Macbeth
STUDY GUIDE – ACT V
UNDERSTANDING THE PLAY
SCENE 1
1. In Scene 1, a Doctor and a gentlewoman observe Lady Macbeth. How has Lady Macbeth’s mental
condition deteriorated?
She walks in her sleep, washes her hands, and speaks of the murder.
2. Why does Lady Macbeth wash her hands repeatedly?
To wash away Duncan’s blood.
SCENE 2
3. During Scene 2, Macbeth’s enemies discuss his mental condition. What is their appraisal of
Macbeth’s sanity?
Some feel that he has lost his mind; others think that he is acting out of guilt.
4. How have Macbeth’s subjects reacted to their new king’s actions?
In Scene 2, Angus says that Macbeth’s subjects no longer love Macbeth and obey him only because of
his authority. They are not loyal to Macbeth.
SCENE 3
5. In Scene 3 Macbeth laments his impending death, listing the things to which he might have looked
forward. What are they?
Macbeth regrets the loss of old age and “honor, love, obedience, troops of friends.” Macbeth laments
the fact that he does not have honor, love, respect, and family at this point in his life. Instead, he is
disrespected, commands no loyalty, and is poorly regarded.
SCENE 4
6. What tactical strategy does Malcolm implement? What is its purpose, an why is it significant to
the play?
Malcolm orders that every soldier camouflage himself with tree branches in order to conceal how
large the army is. His order is significant to the play because it reveals how it is possible for Birnam
Wood to come to Dunsinane. The apparitions said Macbeth will be safe until that happens.
SCENE 5
7. In reaction to the news that Lady Macbeth is dead, Macbeth delivers his most famous soliloquy.
What is the main idea of his speech?
Macbeth is musing about the nature of life and death. He says that people have just a short time on
Earth. Then we die, life is over, and it no longer has any meaning. Macbeth has completely lost his
sense of purpose.
8. How would you characterize Macbeth’s state of mind in Scene 5?
Macbeth has almost list the ability to fear; he is resigned to whatever happens; and, though he
believes that life is meaningless, he resolves to fight until the end.
SCENE 6
9. Where are Malcolm’s forces now located, and why is that significant?
Malcolm’s forces have advanced all the way to Dunsinane. This act is significant because one of the
prophecies is now completed; Birnam Wood has arrived at Dunsinane.
SCENE 7
10. Why does Macbeth continue to scorn his opponents, despite his many setbacks?
Macbeth is still confident that he is invincible because of the apparitions’ promise that no man born
of woman can harm him.
SCENE 8
11. What information does Macduff reveal about himself that makes Macbeth frightened?
Macduff was “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb, meaning that he was delivered by C-section.
Macbeth is now afraid of him because technically Macduff is not a man born of a woman. He is,
therefore, capable of harming Macbeth according to the apparitions.
12. Macbeth brings down tragedy on himself and his family. What flaw in his personality do you
think accounts for his fall?
Macbeth is an ambitious man, but he is more than that; he is also a man who is so selfish that he is
willing to sacrifice anyone to his own ends.
13. What is the final resolution of the play?
Malcolm is to become King of Scotland. His final speech suggests that law, justice, and stability have
returned to the country.