Macbeth Study Guide Questions

10. Compare the opening statement of Macbeth in scene iv, in which the guests are told howthey are to be seated, with the lines Lady Macbeth speaks telling them how they are todepart (118-119). How does the contrast epitomize and symbolize the kind of worldMacbeth has created in his kingdom?11. Note the 2 references to the recurring image of blood at the conclusion of scene iv: “Itwill have blood: they say blood will have blood” (122) and “For mine own good/Allcauses shall give way: I am in blood/Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade nomore,/Returning were as tedious as go o’er” (135-138). Explain the significance of theblood references in both passages.Act IV1. In what ways does Macbeth’s speech to the other witches (calling on them to respond tohis questions) show the extent to which he has been driven to monomania (completeobsession with his own evil goals)?2. What news does Lennox bring to Macbeth?3. Note Macbeth’s soliloquy on hearing the news (IV.i.144-156)a. What change from Macbeth’s earlier character is indicated in the lines, “The veryfirstlings of my heart shall be/The firstlings of my hand”?b. How does the intention he expresses in the next lines about Macduff’s familyindicate the extent of the change in his character?4. In scene iii Macduff and Malcolm begin clearly to assume central roles in the play.a. What is the purpose of Macduff’s visit to Malcolm in England?b. Why does Malcolm hesitate to accept Macduff’s offer of assistance?c. How does Malcolm test Macduff’s honesty and integrity?5. From the very first scene of the play, Shakespeare has artfully introduced a kind ofjuggling of opposites and contradictions to create a general sense of a world of disorderand confusion. Careful consideration of the first 3 apparitions Macbeth sees, togetherwith consideration of the effects their speeches have on him, will reveal to the reader howthis sense of confusion is sustained further at this point in the play. What possiblecontradictions or confusions do you find in the apparitions, their speeches, and theireffects on Macbeth?6. How does the appearance of the fourth apparition (the appearance of Banquo’sdescendents) further create this effect of contradictions?7. Scene ii contains considerable dialogue spoken by Lady Macduff and her son, much ofwhich may not be essential to the developing action of the play. What dramatic purpose isserved by the inclusion of this dialogue?Act V1. In the case of Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene, Shakespeare seems to haveanticipated, centuries ago, some of the most important psychological findings andinsights of our own time which deal with the symbolic interpretations of dreams and theeffects of suppression of deeply buried feelings. Modern psychology holds that mentalbreakdown is often due to long-suppressed or repressed feelings, and that clues to thecauses of such breakdowns can be found in dreams. Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking can beviewed as such a dream – a dream in motion, a nightmare being acted out.Consider the following actions of Lady Macbeth in her sleepwalking scene asdescribed in the words of those who watch her and explain in terms of modernpsychological theory why you think she performs these acts.a. “She has light by her continually; ‘tis her command” (V.i.19-20).\b. “Look, how she rubs her hands” (V.i.24).