Act 2
Top 5
1. Point- Duncan is very grateful for Macbeth’s actions
Proof- Banquo says “… The king’s abed. He hath been in unusual pleasure and sent forth
great largess to your offices. This diamond he greets your wife withal…” (Act 2, scene 1,
line 12)
Comment- This gives Macbeth a reason to not kill the king and makes him second guess
himself.
2. Point- Lady Macbeth backs out of her plan to kill Duncan due to personal feelings, as he
looked too much like her father.
Proof- “Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done’t” (Act 2, scene 2, lines
9-13)
Comment- Lady Macbeth was highly confident on killing king Duncan, however when
she came to do so, she broke down as he reminded her so much of her father which
held her back of killing him. Also, Lady Macbeth believes that her husband would not
have to guts to kill Duncan.
3. Point- Duncan gives in and kills Duncan once and for all to make the plan complete so
that he can become king.
Proof- “O Banquo, Banquo, our royal master’s murder’d” says Macbeth (Act 2, scene 3,
lines 83-84)
Comment-After all, Lady Macbeth’s convincing to kill; he finally kills him and carefully
traces his steps back to cover his murderous actions which lead into the next major
event.
4. Point- Macbeth realizes that it is too obvious that he killed the king and he kills the
guards
Proof- “Those of his chamber, as it seem’d, had done’t. Their hands and faces were all
badg’d with blood, so were all daggers which, unwip’d, we found on their pillows.”
Comment- The guards get blamed for the murder of Duncan. Macbeth has no witnesses
and is not suspected as murderer of King Duncan. (Act 2, scene 3, lines 97-100)
5. Point- Macbeth gets named king.
Proof- “Then ‘tis most like the sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth” (Act 2, scene 4,lines
39-40)
Comment-Macbeth finally accomplishes his goal of becoming king and he proves the
witches prophecy was true after all.
Quotes:
2, I, 62. ‘I go and it is done’. This is explaining that Macbeth has just killed the king.
2, ii 67-68. “My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear a heart so white. This is lady
Macbeth saying that she is just at fault as Macbeth but would be embarrassed to be as
cowardly as him.
2, iii, 97-100. ‘Those of his chamber, as it seem’d, had done’t, their hands and faces were all
badg’d with blood. So were their daggers which, unwip’d we found’. This is saying that
everyone thinks that the guards have killed the king but were framed by lady Macbeth.
2, I, 45-47. “I see thee still and on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood.” This is Macbeth
describing the aftermath of him killing Duncan.
2, ii, 1. “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold;” This shows that lady Macbeth
likes her adversaries to be at a disadvantage so that she will have the upper hand.
2, iv, 40-41 “God’s benison go with you, and with those that would make good of bad, friends of
foes” This hints to a plot twist ahead, where an enemy of the protagonist becomes an ally.
Characters
1. Act 2: scene 2, lines 29-32, Macbeth
“ One cried “God bless us” and “amen” the other, as they had seen me with these
hangmans hands listening their fear, I could not say amen when they did say “God bless
us”
Point- Macbeth kills Duncan and guards
Proof- gives him the opportunity to become king, please his wife, makes him feel really
guilty; he loses faith
2. Act 2: scene 2, lines 59-60, Lady Macbeth
“I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal, for it must seem their guilt “
Point- Lady Macbeth frames the guards, she has no remorse; she cleans up Macbeths
mess and makes it seem like they had no idea.
Proof- Other people won’t suspect Macbeth and his wife.
3. Act 2, scene 4, lines 27-30, Ross
“ Gainst nature still. Thriftless ambition that will ravin up thine own life’s means.
Then this most like the sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.”
Point- Macbeth is going to be crowned king because Duncan is dead.
Proof- everyone is suspicious about Duncan’s death – Macbeth and his wife get what
they wanted
Macbeth:
-in this act he has decided to kill Duncan
-Macbeth remains confused about the witches prophecy, before, during and after killing
Duncan.
- when Macbeth is about to murder Duncan , his conscience starts to take over.
- this is important because it leaves Macbeth feeling guilty and ashamed.
Lady Macbeth:
- She lacks all humanity
- She taunts her husband for his lack of courage.
- When she faints after the murder of Duncan the audience is left wondering if this
too is part of her act.
-
This is important because it shows how badly she wants to be queen she will do
anything.l
Topics
1. Point- Thirst for power: Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to kill Duncan so he can
be king. With doing this Lady Macbeth gives Duncan’s guards wine to make them drunk
so they can blame his death on the guards being drunk and Macbeth can kill the king
without getting caught by the guards
Proof- Act 2, Scene 2, line 1 “That which hath made me them drunk, Hath made me
bold.”
