Macbeth: Introductory guide- act 5 Rastrick High School 2019-2020 Year 9 Student name:

Introduction As part of your GCSE studies, you will be learning “Macbeth”- a play by William Shakespeare. You will be examined on this at the end of year 11. At Rastrick High School, we first study the play at the end of year 9. This is to give you clear understanding of: ● The characters of the play. ● The plot of the play. ● The main themes in the play. ● Key quotes from the play.

Each week, you will be given a new section of the play to study. This booklet contains new information about Act 5 of the play. The first few pages of this booklet contain the same background notes as previous booklets. You may wish to re-read this in order to refresh your memory. Using this booklet The key sections of this booklet are: 1) Characters 2) Context 3) Terminology 4) Plot- this section will be updated weekly with each new act of the plot. 5) Revision activities

Throughout the booklet, you will find blue boxes. These contain short quizzes for you to complete as you go. The answers to these quizzes are at the back of the booklet. You should write out your answers to these quizzes as well as your answers to any other key questions throughout the booklet.

At the end of each act, you are expected to complete a short essay. There is also a model essay to help you.

If you have any questions about the information in this booklet, please e-mail your English teacher.

Characters

Macbeth

The protagonist (main character) of the play. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a Thane (Lord) in Scotland. He rules over the area of Glamis. He is later given control of the area of Cawdor as a reward for his bravery from the king. He is well-respected by other Thanes and highly regarded by the king. He leads the Scottish army as a chief general and is considered a great fighter. However, Macbeth is an ambitious man and develops a hunger for power during the play.

Adjectives to describe Macbeth: Brave, ambitious, flawed, naive, guilt-ridden.

Lady Macbeth

Macbeth’s wife. Lady Macbeth is presented as a very unusual woman for the time during which the play is set. Whereas most women at the time were expected to do exactly as they were told by their husbands, Lady Macbeth has a lot of control over her husband. She is presented as manipulative and power hungry. She encourages Macbeth to gain power- whatever the cost.

Adjectives to describe Lady Macbeth: Manipulative, ruthless, dominating, ambitious.

King Duncan Duncan is the King of Scotland at the start of the play. He is a popular and well-loved King. He is known for being a good and fair leader. However, he has an unfortunate habit of trusting the wrong person.

Adjectives to describe Duncan: moral, just, fair, naïve. Banquo

Macbeth’s best friend. Banquo is also a Scottish nobleman and acts a leader in the Scottish army at the beginning of the play.

Adjectives to describe Banquo: loyal, calm, wise, cynical. The Witches

Three witches who appear throughout the play. The Witches like nothing more than causing chaos and destruction. They take pleasure in manipulating men to perform evil deeds.

Adjectives to describe the witches: evil, manipulative, supernatural. Malcolm

Duncan’s first born son. During the play he is made Prince of Cumberland. He is expected to be King after his father dies. He proves himself to be a fair and brave man.

Adjectives to describe Malcolm: loyal, just, intelligent. Donalbain

Duncan’s younger son and Malcolm’s younger brother.

Macduff

The Thane of Fife. Macduff is a Scottish nobleman who is extremely loyal to his King. He is a fierce warrior and a strong believer in justice. He does not trust Macbeth.

Adjectives to describe Macduff: Loyal, brave, moral.

Lennox

A Scottish nobleman.

Ross

A Scottish nobleman.

Fleane

Banquo’s son. He is normally presented as a young child during the play. Seyton

Macbeth’s chief servant.

Siward

The Earl of Northumberland. An English nobleman. He is a well-respected soldier and leads the English army during the play. Young Siward Siward’s son. A skilled fighter.

Please note: As well as the characters listed here, there are a number of servants and minor characters who appear in individual scenes throughout the play. Please note: You have been provided with adjectives to describe the main characters only.

Context Before we study a text, it is important we understand the ideas and environment that influenced the writer. This is called context. For example, a story written during the First World War may have been influenced by the context of the war. So, in this section, we are going to look at a number of historical details which influenced William Shakespeare when he wrote “Macbeth”.

