1
Macbeth
Act 1, scenes 1 and 2 worksheet.
1. First, copy out this paragraph into your neat book, filling in the gaps.
The play begins with three ______ meeting in a “desolate place”. They agree to gather
again when the battle is over, and meet _____. They seem to know the future and chant
strange words, creating a very ______ atmosphere.
Act 1:2 opens with a bloody ______ giving a report of the battle. He tells King ______
that ______ personally killed the traitor Macdonald. Although fresh Norwegian troops
arrived, Macbeth and Banquo fought on. Macbeth then captured the Thane of ______, a
traitor and obtained a ransom and a favourable peace treaty. King ______ sentences the
Thane of ______ to death, and gives the title to Macbeth as a reward for his bravery.
2. Now answer these questions:
1. What are the names of the King’s two sons?
2. What is a “Thane”?
3. Who is the new Thane of Cawdor?
3. The character of Macbeth.
1. Who is the first person to mention Macbeth in the play?
2. How do the witches know that they will meet with Macbeth?
3. How is Macbeth immediately linked with the witches and the supernatural?
4. What does the Captain call Macbeth at line 16?
5. What does the King call Macbeth at line 24? (two things)
6. What does the King call Macbeth at line 67?
7. What is the King’s opinion of Macbeth? How can you tell?
4. Shakespeare’s Language.
Look at Act 1:1 where the witches meet, copy out this paragraph, and then complete the
activities.
In Act 1:1 Shakespeare creates a strange and sinister atmosphere using language.
Shakespeare uses two lines of poetry which rhyme. These are called rhyming couplets.
“Couplets” tell us there are two lines of poetry and “rhyming” tell us that they rhyme.
Rhyming couplets are often used to round off a long speech. However in the witches’ scene
they are used to create a spooky atmosphere because they sound like spells.
Here are two examples of rhyming couplets from Act 1:1: (give examples)
The words which rhyme are _______ and _______.
The rhyming couplets in this scene give a _______ effect.
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2
Macbeth
Act 1, scenes 3 and 4 worksheet
First, copy out this paragraph into your neat book, filling in the gaps.
The three ______ meet upon the heath. They discuss the mischief and evil they have
created, which tells the audience that their magic is powerful. Macbeth and ______ enter.
The witches hail ______ with three different titles, as Thane of _____, which he already
is, as Thane of Cawdor and finally as the future ______. ______ demands to know his
future too, and the witches tell him that one day his ______ will be kings. The witches
then vanish. The lord Ross brings news of the King’s pleasure at Macbeth’s victory and tells
Macbeth that he has been made the Thane of ______ as a reward. Macbeth begins to
consider the moral issues surrounding the witches’ predictions, and is horrified at the idea
of killing ______ so he can become the King.
In Act 1:4 King Duncan says it is difficult to judge people from their outward appearance.
This is ironic because he then warmly welcomes ______ who has in fact been considering
murdering him. Macbeth declares loyalty to Duncan, but _____ is made heir to the throne,
which upsets Macbeth. The whole party go to stay with _____ in Inverness.
Now answer these questions:
1. What is strange about the witches’ appearance? (Act 1:3 line 44)
2. Look at Macbeth’s first line (Act 1:3 line 36) Who does it directly echo? (look at Act
1:1 line 12)
3. What does this connection make us feel about Macbeth?
4. What does Banquo call Macbeth at line 52?
5. What does Banquo call Macbeth at line 147?
6. What is the relationship like between Macbeth and Banquo?
7. What happens when Macbeth commands the witches to speak? (line 76)
8. What does this tell you about the witches?
Now complete these activities:
1. Look up the word “soliloquy” in the dictionary, then write down what it means.
2. Where can you find an example of a soliloquy in Act 1:3?
3. Why does Shakespeare include this soliloquy?
Now copy this passage into your book:
In Act 1:3 Shakespeare introduces imagery to do with clothing. It illustrates the theme of
“putting on a role” just as you would put on different clothes. This shows that people can
pretend to be things they are not, just as Macbeth pretends to be loyal to Duncan when
really he is considering his murder. This will be an important theme for the play, as
characters seem to be things they are not. An example of this imagery can be found in Act
1:3 lines 106-107: (find and then write down the quotation)
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3
Macbeth
Act 1: scenes 5, 6 and 7 worksheet
First copy out this passage into your book, filling in the gaps.