2. Point-Fear: The kings sons Malcom and Donaldbain planned to run away after finding
out their father was murdered. They fear they will be killed or get blamed for his death.
The two brothers decide they will go separate ways so they will both be safer.
Proof- (2,iv,133-135) Malcom: “I’ll to England.” Donaldbain: “To Ireland, I. Our
separated fortune shall keel us both the safer.”
3. Point Thirst for power/Betrayal: Macbeth kills Duncan because he wants to have more
power than he already has. Also Macbeth betrays Duncan even though he gave
Macbeth everything and made him the thane of Cawdor.
Proof-(2,ii,14) “ I have done the deed.”
4. Point Love for his king/Guilt: Macbeth truly feels bad for killing Duncan after all He gave
Macbeth so much power and trusted him. Macbeth feels as though this might have
been the wrong way in fulfilling the prophecy.
Proof (2,ii,55-56) “ I am afraid to think what I have done., Look on’t again, I dare not.”
5. Point Violence: Macbeth kills Duncan in a violent act with two daggers.
Proof (2,ii) “Macbeth enters with two bloody daggers.
Act 3 i-iii
Characters/Plot Details
Plot
1. Point: A banquet is held with everyone invited to the castle including Banquo, who is
late having been killed by Macbeth’s murderers. Macbeth plays his part with a poker
face.
Proof: “we would have all the nobility of Scotland gathered under roof, if only Banquo
was here” (3,IV, 40-41)
2. Point: First murderer meets with Macbeth to fill in the murderers accomplishments in
Macbeth’s plan to kill Banquo and his son Fleance
Proof: “My lord his throat is cut. I did that for him” (3,IV,18-20)
3. Point: Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo during the banquet and frightens the lords
and ladies
Proof: Here my good lord. What is’t that moves your highness” (3,IV,45-50)
4. Point: Macbeth tries to convince lady Macbeth that he is seeing a ghost of which is
Banquo rising from the dead to achieve revenge.
Proof: “if I stand here, I saw him” (3,IV,43-44)
5. Point: Macbeth is worried and scared of what may come
Proof: (3,IV,20-21)
6. Point: Macbeth becomes for jumpy and fidgety, doesn’t know what to believe.
Proof: “Though canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me” (3,IV,50)
7. Point: Macbeth is very determined and goes to see the witches the next day to learn
more of the prophecy and worse to come.
Proof: “…by the worst means, the worst. For mine owne good, all causes shall give way. I
am in blood seeped in so far that I wade no more” (3,IV,130-135)
8. Lennox begins to put together the actions of Macbeth
Proof: “…to kill their gracies father? Damcn’t fact! How did it grieve Macbeth” (3,VI,1011)
1. Point: Macbeth decides that Banquo is a threat and has to be killed
Proof: (3, I, 66-73) “For Banquo;s issue have I fil’d my mind; For them, the gracious Duncan have
I murdered…”
2. Point: Macbeth hires and convinces murderers to kill Banquo and his son
Proof: (3, I, 119-128) “So is he mine, and in such bloody distance That every minute of my being
thrusts…”
3. Point: Macbeth informs his wife – Lady Macbeth of his plan to kill Banquo and Fleance
Proof: (3, ii, 13-26) “We have scorched the snake, not kill’d it; She’ll close, and be herself, whilst
our poor malice…”
4. Point: The murderers find and kill Banquo
Proof: (3, iii, narration) “Dies”
5. Point: Banquo is killed but Fleance escapes
Proof: (3, iii, 19-25) “O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!...”
QUOTABLE QUOTES.
1. Act 3, scene 4, lines 50-53, pg 28 MACBETH “Our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his
royalty of nature reigns that which would be fear’d”
Talking about how he is worried about the prophecy coming true, because he has the
qualities of a king and his kids will overthrow him.
2. Act 3, scene 1 lines 62-65, pg 28 MACBETH “Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown
and put a barren scepter in my gripe, thence to be wrentched with an unlineal hand, no
son of mine succeeding”
Macbeth is saying the he has been given what he wanted but it cannot mean anything
or it provides no pleasure for him because he knows it is only prophesized that he will
3.
4.
5.
6.
lose his crown – it will be taken away from him and his kids will not be kings, Realizing
that he will need to defy the fate given to him to keep his crown (idea to kill Banquo).
Act 3, scene 3, lines 20-21 “Fly good fleance fly, fly, fly! Thou mayest revenge o slave!”
this is Banquo telling Fleance to run when the murderers attacked. This is important
because it means the prophecy can still come true.
