Macbeth
Drama: Historical play, tragedy
Historical information (factual information on which play is based, altered):
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King Duff murdered by Donwald: 967
Donwald had some of his friends killed
King Duncan and Macbeth were cousins
Duncan= weak, lacked powerful demeanor
Macbeth= brave but cruel
Macbeth became bitter after King Duncan named his son, Malcolm, as heir to the throne
because he wanted the throne for himself
Macbeth kills King Duncan I in 1040 with the help of Banquo and then seizes throne
Duncan’s sons leave Scotland, fearing for their lives
Macbeth rules well for approximately ten years
Macbeth, growing paranoid, hires killers to exterminate Banquo and Banquo’s son
After murdering Banquo, King Macbeth begins to have wealthy nobles killed on a fairly
regular basis, including Macduff’s entire family
After his family is murdered, Macduff encourages Malcolm, the dethroned son, to fight for
the Scottish throne
Macbeth reigns until 1057 when he is killed by Malcolm III, Duncan’s son
Setting:
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Scotland, 11th century
Act 1
Scene 1
Characters
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Witches: personification of evil; will precede all tragedies throughout play
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Witches= evil, ugliness
Setting= dark, foreboding; foreshadows the sorrow that will befall most of the major
characters and the evil manipulations that cause these sorrows
Witches’s location= in open field next to battlefield, clearly associating the witches with
battles, death, and destruction
Filthy air (around Macbeth) foreshadows the doomed existence of the protagonist
Witches’s discussion of next meeting= emphasizes the rushed nature of the plot, the sense of
urgency that pervades the plot; the witches are impatient for their next meeting just as
Macbeth will later be impatient for greatness and glory
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Characterization: the conversation is difficult to follow, cloaked in symbolism and analogy,
which symbolizes that the witches work in secrecy and through deception
Paradox: Witch, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (line 11)
Important Info
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Note that in the discussion of Macbeth’s future, the witches indicate that he will achieve
greatness VERY quickly. This type of rushed glory rarely ends well for the recipient.
Act 1
Scene 2
Characters
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Sergeant: injured; minor character; introduces background information
Duncan: King of Scotland
Macdonwald: traitor, killed by Macbeth
Banquo: loyal soldier
Thane of Rosse: brings news to Duncan
Thane of Cawdor: traitor who will be killed for his treachery; Macbeth is to be his successor
Sweno: King of Norway
Thane of Ross: Scottish nobleman who bears important info throughout the play
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Imagery: soldiers’ camp is brightly arrayed, emphasizing the “goodness” of their plight and
character
Characterization: clarity of speech- the conversation in scene two is very easy to understandthe words are not cloaked in mystery; the characters have nothing to hide
Analogy: Macbeth and Banquo described as “spent swimmers” (line 9) and foreshadows
their deaths
Simile: Sergeant- “Doubtful it stood,/As two spent swimmers that do cling together/And
choke their art.” (lines 8-9)
Personification: Sergeant- “And Fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling” (line 14), “I must
report they were/As cannons overcharg’d with double cracks” (lines 36-37)
Allusion: Sergeant- “Or memorize another Golgotha” (line 40) Golgotha= location of huge
military slaughter on the battlefield
Metaphor: Rosse- “The victory fell on us” (line 58)
Foreshadowing: beheading of Macdonwald foreshadows Macbeth’s decapitation
Irony: Thane of Cawdor is killed as a traitor and Macbeth takes his place and Macbeth will
also be a traitor; Duncan- “What he [Thane of Cawdor] has lost, noble Macbeth has
won” (line 67)
Irony: Duncan celebrates Macbeth as a hero and protector but Macbeth will later murder him
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Symbolism: the Thane of Ross appears to give critical information throughout play; he seems
to signal turning points; in this scene, the Thane of Ross tells Parallels: Duncan hears about
Macbeth’s heroism on the battlefield and Rosse is then sent to give Macbeth the news about
his gaining a title but later he will bring news of the murder of Macduff’s family to Macduff
Important Info
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Note contrast between the setting of scene one and the setting of scene 2- the variation in
settings mirrors the variation in character
Patterns/repetitions: we are introduced to beheadings, traitorous behavior, and the pursuit of
power, all of which will be repeated throughout story
Battle is occurring between Norwegian troops and Scottish troops
Act 1
Scene 3
Characters
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Witches: soothsayers, women who wield tremendous power
Macbeth: loyal servant of King Duncan
Banquo: loyal friend of Duncan
Rosse: messenger
Angus: Duncan’s messenger
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Parallels: Macbeth and sailor
Foreshadowing: the sailor’s wife’s behavior causes her husband’s misfortune just as Lady
Macbeth will hasten her husband’s death
Theme: appearance vs. reality Macbeth- “what seem’d corporal/melted” (line 81)
Metaphor: Macbeth- “why do you dress me/In borrowed robes?” (lines 109-110)
Simile: Witch- “I’ll drain him dry as hay” (line 18)
Irony/Imagery: Banquo- “You should be women,/And yet your beards forbid me to interpret/
That you are so” (lines 45-47)
Metaphor: Banquo- “If you can look into the seeds of time” (line 58)
Paradox: Witch- “Not so happy, yet much happier” (line 66)
Foreshadowing: Witch- “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be/none” (lines 66-67)
Foreshadowing: Banquo- “… to win us to our harm,/The instruments of darkness tell us
truths,/Win us with honest trifles” (lines 122-124)
Personification: Banquo- “If chance will have me king, why,/chance may crown me/Without
my stir” (lines 144-146)
Symbolism: Banquo represents calm in tranquility, an antithesis to the witches’ chaotic
presence
Important Info
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Witches inspire the greed and lust for power that later leads to Macbeth’s destruction
The witches greet Macbeth with a title of which he is not yet aware (Thane of Cawdor)
Macbeth is skeptical of witches’ predictions until the first is confirmed by Rosse
The witches’ words to Banquo will fuel Macbeth’s jealousy later
Act 1
Scene 4
Characters
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Duncan: King of Scotland
Lennox: Scottish nobleman
Malcolm: King’s eldest son
Donalbain: Prince
Macbeth: Protagonist
Banquo: Honorable friend of Macbeth’s
Rosse, Angus: Messengers
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Irony: Malcolm- “Nothing in his [Thane of Cawdor] life/Became him like the leaving of
it” (lines 7-8)
Hyperbole: Duncan- “More is thy due than more than all can pay” (line 21)
Personification: Macbeth- “… our duties/Are to your throne and state children and
servants” (line 25)
Metaphor: Duncan- “I have begun to plant thee, and will labor/To make thee full of
growing” (lines 28-29)
Simile: Duncan- “But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine/On all deservers” (lines
41-42)
Personification: Macbeth- “Let not light see my black and deep desires” (line 51)
Irony: Duncan- “It [Macbeth] is a peerless kinsman” (line 58)
Important Info
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Duncan recognizes his mistake in trusting the Thane of Cawdor so completely yet he will
make the same mistake again
Notice Macbeth’s anger upon hearing that the King’s son has been named Prince of