Lady Macbeth reads a letter from ______ telling her of the witches’ prophecy. She thinks
her husband may be too weak and decent to murder ______, and so she will have to
persuade him. She calls on evil ______ to help in her murderous plans. Macbeth enters and
tells her that ______ is visiting them that night. Lady Macbeth says they must hide their
murderous intentions behind welcoming looks.
The king and his loyal subjects arrive at ______. The King and ______ comment on how
pleasant the castle seems. ______ greets the King warmly and states her loyalty to him.
______ struggles with his conscience and tells Lady Macbeth that he will not murder
______. She calls him a coward, says he isn’t a man and that she would rather kill her own
______ than break such a promise. She says she will drug the ______, who will be blamed
for the murder. Macbeth agrees and says they must hide their plans in pleasant and
welcoming looks.
Now answer these questions in FULL SENTENCES:
1. Where do all three of these scenes take place?
2. King Duncan says how pleasant Macbeth’s castle looks. Why is this ironic? (think
about what could happen to him in there!)
3. Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan sweetly with loyalty and respect. Why is this ironic?
(think about what she has in store for him!)
The character of Lady Macbeth
In these scenes we meet Lady Macbeth. What is her character like? Copy out the views of
her written below and find a quotation to prove it:
1. Persuasive (she persuades Macbeth to murder the King) Act 1:7 lines 60-61.
2. Hypocritical (she says one thing but really means another) Act 1:5 lines 63-64.
3. She is linked to the supernatural, like Macbeth is. Act 1:5 lines 38-41
4. She is an unnatural mother, possibly cruel. Act 1:7 lines 55-56)
The character of Macbeth
In these scenes we learn more about Macbeth’s character. Answer the following questions
in FULL SENTENCES:
1. What reasons does Macbeth give NOT to kill Duncan (give at least 3)
2. Why do you think he tells Lady Macbeth that he won’t do the murder?
3. What do your answers to q.1 and q.2 tell you about his character?
4. Why does Macbeth change his mind again and decide he will kill him?
Finally, read through the discussion between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth in Act 1:7.
Who do you think is in control? Write a paragraph explaining why using at least two
quotations to prove your point.
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Macbeth: Key Scenes
Act 2 scenes 1 and 2 worksheet
First copy out this passage into your neat book, filling in the gaps.
The act begins with Banquo and his son, ______, in the courtyard of ______’s castle.
Banquo tells his son that he has been fighting evil thoughts. Macbeth enters and announces
himself as “a ______”. Banquo tells Macbeth that he dreamed of the three ______.
Macbeth lies and says that he has not thought of them. Banquo also tells Macbeth that he
will stay loyal to ______.
Macbeth then hallucinates a blood-stained ______ as he prepares to murder ______. His
mind is full of evil images, as “Nature seems ______”.
In Act 2:2 Lady Macbeth awaits the return of her husband. She says that she could have
murdered Duncan had he not resembled her own ______. Macbeth enters and says that he
has “done the ______”. Macbeth is worried that he was unable to say “______” and
thought he heard a voice which said that he would never sleep again as he had murdered
sleep. Lady Macbeth tells him not to worry and tells him to take the _______ back. He
refuses, so Lady Macbeth takes them back and smears the ______’s faces with blood to
make them appear guilty. They are both startled by knocking at the gate and go to wash
and put on night clothes.
Now answer these questions: Part 1: Macbeth and Banquo
1. How can we tell that Banquo is nervous and tense?
2. What does Banquo say in line7-9 which tells us that he has been fighting evil thoughts?
3. How does this contrast to Macbeth?
4. What does Macbeth call himself in line 11?
5. Considering later events, why is this ironic?
6. What does Banquo now call Macbeth? Line 11 and 30
7. What does that tell you about Macbeth’s status now compared to Banquo?
8. What has King Duncan given to Banquo to give to Lady Macbeth? Line 15
9. What does Duncan call Lady Macbeth according to Banquo? Line16
10. Why is this also ironic?
11. What deliberate lie does Macbeth tell Banquo in line 22?
12. What is the actual truth?
13. What does Banquo say which tells Macbeth that he will remain loyal to Duncan? Line 27
14. What does that say about Banquo’s character?
How has the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo changed? Write a paragraph on the
subject including:
 How they got on at first
 How they reacted to the witches’ predictions
 How Macbeth is now lying to Banquo
 How their social positions have changed
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5
Macbeth
A letter from Banquo
Imagine you are Banquo, writing a letter to your son Fleance at the end of Act
2:1. In the letter you will tell Fleance everything that has happened and how
you are beginning to fear for the future.