The Jacobean era- This is a phrase you will hear a lot when studying Macbeth. Basically, it means the years 1603-1625. This was the period when James I was the King of England. “Macbeth” was written in 1606, very early in the reign of James I. James I- James I was the first Scottish King to rule England. He became King after his cousin, Elizabeth I (the last Tudor monarch), died. James I’s last name was Stuart and his descendants would rule England until 1714. However, he initially wasn’t a very popular King with certain people in England. One reason behind this was because he was Scottish and the English and Scottish had traditionally been enemies. Another reason was because he was a strict Protestant and disliked Catholics. A group of Catholics even tried blowing him up in 1605- this became known as the Gun Powder Plot. It is important to remember that the vast majority of people during the Jacobean era were Christians. Religion was a very important part of life and Christian beliefs shaped a lot of the society’s values. James I was used to having absolute power in Scotland, whereas in England the King had to have the support of Parliament in order to make laws. Some people think that Shakespeare wrote “Macbeth” in order to show James I what the English expected of a good King. The Supernatural- During James I’s reign, there was a great deal of interest in the supernatural. In particular, people became interested in witches. The Jacobeans believed that witches existed and that they were servants of the Devil. Witches were often put on trial and burned to death. Unfortunately, we now know that these were just ordinary women who were normally innocent of any crime. James I was so obsessed with witches that he wrote a book on the subject, “Daemonologie”. Theatre- During this period in history, theatre was a very popular form of entertainment. Shakespeare was the most popular playwright of his day. He was so popular in fact that his theatre company (the group of actors he worked with most often) was sponsored by King James, they became known as The King’s Men. Many people think that Shakespeare wrote “Macbeth” because he knew the King would like it and he wanted to impress his new boss.

Scotland- There was a lot of interest in Scotland in the Jacobean period as the new King of England was Scottish. The play “Macbeth” was actually based on a book of Scottish history called “Holinshed’s Chronicles” which mentioned a real life Scottish King called Macbeth who ruled in the 11th Century. Shakespeare’s play is set at the same time but he made up most of the details. Natural order- The Jacobeans firmly believed in the idea of “natural order”. This basically means that everything has a natural place in the world as chosen by God. So, if you were born poor, God had chosen you to be poor. This meant that the King was chosen by God and so if you challenged the King then you were going against God. This is called the “divine right of kings” meaning that kings can do what they want because they are chosen by God.

Themes A theme is a main idea or message within a piece of writing or other creative work. For example, if you think back to studying A Christmas Carol in year 7, one of the main themes in this novel was charity.

The main themes you need to be aware in “Macbeth” are:

Ambition- Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows how Macbeth’s ambition causes problems for himself and others. Chaos and Order- The witches are characters that cause chaos and this leads to death and violence. On the other hand, a good King is shown to create a sense of order and peace. Duty- This is an idea closely linked to order. Shakespeare shows how failing in your duty to the King and your country can have disastrous consequences. Greed- Some people think this play’s main message is about the impact of being greedy for power. Honour- Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows how the characters who have a strict sense of honour are rewarded. Leadership- Shakespeare contrasts the leadership style of several characters throughout “Macbeth”. One of the main questions he asks in the play is: what makes an effective King? Madness- Several characters show signs of madness in the play. This is linked to the chaos caused by the witches’ influence. The Supernatural- As shown by the disruption caused by the witches. Trust- Many of the problems in the play are caused by characters betraying the trust of others or appearing to be trustworthy but actually lying. Violence- Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’ most violent plays. There are two full battles in the play and several murders.

Terminology In this section, I will explain some key words and phrases which you need to understand before studying the play. If there are any other words you are unsure of, please check a dictionary online or ask your English teacher.

Dramatic terms Act- A large section of a play. There are 5 acts in a play. The 3rd act of a play acts as a turning point in the action of the play. Each act is made up of several scenes. Scene-A section of an act based in one location with no break in time. There are several scenes within one act of a play. Dialogue- Spoken words exchanged by two or more characters. Soliloquy- A speech where one character expresses their thoughts and feelings to the audience, alone on stage. Aside- A break in dialogue where a character speaks to the audience. The other characters on stage cannot hear them. Lines- The unit of measurement of a character’s dialogue. Verse- A line written in poetry. Most of the lines in Shakespeare’s plays are written in verse. They have a regular rhythm. Prose- Any form of language that is not poetry. When a character speaks in prose during a Shakespearean play, it means that they are either working class or their state of mind has changed. Dramatic irony- When the audience knows or realises something which the characters do not.

Tragic genre Tragedy- A play about unpleasant events with an unhappy ending. “Macbeth” is a tragedy. Tragic hero- The main character of a tragedy. Hamartia- A flaw in the tragic hero’s personality. This leads to their downfall and tragic ending at the end of the play. Macbeth’s hamartia is his ambition. Catharsis- The moment when a tragic hero’s experiences leads to a release of feelings of pity. Anagnorisis- The moment when the tragic hero realises what problems their actions have caused. Peripeteia- A turning point during the play.