Cumberland- he had expected the Witches’ prophecy to come true
Act 1
Scene 5
Characters
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Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s devious, ambitious wife; will be driving force in Macbeth’s
success and downfall
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Messenger: Man sent to deliver news of Macbeth’s later arrival
Macbeth: Protagonist
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Metaphor/Hyperbole: Macbeth- “When/I burnt in desire to question them further” (lines 4-5)
Characterization: Lady Macbeth- “Yet do I fear thy [Macbeth] nature,/It is too full o’ th’ milk
of human kindness” (lines16-18)
Metaphor: Lady Macbeth- “I may pour my spirits in thine [Macbeth] ear” (line 26)
Personification: Lady Macbeth- “And chastise with the valor of my tongue” (line 27)
Foreshadowing: Lady Macbeth- “The raven himself is hoarse/That croaks the fatal entrance
of Duncan/Under my battlements” (lines 38-40)
Personification: Lady Macbeth- “That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,/Nor heaven
peep through the blanket of the dark/To cry, ‘Hold, hold!’” (lines 52-54)
Metaphor/Theme (appearance vs. reality): Lady Macbeth- “look th’ innocent flower,/But be
the serpent under’t” (lines 65-66)
Irony: Lady Macbeth to Macbeth- “you shall put/This night’s great business into my
dispatch” (lines 67-68)
Important Info
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Lady Macbeth notes Macbeth’s “soft” nature, his relatively good nature that may hinder his
ruthless quest for greatness
Lady Macbeth vows to push Macbeth to do whatever is necessary to gain the throne
“Unsex me here” (line 41) is Lady Macbeth’s call to Nature/Hell to dismiss her “womanly”
kindness and harden her heart against normal human compassion
Notice that Lady Macbeth seems more ruthless, less compassionate, and more driven than
her husband, who has a reputation for being the hard, driven one on the battlefield
Act 1
Scene 6
Characters
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Duncan: King of Scotland
Banquo: Macbeth’s loyal friend and only witness to the witches’ predictions
Lennox: Nobleman, very loyal to Duncan and suspicious of Macbeth
Malcolm: Duncan’s eldest son
Donalbain: Duncan’s youngest son
Macduff: A General in the Scottish army
Rosse: Nobleman, Macduff’s cousin
Angus: Nobleman
Lady Macbeth: Sneaky wife of Macbeth who has already begun to plan Duncan’s murder
Symbolism/Literary Devices
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Irony/Theme (appearance vs. reality): Duncan- “This castle [Macbeth’s] hath a pleasant seat,
the air/Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself/Unto our gentle senses” (lines 1-3)
Irony: Duncan- “I have observ’d/The air is delicate” (lines 8-9)
Irony/Foreshadowing/Theme: Duncan- “The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,/
Which still we thank as love” (lines 11-12)
Characterization/Irony/Simile: Duncan- “And his [Macbeth] great love, sharp as his spur,
hath holp him/To his home before us” (lines 22-23)
Dramatic Irony: Duncan- “Conduct me to mine host [Macbeth], we love him highly,/And
shall continue our graces towards him” (lines 29-30)
Dramatic Irony: Lady Macbeth to Duncan- “For those of old,/And the late dignities heap’d
up to them,/We rest your ermites” (lines 18-20)
Symbolism: Notice the change in setting in this scene. Before the arrival at Macbeth’s estate,
the setting seemed light and airy. Yet when the characters arrive at Macbeth’s home, it is
dark and they need torches to see. This darkness is not merely literal. The contrast should
not be ignored.
Important Info
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When Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s home, he continually compares it to a heavenly location
which is in stark contrast to its inhabitants’ hellish plans for Duncan
The theme of appearance vs. reality is seen repeatedly throughout this scene
“rest your ermites” (line 20)= we will pray for you
Act 1
Scene 7
Characters
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Servants
Macbeth: Protagonist, Duncan’s cousin
Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s strong, ambitious wife
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Metaphor: Macbeth- “This even-handed justice/Commends th’ ingredience of our poison’d
chalice/To our own lips” (lines 10-12)
Characterization: Macbeth’s doubts regarding the murder of Duncan illustrate that he is an
honorable character who balks at doing harm to his King and his kinsman
Simile: Macbeth- “his [Duncan] virtues/Will plead like angels” (lines 18-19)
Metaphor: Macbeth- “Shall blow the horrid deed [Duncan’s murder] in every eye,/That tears
shall drown the wind” (lines 24-25)
Characterization/Metaphor: Macbeth- “I have no spur/To prick the sides of my intent” (lines
25-26)
Metaphor/Personification: Lady Macbeth to Macbeth- “Was the hope drunk/Wherein you
dressed yourself? Hath it slept since?” (lines 35-36)
Pomerantz
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Allusion: Lady Macbeth- “Letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would,’/Like the poor cat i’ th’
adage?” (lines 43-44) adage= “The cat would eat fish and would not wet her feet”
Metaphor: Lady Macbeth- “I have given suck, and know/How tender ‘tis to love the babe
that milks me” (lines 54-55)
Characterization:
Lady Macbeth- “I would, while it [baby] was smiling in my face,/Have pluck’d my nipple
from his boneless gums,/And dash’d the brains out” (lines 56-58)
Metaphor: Lady Macbeth- “But screw your courage to the sticking place” (line 60)
Metaphor: Lady Macbeth- “When in swinish sleep/Their [Duncan’s guards] drenched natures
lies as in a death” (lines 67-68)
Theme: good vs. evil The conversation between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth regarding
Duncan’s murder
Theme: appearance vs. reality Macbeth- “False face must hide what the false heart doth
know” (line 82)
Important Info
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Notice that Macbeth is the spouse showing the “womanly” characteristics (obedience, selfdoubt, fear, compassion) while it is Lady Macbeth who takes on the more “manly” role
(commanding, wicked, guiltless, without compassion)
Do not forget that Macbeth actually calls off the murderous plot until Lady Macbeth
denounces him and calls him weak, whereupon he once again agrees to go forward with the
plan
Lady Macbeth’s plan for Duncan’s murder is clearly outlined in this scene
Lady Macbeth seems the ultimate representation of evil throughout this scene
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
Act 2
Scene 1
Characters
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Macbeth: Protagonist, host, ambitious man driven by witches’ prophecy, Thane of Cawdor,
Thane of Glamis
Banquo: nobleman, loyal to Duncan but a friend to Macbeth
Fleance: Banquo’s son
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Setting: total darkness indicates bad things are to come
Symbolism: Banquo- symbol of goodness
Symbolism: Macbeth- symbol of evil
Simile: Banquo- “A heavy summons lies like lead upon me” (line 6)
Characterization/Theme (good vs. evil): Macbeth- “If you shall cleave to my consent, when
‘tis,/ It shall make honor for you” Banquo- “So I lose none/ In seeking to augment it, but still
keep/ My bosom franchis’d and allegiance clear,/ I shall be counsell’d.” (lines 24-29)
Metaphor/Allusion: Macbeth- “witchcraft celebrates/ Pale Hecat’s off’rings; and wither’d
Murther,/ Alarum’d by his sentinel, the wolf,/ Whose howl’s his watch, thus with his stealthy
pace,/ With Tarquin’s ravishing [strides], towards his design/ Moves like a ghost.” (lines
52-56)
Symbolism: Macbeth- “for it [bell] is a knell,/ That summons thee to heaven or to
hell.” (lines 63-64)
Personification: Macbeth- “the bell invites me.” (line 62)
Important Info
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Macbeth’s conversation with Banquo regarding Banquo’s future support is very important.
