Macbeth Questions

ACT 1
Act 1, Scene 1
1. What is the effect of beginning the play with the witches? Whom are the witches going to meet, and when? Notice the language of lines 10-11 and watch for it later in the play. Beginning the play with witches gives the play an effect of suspense and it can be inferred that evil is a major theme in the play. The witches plan to meet up with Macbeth after the battle has ended.

Act 1, Scene 2
1. What do we learn about and from the "bloody Captain" (1.2.1-44)? Who is Macdonwald and what has he done? What has been done to him and by whom? Did that end the problem with rebels (1.2.29-34)? We learn from the bloody Captain that Macdonwald was an opposing villain and was battling against Macbeth with the help of his men from Ireland and Lady Luck but they were not strong enough. Macbeth managed to kill him and stick his head on their castle walls. But it did not end the problem since the Norwegian king found it as the suitable time to attack with his fresh army. That frightened the brave soldiers Macbeth and Banquo but they just fought with double the force and manages to stay invincible.

2. What do we learn from Ross and Angus (1.2.45-62)? Who was the traitor in this different revolt? What does King Duncan say about the traitor and about his title ( 1.2.63-65)? We learn that the Norwanian army, assisted by the betraying thane Cawder began a bloody battle. But then Macbeth came and matched them shot by shot until they surrendered. King Duncan declares that the traitor Cawder should be executed and that his titles should be granted to Macbeth.

Act 1, Scene 3
1. What is the effect of what the witches tell each other in 1.3.1-27)? What is the effect of the specifics they tell? Are these details important to the plot of the play? Why are they here? What does the First Witch mean by line 9? Keep the line in mind; "do" is an important word in this play. How do the witches prepare for Macbeth's arrival, and what do they say ( 1.3.28-35)? Gives some more suspense to the play since they plan to do evil to a sailor. The specifics they tell show how thought out their plan is. On line 9 when the first witch says, “I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do” she means that she will do several bad things to the sailor. The witches chant a spell to prepare for their meeting with Macbeth.

2. Does Macbeth's first line (1.3.36) remind you of anything we have heard before? What do the witches look like (1.3.37-45)? What do they tell Macbeth ( 1.3.46-48). What happens to Macbeth then? How do we know? (See 1.3.49-55.) What does Banquo ask the witches and what do they tell him (1.3.55-67; notice the paradoxes in 1.3.63-65, similar in structure to 1.1.10-11 and 1.3.36 ). What do we know that Macbeth doesn't know in 1.3.68-76)? The witches are describes as creatures never seen before on earth, Banquo says they look like women but that their beards tell him otherwise. They make the predictions that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Banquo also demands to know his own future. Macbeth is then left speechless because Banquo says so. The witches prophesy that Banquo’s descendants will be kings, but he himself will not. What the reader knows and Macbeth doesn’t is that the Thane of Cawdor will be sentenced to death by the King of Scotland and the title will be granted to Macbeth.

3. How does Banquo explain the witches (1.3.77-78)? What does Macbeth learn from Ross and Angus ( 1.3.87-114)? What is Macbeth doing in lines 114-156? Note where he is speaking to himself, where he is speaking only to Banquo, and where he is speaking to everyone. How is Macbeth reacting to what the witches have said and to what Ross and Angus have said? Read Banquo's speech in lines 120-125 carefully for a statement related to the themes of the play. Then read Macbeth's speech at 1.3.126-141 carefully. What is he saying? What is he beginning to think about? Notice an echo of the paradox of "fair is foul" in lines 140-141. Banquo had described the witches as being a bubble that emerged and just disappeared from sight. Macbeth learns from Ross and Angus that he will be granted the title of the thane of Cawdor. Banquos speech states how Macbeth must be careful about believing what the witches had said because they may just be providing only a part of the truth so that Macbeth will then be lead to destruction since they only provide the little parts of the details. During the course of lines 114-156, Macbeth weighs the moral implications of the Witches’ predictions. He is horrified at the thought of killing King Duncan, but resolves to accept whatever has to be. He lies to Banquo about his thoughts.