English specific terms Pathetic Fallacy- The use of weather and setting to show the feelings of humans within a text. Metaphor- A word or phrase which is non-literal/symbolic of something else. Imagery- Visually descriptive language. Motif- An idea or symbol which continually appears in a text. Symbol- an object which is used to represent an idea. Characterisation- The way a character is presented. Foreshadowing - A warning or hint that something is going to happen in the future.

Meter- The rhythm in a line of poetry. Most of “Macbeth” is written in iambic pentameter (which means there are 10 beats per line). The exception is the witches who speak in trochaic tetrameter (which means there 8 syllables per line). Juxtaposition- Placing two things next to each other in order to highlight the contrasts and differences between them. Inciting incident- The moment in a story when the character is placed into the main drama or narrative. Callback- When a reference is made to an event or phrase earlier in the story.

Plot We will provide you with the notes for each act in the play. Key quotes for each act scene are in bold. Remember to complete your quizzes for each scene and the final essay question.

Methods Act 5 scene 1 Context

Imagery/symbolism This scene is Lady Macbeth’s final appearance in the play. She has not Religion There are many images actually been seen since Act 3. in this scene which have As we know, been used throughout It is night time in Macbeth’s castle. the play. For example: Lady Macbeth’s servant brings a Macbeth was Doctor to visit Lady Macbeth’s written at a deeply Blood- Throughout the chambers because she has been acting religious time. play, blood has been strangely. The servant describes how seen as symbol of both Lady Macbeth has been sleep walking From this scene, it and speaking in her sleep. She has also guilt and violence. In this is clear that Lady scene, Lady Macbeth been writing on parchment while sees blood on her hands sleeping. Macbeth fears that which represents her her soul is feelings of guilt. Lady Macbeth then enters carrying a “damned”. This candle and the servant reveals that means that she will Light- Typically light is Lady Macbeth has commanded to definitely go to hell have “light by her continually”. seen as a symbol of for the crimes she goodness and truth. This is perhaps why Lady In her sleepwalking state, Lady has committed in Macbeth sleeps with a Macbeth then begins rubbing her life. She even light by her side as she hands speaks aloud. She reveals makes a reference has begun to fear the herself to be guilt ridden. She sees to hell during the darkness around her. imaginary blood on her hands and scene (“hell is attempts to rub it out (“out damned murky”.) Call back spot”). She also makes reference to the murders of Duncan (“who would The sight of blood on her have thought the old man to have hands is a call back to act had so much blood in him?”) and Lady 2 scene 2 where Macduff (“the Thane of Fife had a Macbeth’s hands are wife. Where is she now?”) covered in Duncan’s blood and Lady Macbeth Lady Macbeth seems to feel that she tells him “a little water will never be able to escape her guilt clears of this deed.” (“here’s the smell of blood still. All Ironically it is now her the perfumes of Arabia will not who is struggling with sweeten this little hand.”) She also the guilt of Duncan’s echoes previous lines she has said to murder. Macbeth (“Banquo’s buried”), particularly after the murder of Structure Duncan (“there’s knocking at the gate”).

We first see Lady Lady Macbeth then leaves the stage Macbeth in act 1 scene (“what’s done cannot be undone-to 5. Her last appearance is bed”) and the doctor and servant are Act 5 scene 1. This is a left on stage. The doctor says that he helpful way of revising has heard evil rumours (“foul her character. It is also whisperings”) but is too scared to helpful to compare these voice his opinion (“I think but dare not two scenes. When we speak”). They bid goodnight to each first meet her, she other and the scene ends. confidently states her plans to make her husband King. In this scene, she is alone, scared and vulnerable (as she is asleep).

Key questions 1) How has Lady Macbeth changed since we first met her in act 1 scene 5? 2) How has the imagery of blood been used throughout the play? 3) Lady Macbeth is alone in this scene. She was also absent from Act 4. What does this tell you about her relationship with her husband?

Comprehension quiz 1 1) What does Lady Macbeth see on her hands? 2) How does Lady Macbeth seem to feel about the murders her husband has committed?

