English 2 Study Guide Macbeth

English 2 Study Guide Macbeth Table of Contents 1. Scene Guides → here you can find the breakdown of each scene including the characters, action, and the problem or solution 2. Character list 3. Themes 4. Important Terms --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Scene Guides Act 1 Scene 1: An Open Field Characters Three witches Action The three witches meet in an open field and talk about the war. Problem/ The witches want to meet with Macbeth which is kind of concerning, but the Solution audience won’t find out until later. Because the beginning scene was filled with a dark sense, we can suggest that this may be a problem. Scene 2: King Duncan’s Camp at Forres Characters King Duncan, Malcolm, Captain, Lennox, Ross Action The news that Macbeth has beaten Macdonwald was announced to King Duncan by the Captain. The Captain states how Macdonwalds head was cut off and put onto Macbeth’s sword. Because Macbeth beat Macdonwald, King Duncan sent Ross (the thane) to crown Macbeth as the new Thane of Cawdor. Problem/ There is no problem in this scene, but there is a solution which is that Macbeth Solution would now be stated as the new Thane of Cawdor because he helped Scotland win the war against Norway. Scene 3: Upon the Heath Characters Three witches, Banquo, Macbeth, Ross, Angus Action The witches are discussing what they have experienced since they last saw each other. Macbeth and Banquo come across the witches and if we remember from scene 1, the witches wanted to talk to Macbeth so now was their chance. The witches said that Macbeth is now the thane of Glamis (he already had this title) as well as the thane of Cawdor (new title). Following that, they said that Macbeth would be the new king. To Banquo they stated that his children will be sitting on the throne. After talking to the witches, Macbeth and Banquo continue to walk and then come across Ross and Angus where they state that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor, confirming the witch’s prophecies. Problem/ There is no exact problem yet, but the audience can begin to see that there may Solution be a problem in the future between Banquo and Macbeth. Scene 4: Duncan’s Camp At Forres Characters Macbeth, Banquo, Malcolm, King Duncan, Action King Duncan hears about the news that the original Thane of Cawdor was executed. Malcolm, Cawdor’s son, is pronounced king now by Duncan because of the execution and at the same time Macbeth is pronounced the next Thane. With this news, Macbeth pretends to be happy, but in reality he is quite upset because there is now someone preventing him from getting the throne. In the same evening, Duncan and Macbeth made plans for dinner at Macbeth’s house to celebrate. Problem/ Problem: Because Malcolm is now king, there is a problem for Macbeth Solution because now, Malcolm is standing between Macbeth and the throne. Scene 5: Macbeth’s Castle at Inverness Characters Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, messenger Action Lady Macbeth receives a letter from Macbeth which explains the big news and states that Duncan is coming for supper. Lady Macbeth wants her husband to seize the crown, and so she begins devising a plan so that Macbeth can be king. When Macbeth arrives home, he tells his wife about Duncan and how he is supposed to leave the next day, but Lady Macbeth tells her husband that Duncan will never see tomorrow because of her plan to kill him. Problem/ Problem: The problem to Lady Macbeth and Macbeth is that Macbeth cannot be Solution announced as king right away because Malcolm is standing in between. Solution: Lady Macbeth devises a plan to kill Duncan, but another problem comes from that which is whether or not Macbeth can rise to the occasion and be brave enough to kill Duncan. Scene 6: Macbeth’s Castle at Inverness Characters Duncan, the Scottish Lords, Banquo, Lady Macbeth Action Duncan has arrived at Macbeth’s castle as well as the Scottish lords, and they are greeted by Lady Macbeth. Problem/ There is no direct problem during this scene because not much happened, Solution however, the audience should start to suspect that there will be a problem in the next scene. Scene 7: Macbeth’s Castle at Inverness Characters Lady Macbeth and Macbeth Action Macbeth is pacing back and forth trying to convince himself to kill Duncan, but because he is seen as Duncan’s kinsman and host, he is hesitant. Macbeth then decides not to kill Duncan because there is no true reliable motive, but then Lady Macbeth enters and says that they should kill him. Lady