4. How does Macbeth explain his behavior (1.3.148-149)? How much of his thought does he plan to share with Banquo (1.3.152-154)? Macbeth tells the other men that he had just been distracted. He wants to share his thoughts with Banquo.

Act 1, Scene 4
1. How did Cawdor die (1.4.1-11)? How does the King respond (1.4.11-14)? Keep these lines in mind. Malcolm reports that the Thane of Cawdor died a repentant and dignified death. King Duncan reflects that it is impossible to judge anyone by his or her outward appearance since he had completely trusted Cawdor.

2. How does the King greet Macbeth and Banquo (1.4.14-35 )? Note the imagery of planting and growing. What announcement does the King make in lines 35-42? (Prince of Cumberland is the title of the Scottish heir apparent, like Prince of Wales for the English.) Where does the King intend to go ( 1.4.42-47)? How does he react in his aside to the King's announcement of his heir (1.4.48-53)? What is going on in Macbeth's mind? King Duncan greets Macbeth and Banquo by thanking them so much for their help and contributions. The planting imagery serves to show that Duncan had planted the seeds for a successful career for both. The king then announces that his elder son Malcolm will inherit the throne to the kingdom. The king then says he will visit Macbeth at his house. In Macbeth’s mind, he shows how his desire grows and he is upset that Malcolm is inheriting the throne, since he would be in his way. Macbeth tells his eyes to not see what his hands would do; kill Malcolm.

Act 1, Scene 5
1. Has Macbeth reported accurately to his wife (1.5.1-12)? How does she respond? Read her speech in lines 13-28 carefully. How does she describe Macbeth? Does this match what we have seen of him? Macbeth has told his wife most of everything that has happened. She analyses his nature, fearing that he is too decent and delicate to murder king Duncan for the crown. She describes him as being too kind to be capable of murdering someone to achieve what he wants. Her description does seem to match most of what is said about Macbeth.

2. How does Lady Macbeth respond to the news that the King is coming? Read her speech in lines 36-52 carefully. What does she intend to do? What does she have to do to herself to let that happen? When the Attendant gives news that Macbeth and the king are approaching, she calls on evil spirits to assist her murderous plans. She greets Macbeth with thoughts of future greatness. She intends to kill king Duncan so that her husband can become king.

3. Who is in charge when Macbeth arrives (1.5.52-71)? Has Lady Macbeth decided what to do? Has Macbeth? What does she tell him to do, and what will she herself do? Lady Macbeth is in charge when Macbeth arrived. She had decided to murder King Duncan so that Macbeth would become king. She tells Macbeth to just act normal during the time the king stays in the household and to leave the rest of the plan to her. She urges Macbeth to hide his deadly intentions behind some welcoming looks. She will manage the killing of Duncan herself.

4. What is Lady Macbeth's name? (A trick question-it's not in the play. But historical sources tell us her name was Gruoch and that she had a son by a previous marriage, named Lulach. See the Bedford Texts and Contexts edition of Macbeth, p. 128, with no source given there.)

Act 1, Scene 6
1. Read the opening speeches (1.6.1-10) carefully, noting the imagery. How honest is Lady Macbeth's welcome (1.6.10-31)? It is very dishonest. She welcomes Duncan with elaborate courtesy. She speaks of loyalty, obedience and gratefulness for past honors.

Act 1, Scene 7
1. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 1.7.1-28 carefully. Notice the repetition of "done" in lines 1-2. How ready is Macbeth to kill the King? What is he worried about in lines 1-12? What special rules of hospitality is Macbeth violating (lines 12-16)? What motivation does Macbeth attribute to himself (lines 25-28)? Macbeth thinks a lot and decides that he will not kill Duncan. He is worried that such crime will come back to get him in the future. He is violating the rule that the hostess must protect his guests and not murder them themselves.

