MACBETH STUDY GUIDE
Name: _____________________
Hour: ______________
Act
V
Lady Macbeth, while sleepwalking, reveals her knowledge of the deaths of Duncan,
Lady Macduff, and Banquo. Her continual washing of her hands cannot ease her
dread or make her feel cleansed. The doctor and attendant realize they cannot help
her. (i.)
Macbeth is too involved with battle preparations against Malcolm and English and
Scottish troops to spend much time considering his wife's dreams. (iii.) When he
hears of Lady Macbeth's death, he contemplates that life is "full of sound and fury,
signifying nothing." He reassures himself with the predictions only to see the woods
advance when Malcolm's soldiers camouflage themselves with boughs from Birnam
Wood. (v.)
Macbeth sees the ambiguity of the predictions but goes bravely into battle. He kills
young Siward who dies fearlessly (vii.) and then faces Macduff who tells him that he
was not "of woman born" but was "untimely ripped" from his mother's womb. Finally
realizing the true implications of the predictions, Macbeth refuses to yield to Macduff
and face capture and ridicule. He confronts Macduff and bravely fights to the death.
Macduff displays the "usurper's cursed head" and acclaims Malcolm the new King of
Scotland. (viii.)
Scene I
1. In the sleepwalking scene, why is it ironic that Lady Macbeth is so worried about
washing her hands?
She had been stoic and practical in the scene when Duncan was killed.
2. What could be the possible cause of her sleepwalking?
Suggests guilt—reference to “murdering sleep” (II.iii.34-41)
3. What does Lady Macbeth do and say while she sleepwalks?
Rubs her hands as if to wash them of her sin. Speaks of the blood and death
she is responsible for.
4. What can you infer about medicine during this time from the doctor’s lines at the
end of this scene?
Doctor has no cure for her—he suggests she is possessed even though SOME
have done the same and still gone to heaven.
Scene II
5. Caithness hints that some think Macbeth is “mad.” (crazy) Explain why you think
he is or he isn’t.
AGREE? no restraint or care for anyone.
DISAGREE? Selfish and evil. Weak character
6. What comments do these two characters make that show Macbeth may be
suffering because of his guilt? (pages 384-385)
“Secret murders sticking on his hands” (16-17).
“All that is written about him does condemn itself for being there” (24-25).
Scene III
7. How would you describe Macbeth’s state of mind at the opening of this scene?
Defensive, yet overly confident
Raging—as if to reassure himself
8. Why is Macbeth unafraid even though Malcolm’s army is marching against him?
He believes that Malcolm was born of a woman. The apparition told him
that he need not fear harm from any man born of woman.
9. Why would Shakespeare want to make Macbeth more sympathetic at this point in
the play?
Macbeth experiences a moment of truth—He knows life cannot bring him
any joy, and in his weariness, makes peace with his own impending
downfall/death.
Scene IV
10. What is the important information the audience gets from this tiny scene?
Malcolm’s men will disguise themselves with branches from the woods of
Birnam.
Scene V
11. On page 389, we find one of the more famous soliloquies by Shakespeare. What
do we learn about Macbeth and his state of mind from this speech?
Shows a tragic hero confronting his limits in a noble way
12. Is Macbeth’s story really “a tale/ told by an idiot, full of sound and fury/
signifying nothing”? Explain. (p.389)
Macbeth’s life gains meaning by serving as a warning to others that his life
has come to nothing.
13. What does Macbeth say about Lady Macbeth’s death? What does his reaction say
about their relationship?
Not a very convenient time to die! While HER ambition was clearly tied to
his, it wasn’t true the other way around.
14. How does Macbeth’s allusion (reference) to the witches’ prophecy disclose his
growing awareness of his own doom?
He realizes he was mislead by the 3rd apparition—Birnam Wood is moving
which means that Macbeth is indeed vulnerable.
Scene VI, VI and VIII
15. In scene vi, what beliefs about being a soldier do we get from Siward’s
comments? (p.390)
Fighting in a just cause is worthwhile even if one loses the fight.
16. In scene vii (lines 11-13), Macbeth defeats Young Siward. What do Macbeth’s
lines tell us about Macbeth at this point?
Thinks he is invincible because the prophesy of the 2nd apparition said “no
man born of woman can harm Macbeth.”
17. What is the significance of Macduff’s comment in lines 14-16?
Scene 7: will never get over the fact that he didn’t protect his family—He
feels he MUST kill Macbeth to make it right.
18. Why does Macbeth still seem to be clinging to the last remaining hope of the
witches’ promises?
All he has left?
Habit?
Plot device?
Prepare us for a surprise ending?
19. Macbeth’s final lines are 392-393. What do his last words tell us about his
character?
Admits his tragic flaw was AMBITION and it had driven him to hear what
he wanted rather than to do what was right.
He does think he dies fighting a good cause, nonetheless, because his life
serves as a warning to others- (To die fighting is honorable or dishonorable)?
20. What seems to be Macbeth’s state of mind?
Sorrow? He will soon die
Fear? Macduff is coming full of rage and fury
21. What do Siward’s remarks after his son’s death reveal about the values of
patriotism and honor at this time period? (page 393)
To die fighting a good cause was one of the highest honors
22. What are the qualities a man is expected to have during this time period?
LADY MACBETH: Take what you want…revenge
GOOD GUYS: Love, honor, tenderness
23. Cawdor, a traitor, died at the beginning of the play and died well. Before being
executed, he confessed his treason, begged for the king’s pardon, and repented of
his actions. How does this compare to Macbeth’s end?
Macbeth would not surrender—he refused to serve Malcolm. He went out
cursing and died without honor but without surrender, either.
1.
2.
3.
TARGETS
Recognize cause/ effect of a character’s actions. (3.1.2)
Identify how soliloquy, dialogue, and dramatic irony reveal characters. (3.2.3)
Understand and apply author’s themes of ambition and chaos vs. order. (3.1.9 )
24. Malcolm’s final lines are his first lines as a king. How does he re-establish order
at the end of the play?
Loyal supporters are rewarded
Audience—catharsis or purging of emotions (pity and fear)
Order is restored with Malcolm on the throne
25. Explain how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s choices have added to their tragic end.
They both died—ambition led to murder and to believing a prophesy
26. How could you say Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have reversed roles by the end of
the play?
MACBETH: is now ruthless and without remorse or guilt
LADY MACBETH: tormented with guilt over their evil deeds