Notice that Macbeth desires unquestionable loyalty whereas Banquo indicates that he will
remain loyal only as long as Macbeth’s attainment of power is honorably attained
Macbeth’s vision of the bloody dagger is a sign of his internal struggle- he is trying to
reconcile himself to murder but he recognizes that his actions are, in fact, evil; Macbeth is
unable to shake the vision of the bloody dagger just as later, he will be unable to shake his
guilt
Hecate has various roles in mythology. The role referenced in this scene is her legendary
ability to keep ghosts and/or bring spirits (especially evil ones) back to earth and/or her
assignment of goddess of the moon
Act 2
Scene 2
Characters
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Macbeth: protagonist, now guilt-ridden
Pomerantz
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Lady Macbeth: without conscience or remorse; Macbeth’s wife and guide to evil deeds
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Metaphor: Lady Macbeth- “That which hath made them [Duncan’s guards] drunk hath made
me bold;/ What hath quench’d them hath given me fire.” (lines 1-2)
Metaphor: Lady Macbeth- “It was the owl that shriek’d, the fatal bellman” (line 3)
Metaphor: Macbeth’ “… as they [Malcolm and Donalbain] had seen me with these
hangman’s hands.” (line 25)
Foreshadowing: Macbeth- “Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘Sleep no more!/ Macbeth does
murther sleep’ ” (lines 32-33)
Metaphor: Macbeth describing sleep- “The death of each day’s life” (line 35)
Theme (appearance vs. reality): Lady Macbeth- “I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal,/ For
it must seem their guilt.” (lines 53-54)
Hyperbole/Foreshadowing/Metaphor/Allusion: Macbeth- “Will all great Neptune’s ocean
wash this blood/ Clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather/ The multitudinous seas
incarnadine,/ Making the green one red” (lines 57-60)
Metaphor: Lady Macbeth- “My hands are of your color; but I shame/ To wear a heart so
white.” (lines 61-62)
Important Info
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Notice that Macbeth is already feeling the guilt that will plague him over the course of the
play
Note that to Lady Macbeth, Duncan’s murder is nothing but a means to an end- for Lady
Macbeth, the desire for power (for her husband) overwhelms her humanity
Neptune= Roman god of the sea
At the end of scene two, Macbeth already indicates that he is overwhelmed by his sense of
guilt. He wishes he could wake Duncan and also recognizes that to face the murder he has
just committed would require him to also face the evil within himself- a confrontation for
which he is not yet ready.
Act 2
Scene 3
Characters
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Macbeth: protagonist, murderer
Lady Macbeth: ambitious wife of Macbeth
Donalbain: Duncan’s son
Malcolm: Duncan’s son
Macduff: loyal servant to Duncan
Banquo: loyal servant to Duncan and friend to Macbeth; knows of witches’ prophecy and of
Macbeth’s hunger for power
Porter: comic relief; answers door
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Symbolism: All of the loud noises in this scene lend the scene a chaotic air, a sense that
literally all hell has broken loose. This chaotic feel reflects Macbeth’s mental chaos.
Metaphor/Symbolism: Porter- “Here’s a farmer, that hang’d/himself on th’ expectation of
plenty./ … Faith, here’s an equivocator, that could/ swear in both the scales against either
scale, who committed treason enough for God’s sake, yet could/ not equivocate to heaven./
… here’s an English tailor come hither for stealing/ out of a French hose” (lines 4-14)
Irony: Porter- “But this place is too/ cold for hell.” (lines 16-17)
Pun: Porter- “… and giving him/ the lie, leaves him.” (lines 35-36)
Dramatic Irony: Lennox- “Lamentings heard i’ th’ air; strange screams of death,/ And
prophesying, with accents terrible,/ Of dire combustion and confus’d events/ New hatch’d to
th’ woeful time.” (lines 56-59)
Personification: Macduff- “Confusion now hath made his masterpiece!” (line 66)
Metaphor/Allusion: Macduff- “Approach the chamber, and destroy your sight/ With a new
Gorgon.” (lines 71-72)
Simile: Macduff- “As from your graves rise up, and walk like sprites,/ To countenance this
horror!” (lines 79-80)
Irony: Macduff to Lady Macbeth- “O gentle lady,/ ‘Tis not for you to hear what I can speak:/
The repetition in a woman’s ear/ Would murther as it fell.” (lines 83-86)
Dramatic Irony/Theme (appearance vs. reality): Macbeth- “Had I but died an hour before this
chance,/ I had but liv’d a blessed time” (lines 91-92)
Irony: Macbeth (his explanation for killing the blood soaked guards)- “Who could refrain,/
That had a heart to love, and in that heart/ Courage to make ‘s love known?” (lines 116-118)
Metaphor: Malcolm- “Why do we hold our tongues” (line 119)
Foreshadowing: Banquo- “In the great hand of God I stand, and thence/ Against the
undivulg’d pretense I fight/ Of treasonous malice.” (lines 130-132)
Metaphor: Donalbain- “Where we are,/ There’s daggers in men’s smiles” (lines 139-140)
Important Info
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Macbeth struggles throughout the scene with his own internal conflict. His honorable self
has not yet been completely extinguished and his conscience battles his ambition.