Act 3, scene 1 lines 104-106 “now if you have a station in the file not I’th worst rank of
manhood, say’t and I will put that business in your bosoms.” This is Macbeth talking to
the murderers and questions their manhood to try to persuade them. This Is important
because it shows Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have switched roles.
Act 3, scene 2, lines 4-5 “noughts had alls spent, where our desire is got with out
consent” this is stated by Lady Macbeth after the murder of Duncan. This quote signifies
the beginning of Lady Macbeths breakdown, she is not happy with Macbeth, she feels
its better not to obtain one’s desires if one is unhappy.
Act 3, scene 2, lines 22-23 “Duncan is in his grave. After lifes fitful fever he sleeps well”
this is stated by Lady Macbeth. The significance is to show how Macbeth is very
discontent. Macbeth feels that Duncan being dead is better off than him being alive.
act 3 iv-vi
Top 51. Point- Macbeth and lady Macbeth put on a humble façade to make sure that they stay
unsuspected for the murder of the king.
Proof- (3, iv, 4-6) our self will mingle with society and play the humble host; our hostess keeps
their state, but in best time we will require her welcome.”
2. Point- Murders return to Macbeth only to tell him that Banquo is dead
Proof- (3, iv, 20-22) Murder says “most royal sir fleance slapd” Macbeth replys : then comes my
fit again; I had erse been perfect; whole with the marble, founded as the rock.
3. Point- when the three weird sisters and hacatte meet
Proof- (3, iv, 2-5)” saucy and over-bold? How did you dare to trade and traffic with Macbeth in
riddles and affairs or death”
4.
Point- Lennox is suspicious of everything that has happen ed, he exclaims that its weird that Duncan
died along with the guards, and how Macbeth was so sad, maybe to sad, and Malcom and
donaldbain fled.
Proof- (3 vi, 9-11) : it was for Malcom and donaldbain to kill their gracious father? Dammed fact how
did it griere Macbeth; he did not straight in nious cage”
ACT IV
Quotable Quotes
Point: When the third apparition is show to Macbeth by the witches
Proof: Be iron metteld, produ and take no care who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are.
Macbeth shall never vanquished be until great Birnam wood to nigh Dunisinane Hill shall come
against him” (4,I,90-91)
Point: Macbeth takes action to kill Macduff’s wife, child, and descendants.
Proof: “To crown my thoughts with acts, be with thoruigh and deon: The castle of Macduff I will
surprise, seize upon fife, give to th’edge o’th’wsored hise wife, his babies, and all his
unfortunate soul that trace him in his line” (4,I,150-154)
Point: When the messenger arrives to Lady Macduff warning her of danger in her way coming.
Proof: “I doubt some danger does approach you nearly. If you will take a homely man’s advice,
be not found here…” (4,ii,63-65)
Point: Macduff is told of the terrible news that his wife, children and others are dead and
himself and Malcolm plan to fight Macbeth till death
Proof: “be comforted, lets make us med’cines of our great revenge, to cure this deadly grief”
(4,iii,218-220)
Point: Macbeth is told he will not be threatened by anyone born of a woman.
Proof: “The power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” (4,I,79)
Characters and Plot Details
Plot:
Point: The weird sisters reveal their prophecy to Macbeth to allay his fears
Proof: (Act 4, scene 1, lines 125-131) “Stands Macbeth thus amazedly? Come, sisters, cheer we up his
sprites …”
Point: Macbeth has Macduff’s wife – Lady Macbeth and their son killed, after hearing the prophecy to
beware Macduff. Because Macduff has fled to England killing them is the next best thing.
Proof: (Act 4, scene 1, lines 150-151) “Seize upon Fife: give to the’edge o’th’sword His wife, his babes,
and all unfortunate souls…”
Point: Malcom is tested by Macduff and proves his trustworthiness, allowing them to ally
Proof: (Act 4, scene 3, lines 114-119) “Macduff, this noble passion, Child of integrity, hath from my
soul...”
Point: Lady Macduff is mad at Macduff for fleeing, but their son is a little confused by stays loyal to his
father, loyalty seems to be a virtue of Macduff and his son.
Proof: (Act 4, scene 2, 44-61) “Was my father a traitor, mother?...”
Characters:
Point: The weird sisters are important because their prophecies drive Macbeth to kill Lady Macduff and
her son
Proof: (Act 4, scene 1, lines 149-151) “The castle of Macduff I will surprise; Seize upon Fife; give to
th’edge o’th’sword…”
Point: Macbeth is important because he acts on the prophecy the witches gave him putting all the
events into motion.