Here are some points to include in your letter:
1. Begin by explaining how you and Macbeth succeeded in battling the
Norwegians.
2. Tell Fleance about the appearance of the witches.
3. Say what the witches predicted about Macbeth.
4. Say what the witches predicted about you.
5. Explain that one of the predictions came true straight away.
6. Explain that since then you have begun to feel uneasy, have trouble
sleeping and have had dreams about the witches.
7. Say that you have just seen Macbeth and explain that you are worried
about how he is reacting.
8. Explain how Macbeth asked you strange questions about your loyalty –
what do you think this means?
9. Tell him that Macbeth said he had not thought about the witches at all –
and say whether you believe him.
10.
End the letter by stating your worries for the future. Do you think the
King is wise to trust Macbeth so much? Is Macbeth acting strangely? Do
you think he is lying to you?
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Macbeth: Key Scene
Act 2 scene 1: Macbeth’s Soliloquy
This is a very important scene. We see Macbeth’s personal thoughts, his doubts and fears.
We also read some of Shakespeare’s most famous language.
1. Macbeth’s changing state of mind
First copy this paragraph into your book, and then find and fill in the quotations:
Macbeth’s state of mind changes throughout this scene. He goes from being polite to
Banquo, to frightened and surprised when he sees the dagger, to hesitant and guilty during
the speech, until he is finally decided upon murdering the King, Duncan.
 At line 33 Macbeth shows his surprise at “seeing” the dagger. He says:
 At line 48-49 Macbeth shows how the guilt at what he is doing is making him
see things. He says:
 At line 60-61 Macbeth shows how he is resolved to kill the King. He says:
2. Themes
First copy this paragraph and then find and fill in the quotations:
Macbeth’s soliloquy also explores some of the themes in the play. For example:
 The Supernatural: Seeing the dagger could just be Macbeth’s imagination “A dagger
of the mind” as he says, or it could be the work of the supernatural as it seems to
urge him towards Duncan’s bedroom. As Macbeth says in line 42:
 The overturning of the Natural Order: By killing the King Macbeth is upsetting the
natural order of things. This is reflected by what he says at line 49-50:
3. Shakespeare’s Language
First copy the paragraph and then find and fill in the quotations:
Shakespeare uses very sophisticated language to show the audience what Macbeth is
feeling.
 Alliteration. This is where a sentence has two or more words beginning with the
same letter. An example of this is line 48 where Macbeth says “_____ _____”. By
repeating the “B” sound it makes Macbeth sound as if he is spitting the words out,
making him seem guilty.
 Personification. This is where something that isn’t a human is described as if it
actually is. An example of this can be found in lines 53-56. _____ is described as if
it is a human, who being alerted by his dog is now walking silently towards his victim.
By personifying murder it makes Macbeth himself seem less responsible for the
murder.
 Rhyming Couplets. Shakespeare uses two sets of rhyming couplets at the end of his
soliloquy. The couplets are: (fill in the couplets). The couplets tell us that Macbeth
has firmly decided to kill the King, while also reminding us of the language of the
witches.
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4. Images of Evil
Copy down the writing and fill in the gaps:
There are lots of unpleasant images in the soliloquy which help show us the horror of what
Macbeth is about to do. Here are three examples:
1.
2.
3.
5. Should there be a dagger?
If you were directing this scene would you show the dagger? Write a paragraph in which
you explain your viewpoints. In your answer you should consider:
 If you do show the dagger then it would hint that the supernatural (the witches)
have a hand in the murder.
 If you do show the dagger it takes some of the responsibility for the murder away
from Macbeth – i.e. the witches are also responsible
 If you don’t show the dagger then it means that Macbeth is imagining it – does this
show his guilt/sense of responsibility/madness/fear?
You have now studied the soliloquy in depth. Well Done!
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Macbeth: Key Scene
Act 2 scene 2: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
This is another important scene which you will be examined on, so you need to know it
inside out. Complete the activities in as much detail as you can and remember to use
quotations.
