Macbeth

1
Shakespeares

• Macbeth

2
Macbeth is another one of Shakespeares great
tragedies written around 1605 published in 1623.

• It tells about the fall of the ambitious couple,
  Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
• Macbeth is a story about the murder of a king,
  the revenge of a son, three witches who plot
  against Macbeth, and Macbeths rise and fall.

3
What is the nature of a tragedy?

• Macbeth is one of Shakespeares most famous
  tragedies (it is also his shortest)
• Aside from the violent nature of the plot
  Shakespeare uses several literary devices to
  enhance the feeling of evil
• He creates a serious and sinister mood by having
  most of the play take place at night
• There is a heavy emphasis on the supernatural
  (witches, dreams, spells, and ghosts)

4
What is the nature of a tragedy?

• Tragedy involves the descent of a great mana man
  of influencefrom success to defeat to death
  because of a tragic flaw.
• Often the audience appeal goes from pity, fear,
  disgust, and sympathy as we feel for the
  suffering of others and recognize our own
  convictions of right and wrong.

5
What is the nature of a tragedy?

• The tragic hero usually dies with a bitter
  realization of his errors and releases society
  from the disorder he has caused.
• The downfall of the hero is a result of a chain
  of events and choices.
• Macbeth is the tragic hero, a character who has a
  fatal (tragic) flaw within himself that he cannot
  change. He is not a bad person he is just too
  ambitious

6
Tragic Hero

• A character, usually of noble status, who suffers
  a downfall as a result of
• fatal character flaw(s), such as hubris
  excessive pride
• errors in judgment
• or forces beyond human control, such as
  fate
• Reversal of fortune that leads the protagonist to
  have a recognition of his/her fall

7
The Source

• Real-life Macbeth reigned as King of Scotland
  from 1040-1057
• Shakespeare may have been drawn to the play for
  several reasons, one obvious reason was the
  Gunpowder Plot of 1605 extremist supporters of
  the Catholic Church, with the help of Guy
  Fawkes, a soldier of fortune, to blow up the king
  and Parliament

8
The Source

• Macbeth is a man who overthrows the rightful King
  of Scotland
• Shakespeare wrote Macbeth at the beginning of
  King James I reign
• Before James succeeded Elizabeth I he was king of
  Scotland
• Placing the play in James homeland probably
  pleased him
• Plot for Macbeth based on Raphael Holinsheds
  Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland

9

• The play is loosely based upon actual events.
   The action is set in 11th century Scotland and
  England.
• Macbeth ruled Scotland virtuously for 10 years
  before turning to tyranny. His predecessor,
  Duncan, had been mysteriously killed. (Macbeth
  was likely the murderer.)
• He was well-read in literature and was a writer.

10

• More of the historical fiction aspect is
  directly linked to King James himself
• King James VI of Scotland became James I of
  England in 1603 after the death of Queen
  Elizabeth.
• King James frequently called for Shakespeare and
  his associates to appear at his court to give
  them special privileges and grants of money.

11
Why would King James have been pleased with the
production of Macbeth?

• He believed that witches were agents of the devil
  who punished the wicked and tempted and tested
  the faith of the virtuous.
• He believed that man is judged by his choices.
• Five of the virtuous characters in Macbeth are
  direct ancestors of king James.
• A King is divine or chosen by God
• The plays theme is based upon the kings
  ideas and writings.

12
Will the real Macbeth please stand up?

• Macbeth was a real king of Scotland
• He did kill King Duncan
• Reigned from 1040-1057
• Unlike the Macbeth in Shakespeares play
• The real Macbeth had a legitimate claim to the
  throne
• The real Macbeth was a strong leader
• The real Macbeths reign was successful
• The real Macbeth was killed at Lumphanan as
  opposed to Dunsinane