2. What is Lady Macbeth complaining about in lines 28-30? What does Macbeth then say, and how does Lady Macbeth reply? Read their discussion in lines 31-82 carefully to see what positions each holds and what means each uses to convince the other? Who is the stronger person in this scene? Lady Macbeth complains to Macbeth that why he had not shown up to the king yet since he had already asked for him. Macbeth then tells his wife that he does not want to kill the king and she replies by calling him a coward. She then tells him of what they can accomplish and that he should not reject the desires that he holds inside of him. The stronger person in this scene is Lady Macbeth since she even convinced Macbeth to carry on their murder. She convinced him so that he will not think of it twice any more.

ACT 2
Act 2, Scene 1
1. What is the purpose of the opening of 2.1 (lines 1-9)? Notice the references to time (lines 1-3), and think about the other references to time so far in the play (1.1.1-5; 1.3.56, 146, and 152; 1.5.8 and 56-62; 1.7.51 and 81). What is the function of the discussion about the witches in 2.1.20-29? The purpose to state the time may be so that the reader can have more understanding of what is happening in the play. The function of the discussion of the witches is to show how Macbeth begins to lie. When Banquo says he has dreamt of the Witches, Macbeth replies with a lie.

2. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 2.1.33-64 carefully. What is happening to him? How does he explain it? What will he do about it? Notice references to time in line59 and to deeds and done in lines 61-62. Alone, Macbeth hallucinates, thinking he sees a bloodstained dagger. As he moves to murder Duncan, his thoughts are filled with evil images. Macbeth thinks that either his mind is playing with him or his sight fails him. He decides that it is the crime that he is going to make that keeps haunting him and so he will get over with it while his courage has not left.

Act 2, Scene 2
1. What is Lady Macbeth's state of mind in her soliloquy (2.2.1-13)? What has she done? What does she assume Macbeth is now doing? Why didn't she do it (lines 12-13)? Lady Macbeth is exhilarated by alcohol and awaits Macbeth’s return from Duncan’s room. She has drugged Duncan’s bodyguards, but fears that the murder has not been done. But as she hears an owl screech she thinks that Macbeth is just committing the murder. She says she didn’t kill Duncan herself because he reminded her of her own father.

2. What deed has Macbeth done (2.2.14)? What is Macbeth worried about in lines 17-31? How does Lady Macbeth respond (lines 31-32)? Notice the heavy emphasis on the murdering of sleep in lines 33-41. What problem arises in line 46? How is it solved? Keep lines 44-45, 58-61, and 65 about washing in mind for later in the play. Macbeth had just finished killing Duncan. He is worried that some of the guests dreamt of the crime and then prayed. When they prayed and said “God Bless Us” and then “Amen”, Macbeth could not say amen himself even though he also wanted blessing since he really thought he needed some. The problem that arises in line 46 is that Macbeth heard the man dreaming shout out that Macbeth had murdered sleep and that in consequence, Macbeth should not be able to sleep no more. Macbeth was also afraid to go back to the room and leave the daggers there as evidence and smear blood on the guards to blame them. So then Lady Macbeth called him a coward and did it herself.

Act 2, Scene 3
1. What does the porter pretend to be doing? Notice the emphasis on equivocation in this speech and in the following dialogue with Macduff. Equivocation was a doctrine espoused by Jesuits living secretly in England (and in danger of arrest, torture, and death) that allowed them to swear oaths with double meanings in order to preserve their lives while also maintaining their faith but that looked to their opponents very much like lying under oath. Equivocation had recently been much discussed because of the trials surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of November 1605, a Catholic attempt to blow up Parliament while the members and the King were present. Watch how the idea of equivocation functions in the play. Macbeth’s Porter imagines himself keeper of Hell’s gate. He talks about admitting to Hell a greedy farmer, a liar and cheating tailor. He jokes with Macduff about the effects of too much drink.