Each of the entities the Porter imagines when he hears the banging on the door represent one
of Macbeth’s tragic flaws: the farmer represents greed (Macbeth’s greed leads him to commit
atrocious acts), the equivocator represents lies (Macbeth lies to everyone to maintain his
power), and the thief represents literal thievery (Macbeth stole Duncan’s life and throne)
Lie= to tell an untruth, to lay out flat, to cause one to have to urinate
Porter lends comic relief to an otherwise dire scene
The Gorgons, in Greek mythology, were the three sisters: Medusa, Stheno and Euryale.
These sisters had snakes for hair and anyone who looked upon them was turned to stone.
Medusa was the only mortal sister. All three were the grandchildren of the goddess of the
earth and the god of the sea. Medusa insulted Athena (the goddess of wisdom) by stating that
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Athena was jealous of her beauty, so Athena made her so hideous that anyone who looked
upon her would be turned to stone
Macbeth’s murder of the guards was critical to the success of the plan: he could kill them and
claim that he did so in a rage after learning that they had murdered Duncan, thereby
preventing the supposed murderers from declaring their innocence
Lady Macbeth senses Macbeth’s regret and pretends to lose consciousness in an effort to
distract everyone from Macbeth’s strange mindset
Fearing for their lives, the princes escape Scotland. Malcolm goes to England and Donalbain
goes to Ireland. It is clear that these two characters suspect that one of their father’s
supposedly loyal supporters is his murderer.
Act 2
Scene 4
Characters
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Old man: representation of the people of Scotland
Rosse: nobleman; seeks to gain Macbeth’s favor
Macduff: Duncan’s supporter; suspicious of Duncan’s murder and Macbeth’s sudden rise to
power; Thane of Fife
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Symbolism: The Old Man seen at the beginning of the scene becomes the voice of the good
people of Scotland. He also represents order and moderation in the now chaotic Scotland.
• Metaphor: Rosse- “And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp.” (line 7)
• Symbolism/Setting: Rosse- “Is’t night’s predominance, or the day’s shame,/ That darkness
does the face of earth entomb,/ When living light should kiss it?” (lines 8-10)
• Metaphor/Symbolism: Old Man- “A falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place,/ Was by a
mousing owl hawk’d at, and kill’d.” (lines 12-13) falcon= Duncan owl= Macbeth
• Metaphor: Rosse (about Duncan’s horses)- “Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,/
Turn’d wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,/ Contending ‘gainst obedience, as they
would make/ War with Mankind.” (lines 15-18)
• Symbolism/Foreshadowing: Old Man- “ ’Tis said, they eat each other.” Rosse- “They did soto th’ amazement of mine eyes/ That look’d upon’t.” (lines 18-21)
• Symbolism: Rosse- “Will you to Scone?” Macduff- “No, cousin, I’ll to Fife.” (lines 35-36)
• Metaphor/Foreshadowing: Macduff- “Lest our old robes sit easier than our new!” (line 38)
• Metaphor: Rosse to Old Man- “Farewell, father” (line 39)
• Foreshadowing: Old Man- “God’s benison go with you [Rosse], and with those/ That would
make good of bad, and friends of foes!” (lines 40-41)
Important Info
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Only ONE DAY has passed since the witches’ prophecy. The play is moving very quickly.
Score= twenty years
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Duncan’s horses, like the people of Scotland, seem to have lost control. They have shrugged
off their bindings, disregarded their overall well-being, refused the guidance offered by their
caretakers and fought against humanity, just as the warring people of Scotland seem to be
doing. Like the horses, the people seem to be turning on one another, as well. Various
characters are metaphorically cannibalizing their friends.
Though he seems suspicious of Macbeth, Macduff is also highly suspicious of Malcolm and
Donalbain, who disappeared after the King’s murder. Macduff, like others, suspects that
perhaps the guards had been bribed by the princes to murder Duncan.
As expressed in his conversation with Rosse, Macduff suspects that perhaps Scotland and its
people will not benefit from Macbeth’s rule and chooses not to attend his coronation
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
Act 3
Scene 1
Characters
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Macbeth: King; protagonist;
Banquo: nobleman, former supporter of Macbeth; witches said that Banquo’s line would
occupy the throne
Lady Macbeth: Queen; force behind Macbeth’s ambitious actions to attain the throne
Lennox: nobleman
Rosse: nobleman; supporter of both Duncan (now dead) and Macbeth
Lords: various aristocrats
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Irony: Macbeth to Banquo- “Here’s our chief guest.” (line 11)
Alliteration: Macbeth- “To-night we hold a solemn supper, sir” (line 14)
Metaphor: Banquo- “… to the which my duties/ Are with a most indissoluble tie/ For ever
knit.” (lines 16-18)
Personification: Banquo- “Our time does call upon ‘s.” (line 36)
Characterization: Macbeth (about Banquo)- “He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor/ To
act in safety.” (lines 52-53)
Metaphor/synecdoche: Macbeth to murderer (about Banquo)- “Whose heavy hand hath
bow’d you to the grave/ And beggar’d yours for ever” (lines 88-89)
Irony: Macbeth to murderer (while trying to convince him to murder Banquo)- “That I to
your assistance do make love” (line122)
Euphemism: Macbeth to murderer (in reference to the death of Banquo and Fleance)- “…
must embrace the fate/Of that dark hour.” (lines 136-137)
Important Info
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Because Macbeth was told by the witches that he would be King but Banquo’s descendants
would be Kings, he now wants to insure that Banquo and all his sons/future sons die
Notice that Macbeth has to blame Banquo for all of the murderers’ misfortunes in order to
convince them to kill Banquo and Fleance
Notice that until he blames everything on Banquo, the murderers had blamed Macbeth for
their misfortunes
Act 3
Scene 2
Characters
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•
Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s former primary source of motivation; Macbeth’s wife
Servant: castle servant
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Macbeth: Protagonist; currently feeling very ambitious but still tormented by guilt over his
murderous actions
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Irony: Lady Macbeth- “ ‘Tis safter to be that which we destroy/ Than by destruction dwell in
doubtful joy.” (lines 6-7)
Metaphor: Macbeth (about Duncan)- “Duncan is in his grave;/ After life’s fitful fever he
sleeps well.” (lines 22-23)
Dramatic Irony: Macbeth to Lady Macbeth about Banquo (AFTER Macbeth has ordered
Banquo’s execution)- “Let your remembrance apply to Banquo,/ Present him eminence both
with eye and tongue” (lines 30-31)
Theme (appearance vs. reality): Macbeth to Lady Macbeth “And make our vizards to our
hearts,/ Disguising what they are.” (lines 33-34)
Metaphor: Macbeth- “O, full of scorpions is my mind” (line 36)
Personification: Macbeth- “Come, seeling night,/ Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day,/ And
with thy bloody and invisible hand/ Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond/ Which keeps
me pale!” (lines 46-50)
Paradox: Macbeth- “Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill” (line 55)
Important Info
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•
•
•
Vizards= masks
Hecat= Hecate, the Queen of the Underworld, goddess of witches
Notice that in this scene, Macbeth chooses not to share his plans with his wife. He chooses
not to tell her about Banquo’s murder. They seem to have reversed roles a bit- Macbeth is
now in control. However, this deception could also mark a widening of the gap between
them. Macbeth is pulling back from his wife, alienating himself from the one person who
knew all of his secrets.