Methods Act 5 scene 2 Context

Metaphor- This is a short scene however it is significant The prophecies- because it shows that Macbeth is losing “his secret support and allies in Scotland. If you recall, the murders sticking on his hand.”- This Lennox and a group of Scottish nobles gather witches told metaphor echoes on the heath. They are planning to join up Macbeth that he the image of Lady with Malcolm’s army “near Birnam Wood.” nothing to fear Macbeth seeing until “Birnam blood on her They describe Macbeth as a “tyrant” (cruel Wood come hands. It implies king) and describe how he is fortifying his Dunsinane.” that Macbeth’s castle with what few men he has left. They reputation will also reveal that his men do not respect him, Macbeth believed never recover from they simply fear him (“those he commands this to be the murders he has move only in command, nothing in love.”) It impossible as a committed as they is also implied that Macbeth is showing signs forest cannot “stick” to him. of madness and panic (“his secret murders move. However, sticking on his hand.”) Malcolm is gathering his soldiers in Birnam Wood which is a hint that Macbeth’s downfall is approaching. Key questions

All the major Thanes in Scotland (Banquo, Macduff, Ross and Lennox) are now either dead or have joined Malcolm. What does this imply about Macbeth as a King?

Comprehension quiz 2 1) What does the word “tyrant” mean? 2) What is Macbeth doing in his castle?

Methods Act 5, scene 3 Context

Personification- We now return to Macbeth in his castle. Macbeth personifies This is a trend which occurs throughout Scotland as a sick this act- the action switches between Malcolm’s army getting nearer and patient when Macbeth in his castle, waiting for them. speaking to the doctor in this scene. Macbeth watches his Thanes leave to join He asks for the Macbeth and arrogantly dismisses them Doctor’s help in (“fly false Thanes”). He claims that he treating “her does not fear Malcolm (“what’s the boy Malcolm?”) as he was “born of woman.” disease”- implied to be the English army. A servant arrives and tells Macbeth that 10,000 English soldiers are approaching the castle. Macbeth insults him and orders Irony him to leave.

Macbeth’s mood now seems wildly out of Macbeth calls his control. When he is alone he seems Thanes “false” melancholic and almost wishes to die. (“I drawing this scene have lived long enough”) however he then which is ironic as he shouts for his servant, Seyton, who is a false King. In confirms that the English army is drawing addition, his view near. Macbeth then appears to be confident and willing to fight yet again that Scotland is (“I’ll fight to from my bones my flesh be diseased by the hacked”. ) English army is ironic as most people He demands that Seyton fetch his armour would view him and even though the battle will not be for his violent reign as some time (“give me my armour”). the “disease.” While Macbeth’s armour is being fitted, he is visited by Lady Macbeth’s doctor who reveals that there is nothing he can do to help her. Macbeth then metaphorically asks the doctor to help him cure Scotland of its problems (“find her disease”).

They then all leave to prepare for the battle.

Key questions

1) How does Macbeth’s aggression in this scene reveal his changing character? 2) How have the witches’ prophecies influenced Macbeth’s attitude?

Comprehension quiz 3 1) How does Macbeth feel about his Thanes abandoning him? 2) What does Macbeth personify in this scene?

Methods Act 5 scene 4 Context

The action now returns to The prophecies-

Malcolm’s army which is Earlier in the play, gathered in Birnam Wood. the witches Malcolm walks with Macduff, claimed that Macbeth had Siward, Young Siward, and others nothing to fear Scottish and English lords. unless Birnam Malcolm gives orders that to hide Wood marched on Dunsinane. the size of their army, all soldiers

should cut a branch from a tree Now, Malcolm’s and hold it upright as they march army is cutting down the branches (“let every soldier hew him down of Birnam Wood to a bough”). march under them. This hints They discuss how the “confident” that Macbeth’s doom is Macbeth wishes them to lay siege approaching. to the castle. Key questions

Why is it significant that all the Scottish nobles are now shown to be with Malcolm?

Comprehension quiz 4 1) What is Malcolm’s plan for hiding his army?

Methods Act 5 scene 5 Context

The action returns to Dunsinane Religion (Macbeth’s castle) where Repetition Macbeth laughs defiantly at the Macbeth’s claims coming army. that life is “tomorrow, Suddenly, a woman cries out meaningless in this tomorrow and from within the castle. scene would be tomorrow” hints at Seyton investigates the noise seen as incredibly Macbeth’s feeling while Macbeth reflects on the shocking to a that life is repetitive fact that the noise of a woman Christian audience. and dull without his crying would have scared him Christians believe wife. once but now he can longer feel that life was fear (“I have almost forgot the created by God Metaphor taste of fears.”) and the ultimate

purpose of life is Seyton returns with news that Macbeth uses a join God in Lady Macbeth has died. It is later series of metaphors heaven. Therefore, implied that she has committed in this speech to Macbeth’s claim suicide. describe life. He that life is compares life to a Macbeth seems incredibly pointless would be “tale by an idiot” depressed by the death of wife seen as sinful. implying that it and gives a speech about life: makes little sense. "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day," concluding that life "is a tale / told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / signifying nothing". This suggests he lost a sense of purpose following the death of his wife.