2. What is the thematic function of Lennox's conversation with Macbeth about the unruly night (lines 50-59). What is the theatrical function of the scene? Why does something need to be here? It gives more insight about the fact that Macbeth may be discovered and will be killed at the end of the play. It makes the audience put more emphasis on what Macbeth will say and how he could ever manage to get himself out of the problem alive.

3. What news does Macduff report at line 59? How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respond? What does Macbeth report in lines 103-104 that he did? What do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to do and why (lines 116-121 and 131-142)? Where will they go? What do they seem to expect will happen if they don't leave? Macduff, horror-struck, reveals the murder of Duncan. Macbeth and his wife both act as if they were very shocked something like that had happened in their own house. Malcolm and Donalbain decide to leave because they could also be in danger and are ready to take the throne themselves. They think that they have the most say in that cause and plan to become king themselves since they are sons of the king. They believe that their closest relatives are the most likely to murder them in an attempt to take the throne. They decide to separate to different countries to avoid being murdered themselves.

Act 2, Scene 4
1. What is the function of the dialogue between the Old Man and Ross (lines 1-20)? What do we learn from Macduff about Malcolm and Donalbain? About Macbeth? Where has Macbeth gone? Where will Macduff go? (Macbeth was historically a member of the royal family; his mother and Duncan's mother were sisters, daughters of Duncan's predecessor as king; both Duncan and Macbeth were historically about the same age. Duncan ruled from 1034 to 1040 and Macbeth from 1040 to 1057.) Notice that many of the key words and ideas we have been tracing appear in this scene. Ross and an Old Man talk about the darkness and unnaturalness of events that mirror Duncan’s murder. The sun is obscured, owls kill falcons, and Duncan’s horses eat each other. These strange and terrible disruptions in nature mirror Macbeth’s killing of Duncan. We learn from Macduff that the king’s own sons, Malcolm and Donalbain are the main suspects for the murder since it is thought that they had paid the guards to kill their father and they fled. Macbeth has been elected king, and has gone to Scone to be crowned. Macduff will not go to the crowning ceremony and instead got to Fife.


ACT 3
3.1
1. How does Banquo react to Macbeth's being King ( 3.1.1-10)? What does he suspect has happened to Duncan? Banquo rears that Macbeth has become king by evil means, but he takes heart from the Witches’ prediction for his own descendants. He suspects that Duncan was murdered by Macbeth.

2. What does Macbeth learn from Banquo in lines 19-38? Why does he want to know it? What does he say about Malcolm and Donalbain in lines 31-34? He learns that Banquo will be riding far in the day until he will return at night to make it for the feast of Macbeth. Macbeth wanted to know because he wanted to hear his good advice at the council that day but then decides to postpone it till the next day. Macbeth then mentions that Malcolm and Donalbain are hiding in different countries and are spreading malicious rumours.

3. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 3.1.49-73 carefully. What is bothering Macbeth? Macbeth broods on his fears that Banquo’s descendants will become kings after him. He feels that he has commited murder and gone against his conscience just for Banquo’s sons to then take the throne.

4. How does Macbeth get the two murderers to agree to kill Banquo? Has he told them the truth about Banquo and himself? What has brought the murderers to be willing to do a deed like this? Macbeth reminds them of an earlier conversation when he told them that Banquo is their enemy. He then taunts the Murderers, urging them to show that theyt are men, not dogs. If they can prove their manhood, Macbeth will help them kill Banquo. The Murderers claim that they are so desperate they’ll do anything.

3.2
1. How much does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth about his fears? How much does he tell her about what he plans to do? Does she know as much as we know at this point? Macbeth tells his wife most of what he fears. Lady Macbeth even feels troubled. She advises Macbeth not to worry so much on what’s done, but he is still racked by his fears and insecurity. Macbeth even envies the peace of death in sleep that Duncan enjoys. Macbeth tells his wife to pay special regard to Banquo at the banquet. He speaks contemptuously of having to flatter deceitfully. He hints darkly that terrible deed will be performed that night but doesn’t tell her what exactly. At this point we know that the Murderers are supposed to kill Banquo that night which Lady Macbeth doesn’t know yet.