Proof: (Act 4, scene 1, lines 149-151) “The castle of Macduff I will surprise; Seize upon Fife; give to
th’edge o’th’sword…”
TOP 5 EVENTS
1. The witches telling Macbeth to beware of Macduff. Act 4, scene 1, lines 70-71
“Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth, beware Macduff, beware the thane of fife dismiss me
enough” this is important because it foreshadows Macduff killing Macbeth and also
causes Macbeth to kill Macduff’s wife and kids.
2. Macbeth hiring murderers to kill Macduff’s wife and kids. Act 4, scene 3, line 81 “what
you egg young fry of treachery” this is important because it leads to Macduff wanting
revenge on Macbeth.
3. Ross telling Macduff his wife and kids have been killed. Act 4, scene 3, lines 207-209
“your castle is surprised your wife and babe savagely slaughtered. To relate the manner
were on the quarry of these murdered deer to add the death of you” this is important
because it makes Macduff want to seek revenge on Macbeth.
4. Macbeth seeing the apparitions in scene 1.
-tells him to beware of Macduff
- No one of woman born will kill him
-He is safe until birnam wood moves to dunsinane hill
Act 4, scene 1, lines 91-93 “Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until great birnam wood
to high dunsinane hill shall come against him” Macbeth is destined to loose his crown so
being warned about Macduff and telling him he will not be safe ties in with the
prophecy
5. Macbeth sends murderers to kill Lady Macduff and her children. Act 4, scene 1, lines
149-152 “the castle of Macduff I will surprise; seize upon fife; give to th’edge o’th
‘sword his wife and babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.” Macbeth
wants to keep his title now – he is willing to murder and get rid of all threats that get in
his way and he is trying to take his own fate into his hands. This shows the corruption he
is putting himself through.
Act v
OVERALL TOPICS
Fate: An example of fate in act 5 is when Macduff kills Macbeth because the witches
said Macbeth couldn’t be killed by a man who was born from a women but Macduff
wasn’t born from a women because he was a c section. Scene 8, line 15 “tell thee,
Macduff was from his mothers womb untimely ripp’d”
Vengeance: an example of vengeance in act 5 is Macduff killing Macbeth. Scene 9, lines
25-27 “ well have thee, as our rarer monsters are, painted upon a pole and under wit,
here may you see the trant” this is and example of vengeance because Macbeth had
Macduff’s wife and child killed, so killing Macbeth is him getting revenge.
Guilt: Scene 1, lines 47-50 “the thane of fife had a wife: where is she now? What will
these hands never be clean? No more of that, my lord, no more of that: you mar all with
this starting” this is stated by lady Macbeth. This shows that her guilt is finally getting to
her, she sleep walks and tried to wash the blood from her hands. This routine and her
sleep walking are manifestations and proof of her guilt.
Hamartia: throughout this act Macbeth starts to finally get the repercussions of his
actions the he committed along his way to power (because of his actions). He finally
gets what he deserves for letting his wife control him and his thirst for power. “Life’s but
a walking shadow, a poor player. That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard
no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” 5.5.23-26.63
Macbeth
After Macbeth is told of his wives death he realizes that he has come to lose most of
which he holds in honor; his wife, his virtues and his stature (good nature). He loses
hope with action of the world and goes into despair sort of realizing that his actions
have cause the beginning of his downfall.
Victory: Malcolm is able to reclaim his throne and heir line back from Macbeth because
Macbeth is now dead.
Quotable Quotes
Point: What the woman and doctor believe to be a sickness is really just Lady Macbeth’s guilt
Proof: (Act 5, scene 1, lines 31-36) :out damned spot! Out, I say! One, two. Why then ‘tis time to do’t…”
Point: According to the witch’s prophecy, Macbeth was safe until Birnam wood was to reach Dunsinane;
this seemed impossible but is now happening and the fall of Macbeth seems near.
Proof: (Act 5, scene 4, lines 4-7) “Let every soldier hew him down a bough, And bear’t before him;
thereby shall we shadow…”
Point: Macbeth shows sadness, anger and loss of hope after hearing his wife has died.
Proof: (Act 5, scene 5 lines 18-27) “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…”
Point: Macduff was born of a C-section so is therefore not considered born of woman; this means he is
the one man who can kill Macbeth.
Proof: (Act 5, scene 8, lines 15-16) “Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb Untimely ripp’d”
Point: Macbeth has been killed by Macduff and Malcolm is named King of Scotland.
Proof: (Act 5, scene 9, lines 21-26) “Hail, king, for so thou art, Behold where stands Th’usurper’s cursed
head…”
Point: Macbeth knows that the end is near but decides to die with honour and fight to the death.
Proof: (Act 5, scene 9, lines 28-34) “I will not yield To kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet…”