Macbeth told Macbeth that once Duncan is asleep, they will get the chamberlains drunk so they are unaware of what is happening. Once everyone is drunk, the Macbeth’s will kill Duncan and plant it on the guests. Problem/ Problem: Duncan will be killed during the party and Macbeth may chicken out Solution and decide not to kill which is a problem for Lady Macbeth. Act 2 Scene 1: Macbeth’s Castle at Inverness Characters Banquo, Fleance, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth Action Everyone is asleep except the Macbeths and Banquo and his son. When Macbeth and Banquo encounter each other, Banquo tells Macbeth that he has been feeling uneasy because of the prophecies by the witches. After the conversation, Macbeth keeps seeing a vision of a bloody dagger which could be because he is planning on killing Duncan. Problem/ Problem/Solution: Macbeth is hallucinating and seeing a floating dagger which Solution could either motivate him to kill or can discourage him. Also, Banquo is beginning to think deeply into the prophecies, which could make Baanquo an enemy of Macbeth. Scene 2: Macbeth’s Castle Characters Lady Macbeth and Macbeth Action Lady Macbeth does her part in the plan and makes sures that Duncan’s men are drugged. Macbeth does the killing and comes out with bloody hands, feeling guilty from his action. Because he felt guilty, he forgot to plant the dagger onto the men, so Lady Macbeth gets angry and finishes her husband’s task by framing Duncan’s men. As this occurs, someone knocks on the castle door. Problem/ Problem: King Duncan just got murdered and there is a possibility that someone Solution saw which can get Macbeth in trouble. Solution: The Macbeths finally killed and planted the daggers, so everything is going as it should. Scene 3: Macbeth’s Castle Characters Macbeth, Porter, Lennox, Macduff, Lady Macbeth, Donalbain Action The Porter answers the mysterious knocking and Macduff and Lennox enter. Macbeth enters and guides Macduff to the King’s room so he can wake him and next thing we know, Macduff comes out screaming, claiming that the king was murdered. As a response, Macbeth kills the guards out of rage for “killing the king” even though Macbeth did. The two sons of the king, Malcolm and Donalbain enter and realize that they might be killed next, so they decide to flee from Scotland. Problem/ Problem: The King was found murdered and so now many questions will arise Solution as a result. Solution: The plan by the Macbeths worked out because the King died and Macbeth will now be pronounced king. Scene 4: Outside Macbeth’s Castle Characters Ross, an old man, Macduff Action This scene serves as comic relief because it is a scene away from all of the drama. Ross and an old man discuss the events that have happened the past few days. They both talk about how the horses of Duncan have gone wild and an owl killed a falcon. Macduff comes and tells Ross that Malcolm and Donalbain have fled which makes them possible suspects and Macbeth has now been pronounced king. Problem/ Problem: People are noticing change in the environment in Scotland which can Solution reflect the truth about the murder. Solution: Macbeth achieved his goal and is now king. Act 3 Scene 1: Castle at Forres Characters Banquo, Macbeth, servant, the guests (2 murderers) Action Banquo is now realizing that the prophecy for Macbeth has come true twice, so Banquo believes the witches, but he is also suspecting Macbeth for murdering Duncan. Macbeth is now realizing as well that Banquo can overthrow the Macbeth family, so Macbeth hires two men to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Problem/ Problem: Banquo is starting to suspect that Macbeth killed Duncan and Banquo Solution is a threat to Macbeth. Macbeth is starting to let his fears consume him which is causing him to do unimaginable actions. Solution: The solution to MACBETH”s problem is that he has a plan to kill Banquo. Scene 2: A Room in the Castle Characters Lady Macbeth and Macbeth Action Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both feel guilty about murdering Duncan, and as a response Macbeth tells his wife about his plan to kill Banquo and his son because they are seen as threats and their presence is what is making the king and queen discontent. Macbeth says that once Banquo is gone, they will no longer feel the pressure of guilt riding on their shoulders. Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth to be nice to Banquo to draw all suspicions away. Problem/ Problem: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth feel an overwhelming amount of guilt Solution because of Duncan’s murder which is affecting their actions. Scene 3: Outside the Castle Characters Murderers, Banquo, Fleance Action On their way to the palace, Banquo and Fleance are jumped by three murderers (an additional one was added by Macbeth) and Banquo is killed. However, Banquo tells his son to run and so Fleance escapes. Problem/ Problem: Macbeth’s plan failed because Fleance is still alive, so therefore the Solution prophecies of the witch may still come true. Scene 4: The Great Hall of the Castle Characters Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, 1st Murderer, Guests Action King Macbeth has his ceremony, but before he learns that Fleance has escaped. Hearing this news has shaken Macbeth and affected the way he acted for the rest of the night. Macbeth then began hallucinating and kept seeing Banquo’s ghost so as a result, Macbeth would talk to Banquo in front of all of his guests, making a fool out of himself. Lady Macbeth then stepped in and attempted to excuse his behavior because no one could see the apparition. Later on, Macbeth continues this, so Lady Macbeth sends everyone home. Problem/ Problem: Macbeth’s guilt is getting to him and is making him hallucinate, which Solution shows that he is losing his mind and can reveal the truth. Scene 5: The Forest *note: this scene is sometimes cut out, so you may or may have not read it, therefore, it is not as important and relevant* Characters Three witches and Hecate Action Hecate, the head of the witch tribe, scolds the three witches for revealing to Macbeth his future. As a response, Hecate states that she shall give him another prophecy tomorrow. Problem/ Solution: the solution to the witch’s problem is to give Macbeth another Solution prophecy the next day. Scene 6: The Castle at Forres Characters Lennox and another lord Action In Scotland, Lennox is talking to another lord about the recent deaths (Duncan and Banquo) and they state how Banquo’s death was blamed on Fleance, but Lennox suspects that Macbeth killed them. There is also news that Macduff and Malcolm are gathering troops in England and a war against Macbeth will be started. Problem/ Problem: Lords are suspecting Macbeth of the murderers, and there will now be Solution a war against Macbeth, meaning that his plan has failed. Act 4 Scene 1: The Witches’ Cave Characters Three witches, Hecate, Macbeth Action Macbeth visits the witches again and the witches show Macbeth three apparitions (THESE ARE IMPORTANT!!). The first apparition is a severed head floating in the air which tells Macbeth to warn Macduff (used as foreshadowing). The head is supposed to represent Macbeth’s head because his head is supposed to be cut off by Macduff later on. The second apparition is a bloody child that is telling him that no one who was born from a woman can defeat Macbeth. The child once again represents Macduff because as a child, Macduff was ripped from the womb of his mother, so therefore he was not born from his mother, and can defeat Macbeth (foreshadowing again). The last apparition is a child crowned with a tree and the child tells Macbeth that he is safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hall. The child is supposed to represent King Malcolm who is gathering troops to defeat Macbeth. After the apparitions, Macbeth learns that Macduff has fled to England to gather troops, so Macbeth plans to murder Macduff and his family. Problem/ Problem: The apparitions serve as a warning for Macbeth which makes him Solution grow more uneasy about the situation. Because of the newly learned information, Macbeth plans to kill more innocent people, in order to grow his power. Scene 2: Macduff’s Castle at Fife Characters Ross, Lady Macduff, Macduff’s child, murderers, and a messenger Action Ross tells Lady Macduff and her child that Macduff has fled out of the country (to kill Macbeth, but his family does not know), but does not tell her why. A messenger then comes in and states that Lady Macduff is in danger, but she refuses to do anything about it. Murderers sent by Macbeth then come into the Macduff household and murder both the child and Macduff’s wife. Problem/ Problem: Macbeth is killing innocent people to increase his power, but he is Solution really just making more enemies and giving people more reason to kill him. Scene 3: England, King Edward’s Court Characters Macduff, Malcolm, and Ross Action Malcolm suspects that Macduff is working for Macbeth because he left his family with no warning. To see if Macduff is truly loyal, Malcolm tests