3.3
1. How do the two murderers respond to the third one? How does the third one explain his presence? The First Murderer did not really seem to trust him and so asked him who had told him to join them. So the Third Murderer tells them it was Macbeth who had given him the order. The Second Murderer tells the other that they should not mistrust him since he was given the same orders from Macbeth that they had received.

2. How successful is their mission? It was semi-successful since they managed to kill Banquo but Fleance escaped. It was because one of the murderers thought it was best to turn off the light that they did not see Fleance escape. So they then realized that they had only managed to kill Banquo.

3.4
1. During the banquet, what does Macbeth learn from the First Murderer (3.4.11-31)? How does that affect Macbeth's participation in the banquet? Macbeth welcomes his guests tot eh banquet and mixes with them the First Murderer reports Banquo’s death, but the news of Fleance’s escape disturbs Macbeth and renews his fears. But Macbeth then consoles himself that Fleance is too young to do harm yet.

2. What appears at 3.4.36? Who can see it? What "trick" does it play on Macbeth (3.2.36-46)? How does Macbeth respond? How does Lady Macbeth explain his response to him? To the guests? What does Macbeth find strange ( 3.4.74-82)? What happens to the banquet? The “Ghost of Banquo” appears in the banquet and sits in Macbeth’s place. The sight of Banquo’s Ghost unnerves Macbeth which none but him can see. Lady Macbeth explains to the guests that Macbeth is just having one of his usual hallucinations. In lines 74-82 Macbeth explains that he finds death strange because before people would kill other people and they would just die, now the dead would arise and make the people crazy. After the ghost of Banquo returned again and Macbeth started to get scared again, Lady Macbeth decided to end the Banquet right there.

3. Who is the next problem person mentioned (3.2.127-129 )? How well does Macbeth trust his followers (3.4.130-131)? Where will he go tomorrow and what does he want to find out (3.4.131-134)? How does Lady Macbeth diagnose his infirmity (3.2.140)? The next problem person mentioned is Macduff because Macbeth had ordered him to join the banquet but he did not show up. Macbeth does not really seem to trust the rest of the lords because he has servant spies in each of their households to spy for him. Macbeth decided to visit the Witches the next day to know the rest of his future, swearing that from now on there is no turning back. He will kill anyone standing in his way.

3.5
1. What is Hecate's complaint to the witches? What does she tell them to do? What will happen tomorrow? Where? Hecate rebukes the Witches for speaking to Macbeth without involving her. She bids them meet her the next day at the pet of Acheron, the river in hell to tell Macbeth his destiny. She promises to use magic to ruin the over-confident Macbeth.

3.6
1. Why is Lennox talking in such an indirect way to the other lord? What is Lennox trying to tell him? What might he be trying to learn about him? Lennox comments guardedly and ironically o Macbeth’s guilt as he recounts the killing of Duncan, Bamnquo and the guards. He talks sarcastically of Macbeth so that it can be hinted that he suspects Macbeth was behind it all. He hints at Macbeth’s murderous intentions towards Malcolm, Donalbain and Fleance as well.

2. What has happened to Macduff? Macduff has gone to England to ask King Edwards for help on an army to overthrow Macbeth’s tyranny.

3. What is the function of this scene in the play? This scene brings further foreshadowing that Macbeth will be led to his death. This scene also gives more suspense since the act of war may be put in play. This scene contrasts Macbeth as earlier in the play where he was courageous and full of honor and now a corrupt criminal and tyrant.

ACT 4
4.1
1. How many witches appear in this scene? There were six witches. The Witches prepare to meet Macbeth. They chant as they circle the cauldron, throwing in horrible ingredients to make a sickening brew.

