Macbeth Analysis Sheet
The story of Macbeth is based on a true story. However, it is not based on one person in history; it is
actually a blend of two.
Raphael Holinshed, an Elizabethan historian, wrote Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland,
which was the text Shakespeare used to create the character, Macbeth. He used two separate sections
of Holinshed’s works, blending two different kings: Donwald, who was influenced by his wife to kill
King Duff, a guest in his castle at the time who blamed his drunken chamberlains, and Makbeth,
who murdered Kind Duncan, a king whose rule was so weak that there were outbreaks of violence
and rebellion.
Donwald was said, by Holinshed, to have believed a witch (whom he trusted dearly), that he
could not be killed be any man born by a woman and nor until the wood of Bernane moves to
Dunsinane castle. This caused him to do many outrageous things and greedily oppress his subjects.
Makbeth however, plotted with his friends to kill King Duncan. His closest friend, and
accomplice in the assassination, was Banquo.
1. Why might Shakespeare have made these changes to his character, Macbeth, blending two
historical figures together? What do you think he was trying to prove in this combination?
2. Copy the following table into your workbooks and complete.
Theme/ issue
Key Scene
Fate/Destiny
Predetermined
Supernatural
Able to be
altered
Influences
Presence
Greed
Murder
Death and
destruction
Hatred and
revenge
Jealousy
Persuasion/Manipulation
Ambition
Moral choice
Characters
involved
Images/
metaphors/
Vocab
Quotes
3. Translate the following quotes from Macbeth into your own words:
A) The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step
On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap,
For in my way it lies. Stars, hides your fires,
Let not light see my black and deep desires…
(Act 1, Scene 4, Lines 48-51)
B) To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself.
Knock within
Wake Duncan with thy knocking: I would thou
couldst.
(Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 76-77)
4. Macbeth’s demeanour changes dramatically throughout the play. Complete the following
table to pinpoint where, when and how these changes occur.
Macbeth’s demeanour
Not wanting to kill
Key scenes/events
Quotes
Resigned to killing
Duncan
Happy to kill others to
secure kingship
Resigned to his own fate
5. Find at least three (3) quotes for each character which best exemplify their position in the
play.
a. Macbeth
b. Lady Macbeth
c. Banquo
d. Macduff
e. Malcolm
f. Duncan
6. The supernatural is a prominent theme throughout Macbeth. Complete the following table
to map how supernatural elements affect Macbeth, fate and moral choice.
Effects of the supernatural on:
Macbeth
Fate
Moral choice