It should strike you as odd that AFTER Macbeth has Banquo killed, he tells Lady Macbeth to
watch Banquo carefully at the banquet. Has he forgotten that he has ordered Banquo’s
murder or is he just trying to fool Lady Macbeth? This question seems to be a sign of
Macbeth’s instability.
Act 3
Scene 3
Characters
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•
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•
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Murderer 1: hired to kill Banquo and Fleance
Murderer 2: hired to kill Banquo and Fleance
Murderer 3: hired to make sure that murderers one and two kill Banquo and Fleance
Banquo: Macbeth’s former ally; honorable man
Fleance: Banquo’s son
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
Symbolism/Literary Devices
•
•
Setting/Forshadowing/Symbolism:
Banquo- “Give us a light there, ho!” (line 8)
Important Info
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•
•
The darkness in this scene, the scene wherein Banquo is murdered, represents the overall
darkness of Macbeth’s rule.
Banquo had been the symbol of hope in the play, the hope that things perhaps could return to
the goodness of the previous King, but his murder ends this hope. However, Fleance’s
survival, and his father’s dying request that his death be avenged, leaves the reader with hope
Banquo’s death marks the literal death of Goodness (Banquo) at the hands of Evil (Macbeth)
but Hope (Fleance) survives
This scene also indicates an increase in Macbeth’s paranoia. He orders the death of his friend
simply because that friend was to have sons upon the throne. He also doesn’t trust his own
minions- after ordering Banquo’s murder, Macbeth sends another murderer to make sure the
first two complete their task!
Act 3
Scene 4
Characters
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Macbeth: King, protagonist
Lady Macbeth: Queen
Rosse: nobility
Lennox: nobility
Lords: nobility
Attendants: servants
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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•
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Irony: Macbeth to Banquo’s murderer- “Thou art the best o’ th’ cut-throats” (line 17)
Foreshadowing: Macbeth – “Then comes my fit again.” (line 19)
Simile: Macbeth- “Whole as the marble, founded as the rock,/ As broad and general as the
casing air” (lines 21-22)
Metaphor: Macbeth (about Banquo and Fleance)- “There the grown serpent lies; the worm
that’s fled/ Hath nature that in time will venom breed,/ No teeth for th’ present.” (lines 29-31)
Irony: Macbeth- “Were the grac’d person of our Banquo present,/ Who may I rather
challenge for unkindness/ Than pity for mischance” (lines 40-42)
Theme (appearance vs. reality): Lady Macbeth to Macbeth after Macbeth speaks to the ghost
of Banquo- “Why do you make such faces? When all’s done,/ You look but on a stool.” (lines
66-67)
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Climax: The banquet scene wherein Macbeth speaks to the ghost of Banquo and admits his
guilt
Irony: Macbeth to Banquo’s ghost- “Thou canst not say I did it” (line 49)
Simile: Macbeth to Banquo’s ghost- “Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,/ The
arm’d rhinoceros, or th’ Hyrcan tiger,” (lines 99-100)
Metaphor: Macbeth- “I am in blood/ Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more,/
Returning were as tedious as go o’er” (lines 135-137)
Foreshadowing: Macbeth- “We are but young in deed.” (line 143)
Important Info
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After the murderer tells Macbeth that Banquo is dead but Fleance has escaped, Macbeth
becomes distraught. He tells himself that Fleance is too young to be a real threat to his
power but his words do not sound confident.
When Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost sitting in his chair, it is obvious that he has lost touch
with reality. He cannot tell the difference between his guilt-driven imaginings and reality.
The guests cannot see Banquo’s ghost.
Macbeth’s admission of murder is interesting because no one else knows that he has ordered
the death of Banquo.
This scene marks the climax of the play. Macbeth’s visions of Banquo and his admission of
guilt mark the point at which Macbeth has begun his downward spiral (turning point). His
honorable nature has been wholly consumed by his ambition. He can no longer recognize
allies. He suspects everyone. Macbeth’s admission of guilt is the height of the action- it is
clear that his murderous plots will not end with the death of his friend nor the sight of his
friend’s ghost. We have little doubt that Macbeth’s transformation is complete.
Briefly, after Macbeth sees the ghost, Lady Macbeth once again tries to take control and
force him back into reality. It works. Macbeth is shamed into behaving rationally until the
ghost makes another appearance.
It is interesting that Macbeth things that Lady Macbeth is the abnormal one because she does
not react to Banquo’s ghost. Macbeth forgets that Lady Macbeth knows nothing of Banquo’s
murder nor can she see the ghost. Macbeth does not recognize his own insanity.
Towards the end of the scene, Macbeth admits to having placed spies in the homes of most of
the nobility. This highlights the fact that Macbeth’s paranoia has completely overwhelmed
his ability to govern.