13
The Plot
The play opens in Scotland. Macbeth and Banquo
have defeated their enemies in battle, leading
King Duncan to give the title of thane of Cawdor
to Macbeth (who doesnt know this yet). While
Macbeth and Banquo are walking, they encounter
three chanting witches. The witches speak to
Macbeth as thane of Glamis, thane of Cawdor, and
king hereafter. They also tell Banquo that though
he will not be king, he will beget kings (note
his sons name is Fleance). Macbeth wonders about
this prediction as the kings messenger arrives.
He tells him that he has been appointed thane of
Cawdor. Macbeth is momentarily tempted to kill
the king in order to fulfill the prophesy, but
decides not to.
14
Lady Macbeth, however, urges her husband to kill
the king. Since the king is staying at their
castle overnight, that must be when they kill
him. She plans the whole thing, making the kings
guards drunk. By using their daggers to kill the
king and putting the kings blood on them, Lady
Macbeth will frame the guards. It is now time for
Macbeth to stab the king. Though he has bad
visions and feelings, Macbeth kills the king.
Afterwards, he is troubled. "I am afraid to think
what I have done Look on t again I dare not,"
he says. The next morning, the murder is blamed
on the guards. Macbeth kills them before they can
protest, explaining that he killed them out of
rage. The kings sons, however, are still fearful
for their lives and runaway. Macbeth is crowned
king. Macbeth knows that Banquo is suspicious of
him. When Macbeth learns that Banquo and his son
are riding, he sends men out to kill them. They
are only half successful in their job, and
Banquos son escapes. Meanwhile, at Macbeths
ball, the seat for Banquo is empty (because hes
dead). In the empty seat, the ghost of Banquo
appears, frightening Macbeth to death.
15
Macbeth also learns that King Duncans son
Malcolm and Lord Macduff are attempting to kill
him. Unsure of what to do, Macbeth visits the
three witches again. The witches, along with the
moon goddess Hecate, have planned what they will
tell Macbeth in order to destroy him. They
prepare a brew, singing "Double, double, toil and
trouble Fire burn and cauldron bubble." When
Macbeth arrives, they give him a false hope,
telling him three things. First, beware of
Macduff. Second, "none of woman born shall harm
Macbeth." Third, Macbeth will not be conquered
until Birnam wood comes to the hill of Dunsinane.
They also tell Macbeth that Banquos descendents
will become kings.
16
Macduff has left for England, so Macbeth sends
people to kill his wife and children. In England,
Macduff befriends the dead kings son, after they
are sure of the others loyalty. Lady Macbeth
has begun sleepwalking because her conscience
weighs too heavily on herself. She tells about
her crimes and the murder of the king, unaware
that her doctor and waiting woman are watching
her. She later dies, possibly from suicide. The
invaders from England have come to defeat
Macbeth. The soldiers carry boughs from Birnam
Wood in order to camouflage themselves. So, the
witchs prophesy of defeat when "Birnam forest
come to Dunsinane" starts to become true. Macbeth
then faces Macduff, but isnt really scared. He
has been told that he will not die from anyone
woman born. But then Macduff tells him that he
was not woman born he was "from his mothers
womb untimely rippd" (C-section). When Macbeth
realizes that he has been tricked, he gives up
and is killed. Macduff decapitates him and King
Duncans son becomes the new king of Scotland.
17
Cast of Characters
Macbeth brave general under Duncan who becomes
too ambitious after three witches prophesy that
he will be King of Scotland. He turns to evil,
killing the King, the guards, Banquo, and others.
Macbeth dies at the hands of Macduff. Lady
Macbeth vicious wife of Macbeth, even more
ambitious than Macbeth. She convinces Macbeth to
murder the King. Later, she becomes insane from
her wrongdoings and sleepwalks. She dies.
Macduff general, believes that Macbeth killed
the King. His family is murdered by Macbeth he
later kills Macbeth. Banquo Macbeths friend
and general, suspected Macbeth of killing the
King. He is killed by murderers sent by Macbeth,
though his son escapes. King Duncan King of
Scotland, murdered by Macbeth who was one of his
generals whom he had just promoted. Malcolm
Duncans eldest son, runs away to England after
he learns of his fathers murder in order to
escape the same fate. Becomes King of Scotland at
the end of the play.
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The three witches They tell Macbeth that he is
to become King, leading him to evil. They also
tell him that he will be defeated, but they
disguise it in a way as to give him false
confidence. Hecate moon goddess and goddess of
the witches, directs supernatural occurrences.
Makes plan to give Macbeth false security.
Donalbain Duncans youngest son, runs away to
Ireland after he learns of his fathers murder in
order to escape the same fate Ross Macduffs
cousin, messenger who carries news to people like
Macbeth and Macduff throughout the play. Lennox
nobleman, suspicious of the murder of the
king Seyton Macbeths lieutenant. Porter
watches Macbeths castle when drunk, thought
that he was the keeper of Hells Gates and that
sinners were knocking at the door to be admitted
19
Old Siward Earl of Northumberland, ally of
Malcolm and Macduff against Macbeth. Young
Siward Old Siwards son, killed by Macbeth in an
encounter at the end of the play. Seyton
Macbeths lieutenant. Porter watches Macbeths
castle when drunk, thought that he was the
keeper of Hells Gates and that sinners were
knocking at the door to be admitted. Old Siward
Earl of Northumberland, ally of Malcolm and
Macduff against Macbeth. Young Siward Old
Siwards son, killed by Macbeth in an encounter
at the end of the play.
20