Macduff to see if he is loyal to Scotland. Macduff passed Malcolm’s test and the two of them team up to conquer Macbeth. Ross then comes in, informing Macduff that his wife and child have been murdered, which increased Macduff’s motive to kill Macbeth. Problem/ Problem: Because Macbeth killed Macduff’s family, Macduff will attack Solution Macbeth even stronger now because he has more reason to. Act 5 Scene 1: Macbeth’s Castle at Dunsinane Characters Doctor, Lady Macbeth, and gentlewoman Action Since the recent murders, Lady Macbeth has been sleepwalking, so a doctor is called to diagnose and cure her. When the doctor comes, Lady Macbeth is holding a candle while sleepwalking and even begins citing words to herself that she said to Macbeth before the murderers, giving herself away. She reveals details about the deaths of Lady Macduff, Banquo, and Duncan and starts to wash her hands (washing off the blood supposedly). The doctor realized that he cannot help her and he refuses to speak up about what he heard. Problem/ Problem: The guilt that Lady Macbeth feels is consuming her which caused her Solution to put herself and Macbeth in danger because she confessed the truth about the murder of Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macbeth. Scene 2: Outside Dunsinane Characters Menteith, Caithness, Angus, and Lennox Action The Scottish men who are getting ready to attack Macbeth gather and discuss that Malcolm, his uncle Siward, and Macduff are on their way to attack. They then state that they plan to meet them at Birnam Wood (foreshadowed by the apparitions). While the troops are teaming up, Macbeth is fortifying Dunsinane. Problem/ Problem: The troops led by Malcolm and Macduff are on their way to Macbeth Solution to avenge the deaths of Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macbeth. Scene 3: Inside Macbeth’s Castle Characters Macbeth, Doctor, Attendants, and Seyton Action Macbeth is warned by his servant that there are 10,000 soldiers outside his castle. Macbeth claims he is not afraid because the prophecies say that only someone who was not born can defeat him, and he believes that Macduff was born from a woman (not true because he was ripped out from his mother’s womb). Macbeth tells Seyton to help him with his armor and then asks the doctor how his wife is and if he could cure Scotland somehow. Problem/ Problem: The troops have arrived at Macbeth’s castle. Solution Scene 4: Birnam Wood Characters Malcolm, Menteith, Siward, Soldiers, and Macduff Action The soldier’s have arrived at Birnam Wood which was a part of the prophecies stated by the witches. The men discuss their plan, and they want to hide by taking a branch and holding it as they walk to disguise themselves. They also learn that Macbeth wants the soldiers to lay siege. Problem/ Problem: Macbeth’s reign is getting closer to an end. Solution Solution: The troops devised a plan to help disguise themselves and they are getting closer to defeating Macbeth. Scene 5: Inside Macbeth’s Castle Characters Macbeth, messenger, and Seyton Action A women cries off stage and Seyton goes and checks it out. Seyton comes back and tells Macbeth that his wife died, but Macbeth is literally numb to the news and shows no emotion. A messenger then comes in and tells Macbeth that the forest of Birnam wood is moving closer to the castle. Problem/ Problem: Macbeth’s wife died and the soldiers are getting closer and closer to Solution the castle. - The death of Lady Macbeth can be seen as a solution as well because she no longer has to go through pain and she has now been put out of her misery. Scene 6: Outside Macbeth’s Castle Characters Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff Action The men are now near the castle and they decided to throw down their branches and continue their path to show Macbeth who they truly are. Problem/ Problem: Macbeth’s reign is about to be over. Solution Scene 7: Inside Macbeth’s Castle Characters Young Siward, Macbeth, Malcolm, Macduff, and Siward Action Young Siward finds Macbeth and Macbeth kills him, making him seem more powerful. After killing Young Siward, Macbeth states that he is not afraid of “no man of woman born.” Siward reports to Malcolm that the English troops are beating Macbeth’s troops. Problem/ Solution: Macbeth feels stronger because he killed Young Siward and feels like Solution he can kill anyone now. Scene 8: Outside Macbeth’s Castle Characters Macbeth, Macduff, Malcolm, Siward, and Ross Action Macduff finds Macbeth and they began battling it out. Macbeth tells Macduff that he tried avoiding