2. What messages does Macbeth get from the witches and their apparitions? Does he feel safe after the first three apparitions? Should he? How does he feel after the fourth, the line of kings? The Witches show their Apparitions. An armed Head warns Macbeth: ‘beware Macduff’. A bloody Child tells him that no naturally born man can harm him. Macbeth, though reassured, swears to kill Macduff. The Third Apparition promises that Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnan Wood comes to Dunsinane. Macbeth demands to know if Banquos descendants will ever take the thrown to the kingdom to the Witches refuse to tell him. The Witches present a possession of eight kings and Banquo. Having presented Banquo’s descendants as kings, the Witches dance, and vanish, to Macbeth’s anger.

3. What does Macbeth learn from Lennox at line 158? What does he plan to do about it? He learns from Lennox that Macduff had fled to England. Hearing of Macduff’s flight, Macbeth resolves to kill every member of Macduff’s family he can catch

4.2
1. What is Lady Macduff's reaction to her husband's departure for England (4.2.1-30). Lady Macduff interprets Macduff’s flight to England as madness, fear, or lack of love for his family.

2. What is the function of the scene between Lady Macduff and her son ( 4.2.30-64)? Macduff’s son teases his mother affectionately. Behind his playful words are glimpses of the dangerous times; traps for the innocent, and widespread treachery. A messenger then arrives to warn of danger.

3. What happens to Lady Macduff and her son? A messenger warns Lady Macduff to flee with her children because terrible danger is near. The Murderers enter, seeking Macduff. They kill his son and pursue Macduff’s wife to murder her off stage.

4.3
1. What do we know at the beginning of the scene that Macduff doesn't know? We know that Macduff’s son and wife have been murdered by Macbeth’s men.

2. What is the main issue between Malcolm and Macduff in the first part of the scene ( 4.3.1-32)? Why might Malcolm be suspicious of Macduff? How does Macduff respond (4.3.32-38)? What changes when Macduff starts to leave at line 35? Malcolm voices his suspicions that Macduff has good reasons to betray him to Macbeth.
Malcolm’s suspicions about Macduff:
He is not sure that Macduff is telling the truth (line 11)
Macbeth was once thought to be honest (line12-13)
Macduff was a friend of Macbeth (line 13)
Macbeth has left Macduff unharmed (line 14)
Macduff may betray Malcolm to Macbeth (line 14-15)
Macbeth is a traitor (line 18)
Even a good man may obery a wicked king (lines 19-20)
Macduff has abruptly left his family behind in danger (lines 26-8)
Maldolm has cause to be suspicious for his own safety (lines 29-30)
Macduff responds by saying that he is not a treacherous man.

3. What does Malcolm say about himself, and how does Macduff respond (lines 38-115)? What bothers Macduff more in a king, lust or avarice? Why does this character of Malcolm's surprise Macduff (lines 106-112)? (Malcolm's mother was the daughter of the Old Siward mentioned in line 135, which might explain why he is helping. The description of his mother sounds more like St. Margaret of Scotland, who in fact was later this Malcolm's wife.) Malcolm tells Macduff that he has English troops to support his cause, but that his own vices are far worse than Macbeth’s. Malcolm lists Macbeth’s vices, but claims that his won sexual desire is limitless, and he is infinitely greedy. Macduff finds reason to excuse Malcolm’s ungovernable lust and greed.

4. How does this threat to leave by Macduff change Malcolm's story? What is Malcolm's explanation for his behavior (lines 115-133)? What was Malcolm about to do when Macduff arrived (lines 134-138)? Malcolm says that Macduff’s reaction has removed his suspicions so he then denies all the false vices he had told him and tells him the truth. He says that Siward had prepared men for battle with Macbeth and that he is now ready to battle along with Macduff.

5. What is the purpose of the discussion of King Edward's healing powers? How does this compare to the present King of Scotland in the play? Note lines 155-157: King James, who was from Scotland and who as a Stuart was considered one of those descendants of Banquo, had recently revived this practice when the play was written, which gives another reason for including it in the play. The Doctor tells how King Edward cures sick people by his touch. Malcolm says the gift of healing is passed down to future kings.