Activity 1: Summary
In your book, write a summary of what happens during Act 2:2. Use bullet points if you
wish. Make sure you include all entrances and exits, sounds and sights. You may like to
brainstorm first with a friend.
Activity 2: Character Study
Now you know the story you need to see how the characters of Macbeth and his wife
develop in this scene. For each one you need to copy the paragraph and then find the
quotation.
Macbeth
The Macbeth we see in this scene is very different from the Macbeth we saw in the
previous scene. His state of mind has changed because of the murder. He is now:
 Worried he has upset God (line34)
 Frightened (line 54-55)
 Guilty (line 77)
Lady Macbeth
We have already seen Lady Macbeth persuading her husband to murder the king. Here we
see her really taking control of the situation. She is:
 Domineering (line 51-53)
 Practical (line 58-60)
 Cold-hearted (line 67-68)
Lady Macbeth also gives Macbeth a lot of advice:
 Washing will remove his guilt (line 70)
 Not to think too much on what he’s done (line 35-36)
In your own words and in a full sentence, say why her advice is ironic considering what
happens to her later in the play.
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Activity 3: Themes and Images
Copy the text, fill in the gaps and find the quotations:
1. Putting on a role (clothing)
Lady Macbeth uses two clothing images.
At line 61 she says she will “gild the faces of the ______”. This means that by putting
blood on them they will appear guilty.
At line 73 she tells Macbeth to put on his “________”. Changing into clean clothes will
make him appear innocent. Her words in both of these quotations tell us that appearance is
not always the same as reality.
2. Blood
In this scene Blood is a symbol of guilt. At line 50 Lady Macbeth calls it a “_____ _____”.
She thinks by washing the blood away the guilt will also disappear.
Macbeth
thinks
the
guilt
is
too
strong.
At
line
63-66
he
says
_______________________. This shows how guilty he’s feeling. The guilt is so strong
that it would dye the whole ocean red.
3. Sleep
In this scene Macbeth worries that he has invaded sleep, by killing ______ as he slept. He
has overturned the natural order and worries he will never sleep again. He says at line 4546 “___________________________”.
Activity 4: Directing the scene
In the play the actual murder of the king is not shown on stage. Do you think the murder
of the king should be shown? Write a paragraph explaining your viewpoint. Consider the
following points in your paragraph:
 If seeing the murder would make you lose sympathy for Macbeth
 Whether it is more horrible if left to the imagination
 Whether seeing the murder would add more drama to the scene – or is it dramatic
enough already?
You’ve finished!!! Well Done!!!
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Macbeth
Act 3: Scenes 1, 2 and 3 worksheet
First, copy out this passage into your book, filling in the gaps.
Act 3:1 opens with ______ commenting that ______ now has everything that the witches
promised, but he suspects that Macbeth played foully to get it. Macbeth, now King, enters
and instructs Banquo to attend the ______. Macbeth converses with Banquo and asks him
about his and ______’s plans for that day. Alone, Macbeth considers the danger that
Banquo and his “royalty of nature” pose to his position. Without his wife’s knowledge,
Macbeth employs two ______ to kill Banquo and Fleance, telling them that ______ is their
enemy as well as his own.
Act 3:2 opens with ______ worrying that she and Macbeth are living in “doubtful joy”. She
advises ______ not to brood on what has been done, but he is still racked by fears,
insecurity and bad dreams. He doesn’t tell her of his plan to murder ______, but instead
tells her to pay special attention to Banquo at the feast.
In Act 3:3 the murderers, joined by a third, ambush Banquo and Fleance. ______ is
murdered but his son ______ escapes.
Macbeth’s treatment of Banquo
1. Macbeth publicly asks Banquo to give him advice the next day. Why do you think he
does this?
2. Why are Macbeth’s instructions to “fail not our feast” very ironic?
3. Find an example of Macbeth putting on a “false face” with Banquo.
4. Why do you think Macbeth treats Banquo in this way?
Macbeth and the murderers
1. What kind of characters usually speak in prose?
2. How does Macbeth start off speaking to the murderers?
3. How does this add to our image of him being no longer “noble” or “worthy”?
4. How does Macbeth persuade the murderers to do the deed?
5. What technique does Shakespeare use to finish Act 3:1 which shows how decided
Macbeth is to kill his old friend?