him because he feels guilty about his family. Macbeth is overly confident because of what happened with Young Siward, but then Macduff tells Macbeth he was cut out of his mother’s womb, which begins to make Macbeth worry. Macbeth does not surrender however and continues battling Macduff. Meanwhile, Ross, Malcolm, and Siward are talking, and the news is broken to Siward that his son has died. Macduff then comes out with Macbeth’s head on his sword, declaring victory. Because of the victory, Malcolm can now be king. Problem/ Solution: Macbeth is officially dead, and Malcolm is now king like he was Solution always meant to be. 2. Characters List: 1. Duncan: King of Scotland, looks like Lady Macbeth’s father in his sleep. 2. Malcolm: Duncan’s eldest son; Almost captured in the battle that rages at the beginning of the play, he is rescued by the captain. 3. Donalbain: Duncan’s second son; After his father’s murder, he suggests to Malcolm that they quickly leave → goes to Ireland 4. Macbeth: Thane of Glamis and then became Thane of Cawdor; he became king after Duncan was murdered; he killed Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macduff, and Young Siward 5. Banquo: Scottish Thane; Macbeth’s co-general in the wars; got a prophecy that his children would be king; killed by Macbeth 6. Macduff: Thane of Fife; Commanded by Duncan to visit him early in the morning at Macbeth’s castle; he discovers the King’s body; kills Macbeth 7. Lennox: a young Thane attending Duncan 8. Ross: Thane who brings Duncan news of the Norwegian invasion and of Cawdor’s complicity in it; breaks the news about the death of Young Siward and Lady Macbeth 9. Menteth: one of the four Thanes who leaves Macbeth when Malcolm invades 10. Angus: Thane who goes with Ross to bring Duncan news of the victory over Norway; brings Macbeth the announcement of his accession to the rank of Thane of Cawdor. 11. Caithness: one of the four Thanes who leaves Macbeth as well 12. Fleance: Banquo’s son; escapes death; is blamed for his father’s death 13. Siward: Earl of Northumberland; veteran soldier for the English; Malcolm’s uncle 14. Young Siward: during the battle, he is killed by Macbeth 15. Seyton: Macbeth’s chief servant when his thanes abandon him; helps Macbeth prepare for war 16. Doctor of Physic: called in by Lady Macbeth’s waiting-gentlewoman because she was sleepwalking; he heard her confess about the murders 17. Porter: at Macbeth’s castle, he got extremely drunk during the feast for Duncan; answered the door for Macduff and Lennox 18. Old Man: is disturbed by the unnatural phenomena that accompany Duncan’s murder; talks about the strange events with Ross 19. Lady Macbeth: a ruthless woman; more ambitious than her husband; she pushes Macbeth to murder Duncan; dies in the end 20. Lady Macduff: Macduff’s wife; her husband disappeared which made her worry about him; her son was killed in front of her 21. Gentlewoman: A Waiting-Gentlewoman of Lady Macbeth’s who saw Lady Macbeth sleepwalk; she called in a doctor to see her 22. First Witch: leader of the trio of witches 23. Second Witch: speaks of present things, rather than past or future. 24. Third Witch: can predict the future and can start up wind 25. Hecate: leader of the witches 26. First Apparition: shape of a head wearing a helmet, warns Macbeth of Macduff. 27. Second Apparition: tells Macbeth that he won’t die at the hand of a woman born 28. Third Apparition: tells Macbeth not to fear defeat until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane 29. Servant: brings to Lady Macbeth the news of both Duncan and Macbeth’s approach (in the beginning of the play) 30. Messenger: warns Lady Macduff that she should flee, but does not tell her why 31. Soldiers: part of Malcolm’s army and they cut down Birnam Wood to camouflage themselves as they approach Dunsinane; they beat Macbeth’s troops which allows Malcolm to be king 32. Macbeth’s Messenger: one of the guards appointed by Macbeth; he was supposed to keep a lookout and he told Macbeth that it looked like Birnam wood was moving towards Dunsinane 3. Themes 1. Things are not what they always seem a. Malcolm’s loyalty to Macbeth was a lie as seen when Malcolm was testing Macduff. b. The apparition (specifically the second one) tricked Macbeth into thinking he was invincible. c. Macbeth invited Duncan for a “celebration,” but it ended up being a death sentence. 