlet's variability and excitability, though both share a love of learning, reason, and thought. Claudius's willingness to disregard all moral law and act decisively to fulfill his appetites and lust for
Many critics take a deterministic view of Hamlet's plot, arguing that the prince's inability to act and tendency toward melancholy reflection is a "tragic flaw" that leads inevitably to his demise. Is this an accurate way of understanding the play? Why or
The idea of the "tragic flaw" is a problematic one in Hamlet. It is true that Hamlet possesses definable characteristics that, by shaping his behavior, contribute to his tragic fate. But to argue that his tragedy is inevitable because he possesses these c
Throughout the play, Hamlet claims to be feigning madness, but his portrayal of a madman is so intense and so convincing that many readers believe that Hamlet actually slips into insanity at certain moments in the play. Do you think this is true, or is Ha
At any given moment during the play, the most accurate assessment of Hamlet's state of mind probably lies somewhere between sanity and insanity. Hamlet certainly displays a high degree of mania and instability throughout much of the play, but his "madness
Think about Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia. Does he love her? Does he stop loving her? Did he ever love her? What evidence can you find in the play to support your opinion?
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Consider Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's role in the play. Why might Shakespeare have created characters like this? Are they there for comic relief, or do they serve a more serious purpose? Why does the news of their deaths come only after the deaths of th
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Analyze the use of descriptions and images in Hamlet. How does Shakespeare use descriptive language to enhance the visual possibilities of a stage production? How does he use imagery to create a mood of tension, suspense, fear, and despair?
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Analyze the use of comedy in Hamlet, paying particular attention to the gravediggers, Osric, and Polonius. Does comedy serve merely to relieve the tension of the tragedy, or do the comic scenes serve a more serious thematic purpose as well?
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Suicide is an important theme in Hamlet. Discuss how the play treats the idea of suicide morally, religiously, and aesthetically, with particular attention to Hamlet's two important statements about suicide: the "O, that this too too solid flesh
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Where does the ghost appear during the play?
the castle ramparts and gertudes bedchamber
How did Claudius murder King Hamlet?
poison in ear
Where is the university at which Horatio and Hamlet studied?
wittenburg
Whose skull does Hamlet discover in the churchyard?
the former court jester yorrik
Which of the following characters cannot see the ghost?
gertrude
Who escorts Hamlet on the voyage to England?
rosencranz and guilderstern
Where do Hamlet and Laertes fight during Ophelia's funeral?
inside the grave itself
Which of the following characters survive the play?
fortinbras horatio and orsic
What does Hamlet claim to be able to tell the difference between when the wind is from the south?
a hawk and a handsaw
In whose history of Denmark did Shakespeare find background material for his play?
saxo grammaticus
How does Ophelia die?
she drowns in the river
Whose story does Hamlet ask the players to tell upon their arrival to Elsinore?
priam and hecubas
Why, according to Polonius, has Hamlet gone mad?
he is in love with ohelia
Who is the last character to die in the play?
hamlet
How many characters die during the course of the play?
8
Who speaks the famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy?
hamlet
In what country do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern die?
england
Why does Hamlet decide not to kill Claudius after the traveling players' play?
claudius is praying
Who killed Fortinbras's father?
hamlets father
Which character speaks the first line of the play?
bernardo
In which of the following years was Hamlet most likely written?
1601
Which of Claudius and Laertes' traps for Hamlet succeeds in killing him?
poisoned sword
Which character speaks from beneath the stage toward the end of Act I?
ghost
Who returns Hamlet to Denmark after his exile?
group of pirates
Explain the role of Fathers and daughters in The Tempest
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Explain the role of Love and Marriage in The Tempest
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Explain the role of Masters and Servants in The Tempesy
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Explain the roles of Magic and Fortune in The Tempest
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Explain the roles of Usurpation, Revenge, and Redemption in The Tempest
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How does Shakespeare allow for redemption in The Tempest?
1) A Legitimate Need For Some Kind of Forgiveness
2) Character's Attitude towards Fortune and Fate "Bountiful"
3) Miranda Has An Incredible Sense of Compassion? "I have suffered with those that I have seen suffer"
4) Love: Someone has to fall in love for
What is the conflict between Prospero and Antonio
Conspired with an enemy force in order to usurp Prospero? THIS IS TREASON? The conflict is that the only reason he gets this idea is because Prospero neglects to attend to his state
How does Miranda represent redemption in The Tempest?
oh brave new world" and Prospero responding "tis new to thee" this is a statement paralleling Shakespeare's life. As we read the end of the play it is a reversal of Shakespearian themes and also Shakespeare own farewell to the stage as he leave the stage
Describe the character of Prospero
The play's protagonist, and father of Miranda. Twelve years before the events of the play, Prospero was the duke of Milan. His brother, Antonio, in concert with Alonso, king of Naples, usurped him, forcing him to flee in a boat with his daughter. The hone
Describe the character of Miranda
The daughter of Prospero, Miranda was brought to the island at an early age and has never seen any men other than her father and Caliban, though she dimly remembers being cared for by female servants as an infant. Because she has been sealed off from the
Describe the character of Ariel
Prospero's spirit helper. Ariel is referred to throughout this SparkNote and in most criticism as "he," but his gender and physical form are ambiguous. Rescued by Prospero from a long imprisonment at the hands of the witch Sycorax, Ariel is Prospero's ser
Describe the character of Caliban
Another of Prospero's servants. Caliban, the son of the now-deceased witch Sycorax, acquainted Prospero with the island when Prospero arrived. Caliban believes that the island rightfully belongs to him and has been stolen by Prospero. His speech and behav
Describe the character of Ferdinand
Son and heir of Alonso. Ferdinand seems in some ways to be as pure and na�ve as Miranda. He falls in love with her upon first sight and happily submits to servitude in order to win her father's approval.