6. What message does Ross bring? How long does it take for him to tell it? How does Macduff respond? Note lines 214-217: Who "has no children"? We assume he means Macbeth, but could he mean Malcolm, who is perhaps too hasty in telling him to "Be comforted"? Notice the mentions of "man" in lines 221-223 and 237 and compare the use of the word earlier in the play (as at 1.7.46-51 abd 72-74; 3.1.92-102; and 3.4.57, 72, 98, and 107). What does it mean to be a "man" in this play? Ross reports that in Scotland suffering goes unremarked and good men’s lives are short. He also les to Macduff and tells him his family was well. He then reports that Rebellion against Macbeth is rumored. But then Ross does tell Macduff of the murder of his family. Malcolm tries to comfort Macduff, who struggles with his grief over the slaughter of his wife and children. Macduff cannot hide his grief. He feels that he is to blame for his family’s death. He vows vengeance on Macbeth.

7. What are Malcolm, Macduff, and Ross ready to do at the end of the scene? Malcolm declares that the time is repe to overthrow Macbeth, as Heaven itself is against him.

ACT 5
5.1
1. What has the gentlewoman seen Lady Macbeth do (5.1.1-15)? Why won't she tell the Doctor what Lady Macbeth said? The Gentlewoman reports to the Doctor that she has seen Lady Macbeth sleepwalking. She refuses to tell what her mistress has said in her sleep because no one other than her has witnessed it and so would not be believable.

2. What does Lady Macbeth reveal in her sleepwalking speeches and actions (5.1.23-58)? To what does the Doctor relate this in 5.1.61-69? What is he suggesting in lines 66-67? Lady Macbeth, fast asleep, tries to wash imagined blood from her hands. Her fragmented language echoes her own and Macbeth’s words about past murders: Duncan, Lady Macduff, and Banquo. The doctor says that it is beyond his medical skills, but that he has known people who sleepwalk and were not guilty of anything. The doctor then says that people with guilty and deranged minds will confess their secrets to their pillows as they sleep. She suggests the Gentlewoman that she should look after her and remove anything that she can hurt herself with.

5.2
1. Where are the soldiers heading in 5.2? Whose side are they on? What do the mentions of Birnam Wood (line 5) and Dunsinane (line 12) remind us of? Malcolm, Macduff, Siward and the English army approach; young men flock to join them; Macbeth is troubled by internal revold – his soldiers obey him only out of fear, and his conscience oppresses him.

5.3
1. What reports are the servants bringing to Macbeth (5.3.1)? Why does Macbeth say he is not afraid? What does he think about himself in lines 20-29? They bring reports that the Thanes like Lennox, Angus, Menteith, and Caithness have opposed him and will join Malcolm’s side. Macbeth, receiving news of desertions from his army, recalls the Witches’ predictions that no man born from a woman can defeat him and only Birnan Wood can defeat him. He is says he is not afraid because he thinks he cannot be beaten. He even rages at the soldier who tells of Malcolm’s approach. Macbeth knows that the coming battle will make or break him apart. In lines 20-29 he says that he has lived long enough, that his life looks like it is slowly about to end. He knows that he will not have a death like one of an old man accompanied with honor, love, obedience, or troops of friends, but instead have people that lie about honoring him, which he would gladly kill but can’t get himself to kill them.

2. What does the Doctor say about Lady Macbeth (lines 39-46)? What does Macbeth wish the Doctor could do (lines 52-58)? The doctor says that his wife is not Lady Macbeth is not sick but that she is troubled with endless visions that keep her from sleeping. Macbeth wishes the Docter could cure his wife with some drug that could erase her memory but the Doctor says he cannot cure mental disorders since the patient must be cured by herself.