• The construction of the play
• Exciting play with a well-constructed , fast
  moving and direct plot
• A great variety of characters ranging from the
  kings and noblemen to the porter and the weird
  sisters
• No sub-plot- every thing which takes place refers
  directly to the main story Macbeths rise to
  power and his downfall-
• The climax occurs in act 3,sc.3
• Language
• Nearly all the play is written in verse-using
  iambic pentameter form
• Shakespeare uses prose ,instead of verse, in
  four important scenes in which a change of
  emphasis is required
• 1- The scene where lady Macbeth reads her
  husbands letter about his meeting with the
  witches
• 2- The drunken porters speech
• 3- The conversation between Lady Macduff and her
  son
• 4-Lady Macbeths sleep-walking

21

• imagery
• Shakespeare develops a structure of figurative
  language to suggest the psychological development
  of tragic hero
• Macbeth has a great number of metaphors
  expressing certain ideas
• ex a great deal of imagery refers to
  clothing and covering up of the body with cloth
  some kind
• (v.ii.20-2)
• (II,iv,31-2)
• (I.iii,108-9)
• (I.iii,112-13)

22
THEMES
Ambition for power can lead to loss of humanity
Betrayal and treachery is central to the play,
and was of a considerable interest to
Shakespeare's contemporary audience at the turn
of the 17th C Demonstrates the moral and
psychological effects of evil on the life of one
man. Shakespeare is commenting on the destructive
power of uncontrolled ambition
23
Motifs

• "Fair is foul, and foul is fair."  This theme is
  reiterated throughout the play by Macbeth and the
  weird sisters. What does it mean?
• "Blood will have blood."  Macbeth attained his
  position by bloodshed, so it was inevitable that
  he should pay with his own life.

24
Look for examples of

• IRONY

• Sharp twists
• Audience dramatic ironies

• Double meanings
• Grim humor

SYMBOLISM CONTRASTS

• Evil
• Hell
• Disorder
• Darkness

• Good
• Heaven
• Order
• Light

25
Macbeth

• Macbeth Act and Scene Summaries

26
Macbeth

• Act 1 Summary

27
Setting

• Macbeth is set mainly around Scotland. The
  story starts off with the fighting near Duncans
  castle, and then shifts to Macbeths castle on
  Dunsinane Hill. Fife is where Macduff lives and
  where his family is killed. Macbeth meets the
  witches in a desert place. There is one scene in
  England as well when Macduff meets Malcolm. The
  time period is in the 11th century.