Though Lady Macbeth tries to explain Macbeth’s strange behavior as a childhood illness, the
guests clearly do not believe the story. They wish Macbeth well as they quickly exit the
castle but they appear to be shaken by Macbeth’s odd behavior. After all, he IS their leader.
Act 3
Scene 5
Characters
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Witches: the witches who offered the original prophecy to Macbeth and Banquo; they are
fully aware of the dire consequences of their prophecy
Hecate: Queen of the underworld, mistress of witchcraft
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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•
Allusion: Hecate- “And at the pit of Acheron/ Meet me i’ th’ morning” (lines 15-16)
Foreshadowing: Hecate- “… thither he [Macbeth]/ Will come to know his destiny” (lines
16-17)
Important Info
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•
Acheron= one of the rivers of Hell
There is a great deal of speculation regarding the existence of this scene. Many
Shakespearean scholars argue that this scene was NOT written by Shakespeare but was added
later. The poetry in this scene lacks the beauty and underlying meaning of all of the other
scenes. Its poetry is very simplistic and there is very little wordplay. The scene also fails to
serve a purpose. Whereas all of the other scenes actually accomplish something in the playprovide necessary background, clarify character motivations, illustrate key elements in the
plot, etc.- this scene seems to merely exist to entertain. No new information is offered.
Shakespeare’s plays are typically very carefully constructed monuments- every single scene
serves a distinct purpose. This scene does not.
Act 3
Scene 6
Characters
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•
Lennox: nobleman; now highly suspicious of Macbeth
Lord: here to provide information regarding the overall feelings of the people of Scotland
Symbolism/Literary Devices
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Irony: Lennox (about Banquo’s murder) – “Men must not walk too late.” (line 7)
Characterization: Lord (about Macbeth)- “(From whom this tyrant holds the due of
birth)” (line 25)
Symbolism: The Lord represents all of the people of Scotland who have grown tired of
Macbeth’s tyranny
Metaphor: Lennox- “Some holy angel/ Fly to the court of England” (line 45)
Important Info
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We learn in this scene that the people of Scotland no longer support Macbeth. His murderous
ways have left the people feeling afraid and restless under his tyrannical rule.
We also hear that Macduff has made it clear that he no longer supports Macbeth, thus making
him a target
We learn that King Edward (the British King) has received Malcolm and supports him.
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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We learn that Macduff has gone to England to ask King Edward for his aid and that of his
famed military leader, Siward
Hearing of this, Macbeth has begun to prepare for war.
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
Act 4
Scene 1
Characters
Witches: fortune tellers, wield supernatural powers, prophecies prompted Macbeth’s murderous
ambition
Hecate: Queen of the underworld, mistress of witchcraft (appeared in Act 3, scene 5)
Macbeth: King of Scotland, seeks guidance from the witches
First apparition: armed head
Second apparition: bloody child
Third apparition: crowned child with a tree in his hand
Eight kings & Banquo apparitions: all the kings look like Banquo
Lennox: nobleman, still outwardly supports Macbeth
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• First apparition (armed head): a mockery of Macbeth himself- small, armed, and
uncomfortable with Macbeth. The head lacks a body, just as Macbeth will lack supporters as he
fights Macduff (foreshadowing)
• Second apparition (bloody child): reflection of Macbeth’s murderous deeds, mockery of
Macbeth since he is childless and cannot retain the throne indefinitely without a child.
Foreshadows the murder of the child in the next scene. Blood represents murder, evil, and
chaos
• Third apparition (child wearing a crown and carrying a tree): Blood (murder, evil, chaos) has
been replaced by a tree (new life, regeneration, goodness). Foreshadows the calm that can
come to Scotland after Macbeth’s reign of terror is over
• Parade of Banquo’s heirs indicates that Macbeth’s murders have all been in vain- Banquo’s
heirs will still ascend the throne.
• The murder of Macduff’s child is wholly without purpose but indicates Macbeth’s sick and
chaotic state of mind
• Irony- “By the pricking of my thumbs,/Something wicked this way comes” (45). Witch
speaking of Macbeth, an evil they created
• Alliteration- Macbeth, “For the blood-boter’d Banquo...” (122)
• Irony- Macbeth, “And damn’d all those that trust them [witches]!” (139)
Important Info
• Witches’ scenes bond the various segments of the play together
• Witches create a visually dark, gloomy mood that foreshadows and mirrors the dire
circumstances of the play
• Hellbroth accentuates the idea that the witches are evil
• Weird witches’ chanting and chaotic atmosphere mirrors the strange chaos in Macbeth’s mind
and the chaos in Scotland
• First apparition warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
• Second apparition tells Macbeth that no one borne of a woman will harm Macbeth
• Third apparition tells Macbeth that he won’t lose his kingdom until Birnam wood comes to
Dunsinane hill
• Repetition of the number 3 (witches, brinded cat mews, three verses, three apparitions, call
Macbeth’s name three times, three prophecies, three sections to the scene, witches repeat the
“double, double...” refrain three times
• First part of the scene- witches are alone
• Second part of the scene- Macbeth sees the apparitions
• Third part of the scene- Macbeth talks to Lennox
• Macduff has fled to England
• Macbeth plans to kill the wife and children of Macduff, though the murder is useless
• At the end of the scene, Macbeth still feels invulnerable and ambitious. His thirst for power is
still unquenched.
Act 4
Scene 2
Characters
Lady Macduff- Macduff’s wife, still in Scotland, furious at Macduff for leaving
Rosse- nobleman, friend of Macduff
Macduff’s son- wants to believe in his father’s honor, innocent, valiant
Messenger- warns Lady Macduff
Murderers- sent by Macbeth
Symbolism/Literary Devices
Lady Macduff represents the chaos left behind in the wake of political unrest
Metaphor & foreshadowing: “But float upon a wild and violent sea” (21)
Macduff’s son symbolizes the future and hope
Irony- “Then the liars and swearers are fools; for/there are liars and swearers enow to beat the
honest/men and hang up them.” (56-58)
• Messenger = good people of Scotland
• Rosse= goodness
• Scene is the most horrible in the play because it shows the murder of totally innocent people
for absolutely no reason- nothing can be gained by the murder of Macduff’s family. It only
serves to indicate the depths of evil to which Macbeth has sunk.
•
•
•
•
Important Info
• Lady Macduff feels abandoned by her husband and is afraid and angry.