A servant rushes in with news that Birnam Wood is marching toward Dunsinane (having seen Malcolm’s army marching with their branches held high and mistaken it for the wood mysteriously moving). Macbeth rushes to see for himself, and realizes the witches tricked him. He feels fear for the first time, calls to raise the alarm, and says that at least he'll die fighting. (“At least we’ll die with harness on our back”) Key questions

1) How does Lady Macbeth’s death affect her husband? 2) How does the news of Birnam wood approaching affect Macbeth?

Act 5 scene 6

This is a short scene. The action cuts back to Malcolm’s army.

He sends Siward and his son to lead the first attack against Macbeth. He says that he and “Worthy Macduff” will lead the second wave of attack if necessary. Key questions

Comprehension quiz 5

1) What does Macbeth say about life after his wife’s death?

Methods Act 5 scene 7 Context

Simile- The battle has begun. Macbeth is The prophecies- surrounded by enemies on all sides but is determined to The battle Macbeth compares continue fighting (“I cannot fly between Macbeth himself to a “bear” in but bear-like must fight the and Young Siward this scene. In the course”) He encounters Young serves to remind Jacobean era, bear Siward in the battle who insults us that Macbeth is baiting was a popular him and challenged him to fight still protected by sport. It involved a (“abhorred tyrant”). Though the prophecy that bear being tied to a Young Siward is brave, Macbeth he cannot be killed stake in the ground quickly kills him and says in a by anyone of mocking tone that he fears no and then attacked by “woman born.” man of woman born (“thou wast dogs. The bear was born of woman.”) unable to escape but could try to fight off Macbeth then leaves the stage the dogs. and Macduff enters. He is frantically searching for Macbeth Staging- as he wishes to be the one to kill in order to avenge the murder of Sometimes this his family (“my wife and scene is treated as children’s ghosts will haunt me separate scenes still”). however this does not affect our Malcolm and Siward then enter understanding of it. the stage as they head for the It is obviously castle. difficult to show a full scale battle on stage so this series of short moments shows how each of the remaining main characters acts in the midst of the battle. Key questions

How does this battle compare to Macbeth’s role in the battle at the beginning of the play?

Comprehension quiz 6

1) Why does Macduff want to kill Macbeth?

Methods Act 5 scene 8-9 Context

Metaphor This scene sees the final battle Caesarean- between Macbeth and Macduff. Macduff says that Macbeth describes Macbeth is alone in the castle he was “from his his soul here as and realises he is losing the mother’s womb being “charged” with battle. Macduff then arrives and untimely ripped”. Macduff’s blood. orders him to face him (“turn Meaning that he This implies he thinks hell-hound turn.”) was born by his soul is stained caesarean section with Macduff’s Macbeth claims that he was and so he is able to family’s blood. This scared of facing Macduff as his kill Macbeth as he hints that he may soul is “too much charged with was not technically feel some guilt about blood of thine already” which “born of woman.” his actions. implies that he may feel some guilt for the murder of The role of a King- Structure Macduff’s family. Malcolm rewards It is interesting to They begin to fight and Macbeth his Thanes at the note that that the initially seems to be winning. He end of the scene. play began with King arrogantly boasts that he cannot This implies he will Duncan rewarding be defeated (“I live a charmed be a better King his most trusted than Macbeth as General (Macbeth) life”) by anyone of “woman he earns the love for defeating a born.” of his subjects. traitor. This final scene parallels this Macduff then reveals that he Structure of moment as Malcolm was from “his mother’s womb tragedy- rewards Macduff for untimely ripped” and Macbeth defeating Macbeth. realises that the witches have It is important in a tricked him and he is about to tragedy that the die. tragic hero realises his mistake before He refuses to live in order to be the end. This is shamed by Macduff and shown here when Malcolm and charges into Macbeth realises battle. (“before my body I he has been throw my war-like shield”) They tricked by the continue fighting and Macduff witches. kills Macbeth. It is also a rule of Macduff then greets Malcolm tragedy that the and declares him the King of most powerful Scotland. Malcolm delivers the character on stage final speech of the play. He asks make the final his Thanes to forget about this speech of the play. “dead-butcher and his fiend like This is Malcolm in queen” and invited them all to this play. This is to his coronation, where he plans symbolise the idea to reward them further. that order has been restored after the chaotic action of the play. Key questions

Do you think Macbeth accepts his death at the end of the play? How has Macbeth’s reputation changed by the end of the of the play?