5.4
1. What does Malcolm tell the soldiers to do (5.4.4-7)? What effect do you expect this to have on Macbeth? Malcolm orders the army to use branches from Birnan Wood to camouflage their approach to Dunsinane where Macbeth is, so that his soldiers will give inaccurate counting of the troops approaching. This can have a great effect on Macbeth since the witches told him he would be defeated when Birnan Wood will attack Dunsinane.

5.5
1. What does "the cry of women" signify ( 5.5.7.1, 15)? Read Macbeth's famous speech in lines 16-27 carefully. What is he saying? How does he feel about life at this point? The sound of women mourning prompts Macbeth to reflect that he has lost almost all sense of fear. Once, an owl’s shriek or a horror story would make his blood run cold and his hair stand on end. Now he can no longer be frightened. Syton brings news of Lady Macbeth’s death. His wife’s death sets Macbeth menacing on life’s pointlessness.

2. What news does the messenger bring in lines 28-33? How does Macbeth react to this news? What does he now think of the witches (lines 40-46)? (Notice the return of "equivocation" in line 41.) Yet what is his mood at the end of the scene (lines 49-50)? Will he go out with a whimper? The messenger tells Macbeth that Bbirnan Wood is moving towards Dunsinane. Macbeth doubts the Apparition’s ambiguous words and tells the messenger he will punish him if he is lying. He determines to die fighting.

5.6
1. What do we learn in this scene? Why are Siward and his son mentioned? Malcolm instructs his troops to throw aside their camouflage of branches. He issues orders for battle. We learn that Siward is Malcolm’s uncles and that his son is his cousin. Siward will lead the first battle.

5.7
1. What is Macbeth's attitude at the beginning of the scene (lines 1-4)? What happens in his encounter with Young Siward? Macbeth compares himself to a baited bear. He says he will only be afraid of the man that was not born from a woman. He is challenged by Young Siward, Macbeth kills him and boasts that no man born of woman can kill him. Macduff refuses to fight with mercenaries and seeks only Macbeth. Siward invites Malcolm to enter Macbeth’s surrendered castle.



5.8 (5.7 continues in most editions)
1. Who is Macduff looking for and why (lines 1-10)? Macduff is looking for Macbeth to kill him. Fracing Macduff, Macbeth boastst that no naturally born man can kill him, but Macduff reveals his own Caesarean birth. Dismayed, Macbeth refuses to fight. Macduff threatens that he will be exhibited in captivity. Macbeth then determines to go down fighting, and is killed.

5.9 (5.7 continues in most editions)1. How is it that Malcolm and Siward are able to enter the castle so easily (lines 1-6)? It was because there were very light casualties of their side. On being told that his son is dead, Siward’s concern is to know if Young Siward died bravely.

5.10 (5.8 in most editions)1. What unwished-for information does Macduff have for Macbeth (lines 1-16)? How does Macbeth respond? What will happen if he doesn't fight? Why does he fight? Macduff reveals his own Caesarean birth, which means that he was not naturally born. Macbeth curses at Macduff for telling him that information which had thrown away his courage, and so decides not to fight him. Macduff tells him that if he does not fight, he will be displayed in a freak show as how deformed animals are and his picture would have a sign that said, “Come see the tyrant”. Macbeth chooses to die fighting because he cannot bvear the thought of being subservient to Malcolm and exhibited like a fairground show.

5.11 (5.8 continues in most editions)1. How upset is Siward at his son's death? Why? On being told that his son is dead, Siward’s concern is to know if Yound Siward died bravely, he then says that God should be with him.

2. What does Malcolm promise his followers (lines 26-41)? What does he tell us about Lady Macbeth's death (line 36-37)? Should we believe him? (He is her enemy, after all-but remember the Doctor's instructions in 5.1.66-67.) Macduff displays Macbeth’s severed head, and hails Malcolm as King of Scotland. Malcolm rewards his nobles for their services, creating them the first earls of Scotland. He then says that Lady Macbeth had commited suicide. It is hard to believe him since he was not there when it happened. He then invites everyone to his coronation at Scone.