1. How and why is the contrast between appearance and reality so important in the play? Include the
role the witches play in affecting the play’s events.
2. What is Shakespeare saying about what it means to be a man? Which character(s) do you think
Shakespeare believes is the best example of a man?
3. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth change dramatically over the course of the play, and their
marriage changes, too. What are these changes, what causes them, and how and why is their
relationship in the end so different from their relationship in the beginning?
4. At the end of the play, is Macbeth’s death a good or bad thing? Ultimately, are we satisfied to see
Macbeth defeated or upset to see a potentially great man fall? Finally, is Macbeth a tragic hero?
(Refer to your notes from the beginning of our unit.)
5. The three witches told Macbeth his fate. Did the events in Macbeth’s life occur because of the
witches’ prophesy or because of the choices he made? Is it a bit of both? What caused Macbeth to
fall: Fate or Free Will? Explain the role of free will in the play. Did Macbeth suffer because of his
decisions? Explain the role of fate in the play.
6. Pick a recurring device (motif) in the play, such as the use of the word “hands”, “blood”, “sleep” or
“Hell”, or the use of weather, washing and water, birds, or animals and compose an essay that
examines the reason Shakespeare employed this motif throughout the play.
7. In many works of literature, the main character is developed partially through the use of a "foil,'
that is, a character who, by providing a strong contrast to the main character, underscores the
characteristics of the main character. In a well-organized essay, discuss the ways in which either
Banquo or Macduff serves as a foil to Macbeth. Draw evidence from the play to support your
assertions. Do not merely summarize.