Comprehension quiz 7 1) Why was Macbeth unwilling to fight Macduff? 2) Why was Macduff able to kill Macbeth? 3) How does Malcolm describe Macbeth?

Revision tasks Once you have finished all the notes on the whole play you can move on to the following revision tasks. Each should take you about 15-30 minutes. However, if you wish to spend longer on each one then the more detail you include, the better.

1) Create a storyboard of 10 key events in the play 2) Create a list of at least 5 quotes which show the supernatural in the play. 3) Create a list of at least 5 quotes which show cruelty in the play. 4) Compare how the characters of Macbeth and Malcolm are presented. Draw an image of each one and label with quotes and adjectives to describe them. 5) Macbeth deserves what happens to him at the end of the play. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Write your answer in full paragraphs. 6) Macbeth is a victim of the witches. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Write your answer in full paragraphs. 7) Draw an image Macbeth at the start of act 1 and label with quotes. Do the same for him at the end of act 5. 8) Create a spider diagram for each of the key themes (leadership, violence, madness, supernatural, chaos and order). In each spider diagram, include quotes, examples of how these themes appear in the text and characters who are linked to these themes.

Comprehension quiz answers Comprehension quiz 1

1) What does Lady Macbeth see on her hands? Blood 2) How does Lady Macbeth seem to feel about the murders her husband has committed? She seems to be guilty and disgusted.

Comprehension quiz 2 1) What does the word “tyrant” mean? Cruel King 2) What is Macbeth doing in his castle? He is fortifying his castle Comprehension quiz 3 How does Macbeth feel about his Thanes abandoning him? He feels they have been “false”/angry/defiant. What does Macbeth personify in this scene? Scotland

Comprehension quiz 4 What is Malcolm’s plan for hiding his army? Each soldier will cut a branch from a tree and hold it above himself.

Comprehension quiz 5

What does Macbeth say about life after his wife’s death? He says that life is pointless

Comprehension quiz 6

Why does Macduff want to kill Macbeth? To avenge his family

Comprehension quiz 7 Why was Macbeth unwilling to fight Macduff? Because he felt his soul was already stained with the blood of Macduff’s family. Why was Macduff able to kill Macbeth? Because he was born by caesarean. What is Macbeth described as by Malcolm? A dead butcher

Formative mini- assessment

How does Shakespeare present the character of Macbeth in Act 5 of the play? Ideas to consider: How has Macbeth’s attitude towards his role as King changed? How has Macbeth’s attitude to violence changed by this act? Why is it significant that is Macduff who kills Macbeth? How has Macbeth’s relationship with his wife changed by this act?

Key vocabulary: Defiant Isolated Abandoned Despairing Forceful Determined

Model Throughout Act 5, Shakespeare shows how Macbeth gradually accepts his approaching death- becoming increasingly despairing as he does so. Perhaps the best example of this is Macbeth’s reaction to the death of his wife. When he is told that his “Queen...is dead”, Macbeth responds with a speech which suggests he has lost all purpose in life. The speech takes the form of a series of metaphors in which he describes life as “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Interestingly, Macbeth seems to be lamenting the fact that life is full of “fury” which is ironic as he has caused so much violence and anger by his actions. This perhaps suggests that he is beginning to regret the decisions he has made up to this point in the play as they have in some way contributed to the death of his wife. It is also significant that Macbeth described life as “signifying nothing” which suggests that he views life as pointless as it leads to “nothing”. During the deeply religious time when the play was written, this would have been seen as shocking because Macbeth is essentially saying that life is meaningless. At the time, it was believed that life was created by God and that man was designed in God’s image. Therefore, Macbeth is essentially abandoning his wife. It is possible that Shakespeare is trying to show that Macbeth is ready to accept his own death and thus complete his narrative arc as a tragic hero. Use the following structure to help you as you write your own answer to the question above: What is Macbeth presented as? How does Shakespeare show this through the text? Why might Shakespeare have chosen to present Macbeth this way?

You should aim to write at least 3 full paragraphs.