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Copy this paragraph into your book:
It soon becomes clear in Act 3 that there has been a change in the relationship between
Macbeth and his wife. Macbeth seems to be more in control. We can see this when he does
not tell Lady Macbeth about the plan to kill Banquo. Instead he tells her to pay special
attention to Banquo at the banquet. Also at line 34 it is he who reminds her that they must
“make our faces vizards to our hearts” – reminding her to put on a false face. This is a
complete reversal of their earlier positions. It now seems that Macbeth has taken control.
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Macbeth: Key Scene
Act 3 scene 4: The Banqueting Scene
This is another important scene which you will be examined on, so you need to know it
inside out. Complete the activities in as much detail as you can and remember to use
quotations.
Activity 1: Summary Essay
First copy out the text into your neat book and fill in the gaps. Some are one word
answers while some require a sentence or a quotation.
Macbeth welcomes his guests to the banquet. He refers to himself as “our self”, which
shows how his status has grown. The first ______ arrives and reports that ______ has
been murdered. ______ however has escaped, and this news upsets Macbeth. However he
feels the real danger to him, that posed by the “grown ______”, Banquo is over and that
Fleance is merely a “worm” that poses no immediate danger.
Lady Macbeth bids Macbeth come and sit with the guests, but ______ cannot see a free
place at the table. ______ offers him a spare place, but instead of a bare chair Macbeth
sees the ghost of ______. Macbeth is shocked and immediately pleads his innocence to
the ghost. Ross tries to get the guests to leave but ______ urges them to stay, passing
Macbeth’s strange reaction off as an illness he has had since childhood. _______ rebukes
Macbeth for his display of fear, and asks whether or not he is a man. Macbeth’s short
sentences show his panic and fear.
The ghost of Banquo leaves and Lady Macbeth again questions Macbeth’s manhood.
Macbeth recovers his composure and reassures the guests that his actions were a result
of an “infirmity”. He regains his ability to put on an outward show of innocence when he
proposes a toast to ______ and the guests. On seeing the ______ again he bursts into
violent language, commanding Banquo away. He says he could fight any beast, even mythical
powerful beasts, but he cannot fight something as horrible as the ghost. ______ orders
the guests to leave at once and not wait to leave in their usual order. This shows again how
the natural order of things has been violated by the actions of Macbeth.
After the lords have left, ______ considers how murder breeds more murder. He
remembers that ______ was not present at the feast and admits he has a paid spy in his
castle. He also vows to visit the three ______ to learn more about his future. Lady
Macbeth says all Macbeth needs now is ______. Macbeth ends the scene on an ominous
note; stating that the couple were still “young in _____”, meaning there are more bloody
deeds still to come.
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Activity 2: Questions
Answer the questions as fully as you, using quotations where appropriate. Remember
to write in full sentences:
The beginning and the end
1. At the beginning who welcomes the lords in and is in charge?
2. At the end who sends the lords away and is in charge?
3. When the lords enter how do they know where to sit?
4. Why is the lords’ usual pattern of leaving according to their rank broken?
Now copy the following into your book:
At this point in the play we can see that Macbeth’s murderous actions have again broken
the natural order of things. The breaking of the tradition of leaving the room in order
symbolizes the breaking of the natural order which is a major theme in the play.
Lines 12-33
1. What has the murderer got on his face that tells us he has murdered Banquo?
2. What did Lady Macbeth have to wash off in Act 2:1 that told us Duncan had been
killed?
3. Look at your answers to the above questions. What is a recurring image and symbol
of guilt?
4. Look at line 15. What word does Macbeth use instead of “murdered”?
5. Look at line 25. What word does Macbeth use instead of “murdered”?
6. Why do you think Macbeth uses evasive language (language not to the point)?
7. Macbeth is shaken when he hears that Fleance is still alive. Write down lines 24 and
25.
8. What technique does Shakespeare use to show Macbeth is stressed and spitting out
his words?
9. What does this tell us about Macbeth’s state of mind at this moment?
10. Look at line 29. What metaphor does Macbeth use to describe Banquo?
11. What does this tell you about how he feels about Banquo now?
12. How is this different to his feelings towards Banquo in Act 2:1?
13. What metaphor does Macbeth use to describe Fleance?
14. What does this tell us about how Macbeth sees Fleance? (as a future threat?
Harmless?)