2. Blind ambition a. Can be seen with Macbeth when he killed Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macduff b. Lady Macbeth also was ambitious to increase her power and her husband’s so she made plans to kill people 3. Power corrupts a. Can be seen when Macbeth murdered Duncan, someone who trusted him/ Banquo, someone who also trusted him/Lady Macbeth, an innocent lady i. Proof that power can corrupt is that Macbeth basically turned his back on everyone who cared about him just for the crown. ii. Consequences: Almost all of Scotland turned their back on Macbeth, guilt, hallucinations (Banquo’s ghost) b. Can also be seen with Lady Macbeth because she urged Macbeth to kill Duncan right when she found out that he would be king if Duncan died i. Consequences: sleepwalking, filled with guilt, died, hallucinations 4. Suspersition changes human behavior a. After hearing about the prophecies, that was the only thing Macbeth could think about, which caused him to do unforgivable actions. Even after his actions, he went back to the witches to find out more about his future, because he was invested in it. i. Before hearing about the prophecies, Macbeth was seen as a hero, and then he turned into a traitor. 4. Important Terms 1. Allusions: comparing/alluding a scenario to something else → in the case of Shakespeare, it’s usually mythological and Biblical a. Sergeant compares a bloody scene of death on the battlefield to Golgotha (place where Christ died) 2. Simile: use “like” or “as” to compare things a. “Looks like the innocent flower” (Act 1, scene 5). 3. Metaphor: comparison with no “like” or “as” a. “I have begun to plant thee, and will labor To make thee full of growing” (Act 1, scene 4). 4. Personification: giving human like features to an in-animate object o a. “If chance will have me King, why, chance may crown me, without my stir” (Act 1, scene 3). 5. Alliteration: repeating the same letter or sound at the beginning of a word a. “But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in” (Act 3, scene 4). 6. Symbol: an item, person, event, or concept can represent something a. The presence of birds = superstition theme 7. Foreshadowing: warning of something that will happen later a. All three apparitions warned Macbeth of the future events that will come to him. 8. Comic relief : a brief act or dialogue that is used to reduce the intensity and tension of the scene → meant to make the audience laugh a. Can be seen with the Porter when he opens the door after the mysterious knocking 9. Dramatic Irony: type of irony where audience understands the character’s actions, but the characters don’t a. After hearing the apparitions, Macbeth felt confident that he was safe, but the audience knows that this is not true because we have heard other people talk and we know what is coming. 10. Situational Irony: result of a situation is the opposite of what the audience/characters thought would happen a. Macbeth thought he would enjoy being king, but he didn’t because he was filled with guilt after killing Duncan. 11. Verbal Irony: when a character speaks, their intention is different than what they say a. When Duncan was killed, Macbeth said he was mad and had no reason to live, but the audience knows his true intentions. 12. Blank Verse: normal verse with a natural rhythm → iambic pentameter a. “I am afraid to think what I have done” (act 2, scene 2) 13. Free Verse: verse with no rhyming or rhythm → opposite of blank verse 14. Rhymed Couplet: lines that are the same length and rhyme a. “Which now suits with it, while I threat, he lives: Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives” (Act 2 scene 1) 15. Diction: choice of words used throughout the play. 16. Cajole: to persuade someone to do something 17. Paradox: contradiction 18. Satire: mockery to expose people’s stupidity a. Used by Macbeth when fighting Young Siward and Macduff → mocked them because he thought he could kill them since they were born from their mother’s womb, but that turned out not to be true for Macduff. 19. Aside: other characters are not able to hear, but the audience can 20. Dialogue: conversation between two or more people 21. Monologue: a long speech by one person (person can be alone and talking to themselves or they can be talking to someone else) 22. Soliloquy: when a character is alone, they may talk to themselves out loud for the audience to hear 23. Stage directions: in scripts, it can be found italicized and it tells the actor where they should go and when --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Julius Caesar Table of Contents 1. Summary of each Act/ Scene 2. Character List 3. Understanding Ethos, Logos, and Pathos + connecting them to the reading 4. Important Rhetorical Devices