Macbeth Test Review Guide
Terms to Know:
TragedyTragic HeroTragic FlawFoil CharactersParadoxSoliloquyAsideExpositionExciting ForceComic ReliefClimaxDramatic IronyAct III
How does Lady Macbeth feel about them becoming king and queen at this point in the play? Quote.
What is the climax of the play? Explain why.
How does the ghost scene show examples of dramatic irony?
Why does Macbeth’s behavior during the ghost scene lead to his downfall?
Why does Hecate plan to trick Macbeth? How does she plan to trick him?
Act IV
What are the 3 final prophecies to Macbeth?
1.
2.
3.
How does he feel after these prophecies?
Why does Malcolm need to test Macduff?
What do the nobles say about the state of Scotland? What one word do they use to describe Macbeth?
Act V
What does the sleepwalking scene reveal about Lady Macbeth?
How does Macbeth gain confidence as he prepares for battle?
How does Macbeth feel about his life by the end of the play?
Why does Macbeth decide not to kill himself at the end of the play? What value of the time period does
this demonstrate?
How do the final 2 prophecies come true?
How does Macbeth die?
What is the catastrophe of the play? (include more than his death)
Open-ended Questions:
How did Macbeth change by the end of the play? What causes that change? Include beginning, middle
and end.
How did Lady Macbeth change by the end of the play? Include beginning, middle and end.
How does Macbeth fit the characteristics of a tragic hero?
Act I
What is the Exciting Force of the play?
What do the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul and foul is fair”?
What is Macbeth like in the beginning of the play?
What is Lady Macbeth like in the beginning of the play?
What does Banquo tell Macbeth about the prophecies?
How does Duncan plan to reward Macbeth for his bravery in battle?
Who does Duncan name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this news?
Why does she worry about Macbeth killing Duncan?
How does she convince Macbeth to go through with the murder?
Act II
Who is the only person who might suspect Macbeth of murder? Why?
Can Macbeth trust this individual? How do we know?
How does Macbeth feel immediately after the murder of Duncan?
How does Lady Macbeth feel?
Why does Macbeth kill the guards?
What are the 2 purposes of the porter scene?