Lines 34-45
1. Who is it that reminds Macbeth to propose a toast?
2. How does this fit in with her character?
3. Who does Macbeth say he wished was present at the banquet? (line 41)
4. What word does he use to describe that person? (line 41)
5. Why is all of this ironic?
6. What does this say about Macbeth’s character?
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Lines 45-47
Copy down the following into your book, filling in the gaps with the words below:
In lines 45 to 47 we see Shakespeare using language to show us how ______ is feeling.
Immediately before these lines we have seen Macbeth calmly being two faced and
“seeming” to be ______’s friend. However, now Macbeth speaks in three short sentences,
breaking the flow of the ______ or iambic pentameter. This tells us that he is ______
and uncertain. He also asks two ______ which again show his uncertainty. Suddenly he is
not so sure of ______.
Banquo
poetry
questions
himself
Macbeth
startled
Lines 50-72
1. What are Macbeth’s first words to the ghost?
2. How are they a blatant lie?
3. How does the ghost react to this lie? (look at what Macbeth says the ghost does)
4. Who is it that takes control of the situation?
5. What excuse does she give for Macbeth’s strange behaviour?
6. Look at line 58. What question does Lady Macbeth ask her husband?
7. What does she mean by this?
8. What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to Macbeth’s “vision”? Does she believe him?
9. What does her reaction tell you about her character?
10. In lines 69-70, Macbeth says 4 short phrases. Write down two.
11. What do his short phrases tell you about his state of mind?
12. What does Lady Macbeth accuse Macbeth of being at line 73?
13. How does this fit in with her earlier accusation?
Line 74
Copy the following into your book:
Shakespeare again uses language to show how Macbeth is feeling in line 74. Macbeth says
“If I stand here, I saw him”. Macbeth is saying “as sure as I am that I stand here, I am
sure that I saw Banquo”. However his language reinforces this certainty. Macbeth speaks
in monosyllabic words which give the feeling of complete certainty. This is a real contrast
to his first uncertain reaction and shows how his state of mind is constantly changing
throughout the scene.
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Lines 75-107
1. Macbeth says that murders have happened both before and after laws were
invented, but that death would always be the end of a person. What seems to be
happening now?
2. How does this fit in with the theme of nature being overturned?
3. Who is it that tries to keep Macbeth focused on his guests? (lines 83-84)
4. Who does Macbeth both raise a toast to, and say he wishes was at the banquet?
(line 90)
5. Why is this ironic?
6. Why is it amusing? (look who enters at this point!)
7. What does Lady Macbeth say to reassure the guests? (lines 96-99)
8. Macbeth says he could fight Banquo in any other form than that which he appears in.
Which three beasts would Macbeth rather Banquo was?
9. What does it tell you about how terrified Macbeth must be of the ghost?
Lines 108-121
1. Look at line 108. What does Macbeth say he has become again now the ghost is
gone?
2. How does this fit in with Lady Macbeth’s accusations?
3. Macbeth can’t understand why the lords are not frightened. Why aren’t they?
4. Lady Macbeth orders the men to leave immediately. How does this fit in with the
way she has acted during the whole scene?
Lines 122-125
Macbeth says that “blood will have blood”, meaning that murder will be avenged. He then
uses images of nature disturbed to show how spilling blood upsets nature. Find two
examples of disturbed nature and write them down, making a note of how this fits in with
the theme of nature being overturned which runs through the whole play.
Lines 130-140
Between lines 136-138 Macbeth uses a metaphor to show how much blood and guilt he is in.
Write down this quotation and copy the following information underneath it:
Macbeth uses a river metaphor to show how far into evil he has travelled. He says he is so
far into it that to go back would be just as hard as to go on. Basically he has gone too far
into blood and evil to stop now. This is reinforced by his final line when he says “We are
yet but young in deed”, meaning there is worse to come. This gives the end of the scene an
ominous and frightening tone.
Look at lines 134-135, and write down what Macbeth says. Underneath it write the
following:
This line tells us how low Macbeth has come – that he will now do anything it takes to
further his own position, no matter how evil. This is such a contrast to the way he
deliberated for ages over whether to murder Duncan. It seems his conscience is now
leaving him.
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15
Line 141
Look at Lady Macbeth’s final line of the scene
1. What does she say will cure Macbeth?
2. Why is this ironic? (what has Macbeth “murdered”?)
3. Why is this ironic for Lady Macbeth herself? (what happens in the future?!)
Activity 3: The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
Now you know the story you need to see how the characters of Macbeth and his wife develop in
this scene. For each one you need to copy the paragraph and then find the quotation.