Describe the character of Alonso
King of Naples and father of Ferdinand. Alonso aided Antonio in unseating Prospero as Duke of Milan twelve years before. As he appears in the play, however, he is acutely aware of the consequences of all his actions. He blames his decision to marry his da
Describe the character of Antonio
Prospero's brother. Antonio quickly demonstrates that he is power-hungry and foolish. In Act II, scene i, he persuades Sebastian to kill the sleeping Alonso. He then goes along with Sebastian's absurd story about fending off lions when Gonzalo wakes up an
Describe the character of Sebastian
Alonso's brother. Like Antonio, he is both aggressive and cowardly. He is easily persuaded to kill his brother in Act II, scene i, and he initiates the ridiculous story about lions when Gonzalo catches him with his sword drawn.
Describe the character of Gonzalo
An old, honest lord, Gonzalo helped Prospero and Miranda to escape after Antonio usurped Prospero's title. Gonzalo's speeches provide an important commentary on the events of the play, as he remarks on the beauty of the island when the stranded party firs
Describe the characters Trinculo and Stephano
Trinculo, a jester, and Stephano, a drunken butler, are two minor members of the shipwrecked party. They provide a comic foil to the other, more powerful pairs of Prospero and Alonso and Antonio and Sebastian. Their drunken boasting and petty greed reflec
When was the tempest written?
1610-1611 England
What time period does the Tempest take place in
The Renaissance
Analyze Caliban's "the isle is full of noises" speech (III.ii.130-138). What makes it such a compelling and beautiful passage? What is its relation to Caliban's other speeches, and to his character in general? What effect does this spe
Caliban's speech is most remarkable and compelling largely because of how different it is from anything he has said before. Caliban frequently describes the qualities of the island, but usually these descriptions relate to the torments Prospero subje
What is the nature of Prospero and Miranda's relationship? Discuss moments where Miranda seems to be entirely dependent on her father and moments where she seems independent. How does Miranda's character change over the course of the play?
At first, Miranda seems very young. When Prospero tells her of his exile from Italy, it is her passionate but also restless youth that the reader sees in her exclamations of concern ("O the heavens!" I.ii.116; "Alack, for pity!" I.ii.1
Discuss Ferdinand's character. What is the nature of his love for Miranda? Is he a likable character? What is the nature of his relationship to other characters?
Ferdinand is very formal. Upon first seeing Miranda, he assumes that she is a goddess, and he addresses her as such. His language is that of courtly love, of knights who fight for fair ladies. Ferdinand idealizes both Miranda and love itself. From the mom
Discuss one or more of the play's comic scenes involving Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban. How do these scenes parallel and parody the main action of the play? Pay particular attention to Trinculo's speech about Caliban in Act II, scene ii, lines
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Look at a few of the many passages in the play in which there is mention of noises, sound, or music. Focusing on one or two characters, discuss the role of noise in The Tempest.
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Virtually every character in the play expresses some desire to be lord of the island. Discuss two or three of these characters. How does each envision the island's potential? How does each envision his own rule?
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Analyze the tempest scene in Act I, scene i. Topics to discuss include the following. How does Shakespeare use the very limited resources of his bare stage to create a sense of realism? How are we introduced to the characters? How does this introduction a
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Whom does Caliban mistake for one of Prospero's spirits sent to torment him?
Trinculo
What was Prospero's title before his position was usurped and he was forced to flee Italy?
Duke of Milan
From which country is Alonso's ship returning when it is caught in the tempest?
Tunis
How long have Prospero and Miranda been on their island?
twelve years
What was the name of Caliban's mother?
sycorax
Over how many days does the action of The Tempest take place?
one
Which mythical figures appear in the wedding masque Prospero stages for Miranda and Ferdinand?
ceres, iris, and juno
Which character is Prospero's brother?
antonio
Which character is Sebastian's brother?
alonso
What do we see Miranda and Ferdinand doing in the play's final scene?
playing chess
What shape does Ariel assume at the magical banquet in Act III, scene iii?
harpy
What do Prospero and Ariel set out as bait for Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano?
a glistening apparel
What does Caliban say must be done before Prospero can be killed?
his books must be seized
What is the name of Alonso's daughter?
claribel
What does Prospero give as his reason for treating Caliban badly?
caliban attempted to rape miranda
Who helped Prospero and Miranda to flee Italy?
gonzalo
Where does Ariel put the mariners and Boatswain after the tempest?
asleep in the ship in the ahrbor
Where did Sycorax imprison Ariel?
in a cloven pine
What task are both Caliban and Ferdinand forced to perform?
carrying wood
Who persuades Sebastian to try to kill Alonso?
antonio
What does Prospero intend to "drown" after he has reconciled with his enemies?
his book
What does Caliban say is his "chief profit" from learning language?
he knows how to curse
Which characters do Stephano and Trinculo most clearly parody?
antonio and sebastian
What is the final task Prospero orders Ariel to perform?
to give the fleet calm seas to retun to italy
We are told that one of the following characters has visited England. Which one?
trinculo