• Rosse assures Lady Macduff that her husband is not a traitor and left to try to save his country
• The scene begins with a loving, tender moment between a mother and child and serves to
further accentuate the horror of what is about to happen
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
• Macduff’s son tries to save his mother with his dying breath, a flashback to the earlier scene
wherein Banquo calls out a warning to Fleance with his dying breath
Act 4
Scene 3
Characters
Malcom: Duncan’s son and the rightful heir to the throne of Scotland
Macduff: a supporter of the Malcolm and Scotland
Doctor: reports on the health of the King of England
Rosse- good man, fled Scotland
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Irony: “New widows howl, new orphans cry” (5). Macduff does not yet know he is a new
widower
• Appearance vs. reality: Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty by claiming to be lustful, greedy,
sinful, and and generally has a poor character. Macduff says Malcolm isn’t fit to live or rule
and weeps for his country. Malcolm is not the evil man he pretends to be but wants only to test
Macduff’s honor
• Appearance vs. reality: When Macduff asks about his family, Rosse says they were fine when
he left them (though he knows that after he left, they were murdered).
• Irony: at the beginning of scene 3, Macduff encourages Malcolm to stave off his grief and fight
for the memory of his father and at the end of scene 3, Malcolm encourages Macduff to
postpone his grief and fight for the memory of his wife and child
• Irony: Scotland, the soldiers’ beloved homeland, is described in very unflattering terms while
England, the country to which they fled, is described as very healing and hopeful
• Irony: Siward, a great warrior, will lead troops into battle in Scotland and it will take a
gruesome slaughter to restore peace in Scotland
• King Edward’s healing touch: Edward’s purity contrasts against Macbeth’s evil and he will
send Siward to help destroy Macbeth and help “heal” the country
• Personification: “Strike heaven on the face” (6)
• Hyperbole: “This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues” (12)
• Simile: “... black Macbeth/ Will seem as pure as snow” (51-52)
• Metaphor: “I should / Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,/ Uproar the universal peace,
confound/ All unity on earth” (97-100)
• Paradox: “Died every day she lived” (111)
• Synecdoche: “... your eye in Scotland/Would create soldiers, make our women
fight...” (186-187)
• Oxymoron: “Come go we to the King” (236)
Important Info
• Scene three is the only scene set outside of Scotland (it takes place in England)
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
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Lots of talk, very little action
Siward will lead 10, 000 warriors into Scotland to fight Macbeth
King Edward is a very righteous king
Rosse does tell Macduff that his entire household (children, wife, servants) were slaughtered
after he hears that Macduff and Malcolm will return to Scotland to fight Macbeth
Malcolm tests Macduff’s honor by pretending to be horrible and is satisfied with Macduff’s
response. At that point, he admits that he lied about all of his flaws.
When Malcolm lists the kingly qualities he supposedly lacks, his knowledge of what it takes to
be a good leader foreshadows his future reign (justice, verity, temperance, stability, bounty,
perseverance, mercy, humility, devotion, patience, courage, fortitude).
Macduff recognizes that in order to restore Scotland to its glory and put Malcolm on the throne
(i.e. “welcome things”), war (“unwelcome things” must occur)
The good King of England’s (Malcolm’s enabler) nature is a vivid contrast to the wicked
witches’(Macbeth’s enabler)
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
Act 5
Scene 1
Characters
Doctor- checking on Lady Macbeth
Gentlewoman- reporting Lady Macbeth’s odd behavior
Lady Macbeth- crazy Queen of Scotland
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Appearance vs. reality: Lady Macbeth appears to be awake but is really in a trance
• Appearance vs. reality: Lady Macbeth sees blood but there is nothing on her hands. The
audience sees Lady Macbeth’s guilt though nothing is really on her hands.
• Irony: Lady Macbeth used darkness in the beginning of the play to hide her naughty deeds but
now, she dreads the darkness
• Darkness: The darkness of the soul
• Irony: Lady Macbeth is more appealing as a crazy person than she was as a sane person
• Priest: only thing that can bring Lady Macbeth peace. Represents God, forgiveness, goodness
• Paradox: “Doctor: You see her eyes are open./ Gentlewoman: Ay, but their senses are
shut.” (24-25)
• Hyperbole: “All/the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand” (50-51)
• Synecdoche: “And still keep eyes upon her” (78)
Important Info
• Evil has literally driven Lady Macbeth insane
• Every time Lady Macbeth looks at her hands, she sees the blood of those she and Macbeth
killed in order to solidify their position
• Lady Macbeth’s hands, conscience, and soul can never be clean
• Macbeth’s guilt has led to sleeplessness, which led to insanity
• Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, during which she seems to write a letter
• Lady Macbeth’s guilt allows her to sleep but her sleep causes nightmares and sleepwalking,
which only enhances her pain
• “Out, damned spot!” monologue is an admission of Duncan’s murder and an admission that she
knows who killed Lady Macduff and Banquo
Act 5
Scene 2
Characters
Menteth:Scottish lord
Angus: Scottish lord
Cathness: Scottish lord
Lennox: nobleman
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Irony: Macbeth will be defeated by “unrough youths that even now/Protest their
manhood” (10-11) Macbeth, manly guy, is going to be defeated by boys!
• Metaphor: “He [Macbeth] cannot buckle his distemper’d cause/ Within the belt of
rule” (15-16)
• Simile: “Now does he feel his title/Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe/ Upon dwarfish
thief” (20-22)
Important Info
• Conversation indicates that the Scots aren’t eager for battle
• Conversation indicates that Scotland is suspicious of Macbeth’s leadershiop
• Conversation indicates that the English-Scottish battle will soon begin and specifies that the
battle will take place in Birnam Wood
• Remember the witches’ prophecy that Macbeth won’t lose power until Birnam Wood comes to
Dunsinane
• Donalbain will NOT be joining Malcolm on the battlefield
• “Those he [Macbeth] commands move only in command,/Nothing in love” (19-20). The Scots
do not celebrate Macbeth’s rule; they fear him.