Macbeth
The Macbeth we see in this scene is very different from the Macbeth we saw in the previous
scene. His state of mind continually changes. Here are moments when he is:
 terrified (line 94)
 guilty (line 50)
 putting on a false face (line 90)
 a tyrant (line 135-136)
 calm (line 108)
Lady Macbeth
We have already seen Lady Macbeth persuading her husband to murder the king, making sure the
daggers were planted on the guards and fainting to distract attention. Here we see her really
taking control of the situation.
 mindful of tradition (line 33)
 provides excuses (lines 53-54)
 accuses Macbeth of weakness (line 58)
 is ashamed and embarrassed by Macbeth (lines 66-67)
 takes control of the situation (lines 118-119)
Activity 4: Directing the scene
Every time the play is produced, the director must decide whether or not to bring on a ghost that
the audience can see. Of all the characters on stage, only Macbeth sees the ghost. In
Shakespeare’s time, and in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the audience was shown the
ghost, but in the second half of the twentieth century, some productions have left it to the
audience’s imagination.
Now answer the following questions:
1. Think about a production of Macbeth you have seen. Did the director choose to have a ghost
on the stage?
2. Did you think it was an effective decision?
3. What are the advantages of having a ghost come on? (does it make Macbeth’s reaction more
understandable/would we feel sorry for Macbeth?/sorry for Banquo and angry at
Macbeth?/more aware of the supernatural?)
4. What are the advantages of not having a ghost come on? (does it make Macbeth seem more
“on the edge”/make Macbeth seem really isolated and alone/make us understand the
confusion of Lady Macbeth and the lords?)
5. If you were going to have a ghost, what would you have him look like and wear? Consider
hair, make up, costume and movement.
You’ve finished!!! Well Done!!!
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Homework: Macbeth Essay
For your homework prep you need to practice your essay writing skills. Below is a question
based on the first set of Key Scenes, Act 2, scenes 1 and 2.
You need to write an essay answering this question. You should approach this in two stages.
1. Plan your essay.
Look through the notes we’ve made in class and the notes you’ve made in your copy of
Macbeth. Find points and quotations for each of the bullet points below. Spend about 1
hour on this.
2. Write your essay.
Time yourself and spend no more than 1 hour writing your essay. You should write your
essay in paragraphs and in full sentences, not bullet points. Make sure you include
quotations from the play as evidence for your points. Remember to answer the question
and say how Macbeth’s character is revealed, for example:
 He is shown to be devious and sly by calling himself “a friend” to Banquo
 He can be nervous and scared as his short sentences with Lady Macbeth show in Act
2:2, and as his refusal to replace the daggers shows.
Make sure you address each of the four bullet points below.
The Question
Discuss how the character of Macbeth is revealed in Act 2, scenes 1 and 2.
Pay close attention to:
~Things that he does
~Things that he says/others say about him
~The way language is used
~His relationship with Lady Macbeth and with Banquo
You should spend about 1 hour on this question
Copyright © 2004 www.englishteaching.co.uk + www.english-teaching.co.uk
17
Macbeth Quiz Act 2:1
1. Who was on the actual throne when Macbeth was written?
2. What was he particularly interested in that features in the play?
3. In what century is the play set?
4. In which country is the play set?
5. What is Macbeth’s title when the play stars?
6. What is title is Macbeth given after his victory in Act 1?
7. How can we tell that Banquo is nervous at the opening of Act 2 scene 1?
8. What does Banquo admit that he has been fighting?
9. What does Macbeth call himself when he enters the scene, and why is this ironic?
10. What gift does Duncan give Lady Macbeth?
11. What does Banquo call Macbeth that tells us their relationship has changed?
12. Who does Banquo say he will remain loyal to?
13. What vision does Macbeth have before he kills Duncan?
14. Where is Duncan killed?
15. What is the fancy word for the killing of a king? (beginning with “r”)
16. What language trick does Shakespeare use at the end of the soliloquy that tells us
Macbeth has absolutely decided to kill the king?
17. In the soliloquy Macbeth mentions Tarquin. What crime had Tarquin committed?
18. In the soliloquy what does Macbeth personify, making it seem more real and scary?
Copyright © 2004 www.englishteaching.co.uk + www.english-teaching.co.uk