• The noblemen believe that their victory over Macbeth will heal their beloved country
Act 5
Scene 3
Characters
Macbeth: King of Scotland
Doctor: The Queen’s physician
Servant: Informs Macbeth of the approaching army
Seyton: only remaining officer
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Metaphor: “Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow” (41)
• Metaphor: “If thou couldst, doctor, cast/ The water of my land” (50-51)
• Irony/Symbolism: Macbeth’s armor no longer fits, just as his once noble character no longer
fits his position
• Metaphor: “my way of life/Is fall’n into the sear, the yellow leaf,/ And that which should
accompany old age,/ As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends/I must not look to
have” (22-26)
Important Info
• Illustrates Macbeth’s chaotic mind
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
• Macbeth begins the scene depressed and worried and then quickly changes to furious and
raving
• Macbeth orders Seyton to hang all the traitors
• Macbeth is depicted as pathetic in this scene
• Doctor informs Macbeth that there is nothing he can do for Lady Macbeth
• Macbeth clings to the witches’ prophecy that none borne of woman can harm him
• Macbeth belittles servant in order to make himself feel more important
• Macbeth recognizes that he does not have many supporters or honor and that his life is ebbing
away but he hasn’t yet felt satisfied with his gains
Act 5
Scene 4
Characters
Malcolm: Prince of Scotland, heir apparent
Menteth: Scottish lord
Siward: British warrior
Soldiers
Macduff: Scottish lord
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Malcolm represents future peace for Scotland
• The branches of Birnan Wood moving toward Dunsinane represents the natural peace that will
be restored once Malcolm is on the throne
• Malcolm represents goodness
Important Info
• Birnan Wood is being carried as camouflage
• Birnan Wood is on its way to Dunsinane- remember witches’ prophecy!
• Organized manner of attack serves as a contrast to Macbeth’s chaotic rule as seen in the last
scene
• Malcolm’s organized, calm soldiers are the hope for Scotland
Act 5
Scene 5
Characters
Macbeth: King of Scotland
Seyton: Scottish lord, lone Macbeth supporter
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Irony: “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,/ Creeps in this petty pace from day to day”
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
• Metaphor: “Out, out, brief candle!”(23)
• Symbolism: brief candle light is life, darkness is death
• Metaphor: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,/That struts and frets his hour upon the
stage,/ And then is heard no more” (23-25)
• Symbolism: Macbeth is the player who has strutted and played insincere roles in order to gain
power. Like the character, his legacy will not be heard.
• Metaphor: “It is a tale/ Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/ Signifying nothing” (26-28)
• Symbolism: Macbeth is the idiot who has committed pointless acts for power and glory that
will ultimately result in nothing of importance
• Appearance vs. reality: “I look’d toward Birnan, and anon methought/ The wood began to
move” (32-33)
Important Info
• Macbeth initially feels confident
• Once Macbeth hears the loud wailing of the women mourning the death of their soldiers, his
mood shifts. He also hears the loud wailing of servants as they discover Lady Macbeth
• There are A LOT of dead soldiers
• Macbeth feels as though time is moving slowly but it is actually all happening VERY quickly
• Lady Macbeth dies
• Macbeth’s observations about life are at once ironic and true (and also some of the most
famous lines in Shakespearean plays!)
• By the end of the scene, when Macbeth hears that Birnan Woods appear to be moving toward
Dunsinane, he realizes that the witches’ prophecy is coming true
• Macbeth decides to fight honorably to the death
Act 5
Scene 6
Characters
Malcom: Duncan’s son, Prince of Scotland, heir apparent
Siward: British warrior in charge of battle
Macduff: Scottish lord
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Appearance vs. reality: Malcolm orders the soldiers to throw down their branches and reveal
themselves as they approach
• Symbolism: just as it is time to rid themselves of their disguises, it is time to rid themselves of
Macbeth
• Personification: “Make all our trumpets speak, give them all/ breath,/ Those clamorous
harbingers of blood and death” (8-10)
Important Info
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
• Malcolm orders the troops to throw down their branches so they can approach openly
(honorably)
• Siward and his son will lead the battle while Malcolm and Macduff will follow
• Scene gives the location of the army and places Malcolm in a definite leadership role
Act 5
Scene 7
Characters
Macbeth: King of Scotland
Young Siward: son of Siward, English soldier
Macduff: Scottish lord
Malcolm: Prince of Scotland, would-be King
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Hyperbole: “The devil himself could not pronounce a title/More hateful to mine ear” (9-10)
• Personification: “Weapons laugh to scorn” (14)
Important Info
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•
•
•
•
Young Siward confronts Macbeth
Macbeth kills young Siward
Macbeth scoffs after killing young Siward- notes that young Siward was borne of woman
The Scottish troops aren’t fighting very hard
Some Scottish troops are joining with the English troops
Act 5
Scene 8
Characters
Macbeth: King of Scotland
Macduff: Scottish lord
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Metaphor: “my [Macbeth] soul is too much charged/ With blood of thine [Macduff]
already” (5-6)
• Metaphor: “My [Macduff] voice is my sword” (8)
• Metaphor: “Macduff was from his mother’s womb/ Untimely ripp’d” (15-16)
Important Info
• Macbeth considers suicide but decides to fight
• Macduff confronts Macbeth
• Macbeth feels guilty for killing Macduff’s family
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.
• Macduff kills Macbeth
• Macbeth is overconfident until Macduff reveals that he was born of caesarian section (i.e. not
born)
• Macbeth initially refuses to fight with Macduff because he realizes the prophecy will come true
• Macbeth realizes that the witches tricked him
• Macduff threatens to parade Macbeth around as a monster and then Macbeth fights
• Macbeth still has enough pride to tremble at the idea of bowing to Malcolm
• Macbeth’s tragic flaws include greed, guilt, and fear, all of which drive him to do things that
ultimately lead to his downfall
Act 5
Scene 9
Characters
Malcolm: new King of Scotland, Duncan’s son, rightful heir to throne
Siward: English warrior, lost son in battle
Rosse: Scottish lord, loyal to Macduff and Malcolm
Macduff: Scottish lord, loyal to Malcolm
Symbolism/Literary Devices
• Metaphor/Euphemism: “Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier’s debt” (5)
• Metaphor: “I see thee compass’d with thy kingdom’s pearl” (22)
Important Info
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•
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•
•
•
•
•
Siward learns his son was killed by Macbeth
Rosse tells Siward that his son died bravely and honorably
Macduff carries Macbeth’s head on a pole
Malcolm takes the throne and tells the lords that they will now be earls
Malcolm tells the people to call home all of their exiled friends
Malcolm also tells the people to find the last supporters of Macbeth so they can be tried
Lady Macbeth committed suicide
Malcolm’s new reign signals the time of peace for Scotland
Pomerantz
Memorial H.S.