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Act I

• Act I, Scene 1
• Three witches meet in a deserted location and
  plan to meet Macbeth
• Act I, Scene 2
• A sergeant arrives to give a report to King
  Duncan about a battle being fought between
  Scotland and Norway
• Macbeth is reported to have fought bravely
• Act I, Scene 3
• Macbeth and Banquo meet with the witches and
  learn of their prophesies.
• Macbeth and Banquo meet Duncans men and learn
  that one of the prophecies has come true.
• Act I, Scene 4
• Duncan welcomes back Macbeth and praises him for
  his loyalty and accomplishments.
• Duncan announces that his son Malcolm will be
  successor to the throne.
• Duncan plans to go to Macbeths castle Inverness
  to celebrate their victory.
• Act I, Scene 5
• Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband
  about his strange meeting with the witches.
• She delivers two soliloquies which give insight
  into both her and Macbeths characters.
• Macbeth returns to the castle and she urges him
  to hide any evil intentions and appear welcoming
  to the king.
• Act I, Scenes 6-7
• King Duncan arrives at Macbeths castle and is
  greeted warmly by Lady Macbeth.
• Macbeth expresses doubts about murdering Duncan.

29
Act 1

• The play takes place in Scotland.
• Duncan, the king of Scotland, is at war with the
  king of Norway
• As the play opens, Duncan learns of Macbeth's
  bravery in battle against a Scot who sided with
  Norway.
• He also hears of the betrayal (deceit, treason,
  disloyalty) of the Thane of Cawdor, who was
  arrested.
• Duncan decides to give the title of Thane of
  Cawdor to Macbeth.

30
Act 1 (continued)

• Macbeth and Banquo, traveling home from the
  battle, meet three witches,
• The witches predict that Macbeth will be Thane of
  Cawdor and king of Scotland, and that Banquo will
  be the father of kings.
• The witches disappear, and Macbeth and Banquo
  meet up with two nobles who inform them of
  Macbeth's new title.
• Hearing this, Macbeth begins to contemplate
  murdering Duncan in order to realize the witches'
  second prophecy.

31
Act 1 (continued)

• Macbeth and Banquo meet up with Duncan, who tells
  them he is going to pay Macbeth a visit at his
  home at Inverness.
• Macbeth rides ahead to prepare his household.
• Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth receives a letter from
  Macbeth informing her of the witches' prophesy
  (prediction, forecast) and Macbeth's new title of
  Thane of Cawdor.
• A servant appears and tells her of Duncan's
  approach.
• Lady Macbeth calls upon supernatural powers to
  strip her of her feminine softness and prepare
  her to murder Duncan.
• When Macbeth arrives at Inverness, Lady Macbeth
  tells him that she will take care of all the
  details of Duncan's murder.

32
Scene 1 The Witches

• Fair is foul and foul is fair.
• The witches will meet Macbeth on the heath in
  the near future.

33
Scene 2- The War and The Thane of Cawdor

• The war with Norway is won and Macbeth and Banquo
  are the heroes. Macbeth captures and kills the
  traitor. The King tells Ross to take the news of
  the title of Cawdor to Macbeth (3rd in line to
  the throne). The Norwegian king must pay ransom
  for burial of his men.

Glamis Castle
34
Scene 3- Macbeth and the Witches
Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches on the heath.
The witches tell Macbeth,Hail Thane of Glamis (
he already is this), Hail Thane of Cawdor (the
title he is to receive from the King, and Hail
King (there already is a King Duncan). The
witches tell Banquo that his sons will be kings,
but he will not. The witches vanish and Macbeth
and Banquo discuss what had just happened.
Macbeth wonders if he will have to commit a
horrible deed (regicide) in order to become the
King of Scotland.
35
Scene 4- The Step Macbeth must orleap

• At the kings palace, Duncan hears reports of
  Cawdors execution from his son Malcolm, who says
  that Cawdor died nobly, confessing freely and
  repenting of his crimes. Macbeth and Banquo enter
  with Ross and Angus. Duncan thanks the two
  generals profusely for their heroism in the
  battle, and they profess their loyalty and
  gratitude toward Duncan. Duncan announces his
  intention to name Malcolm the heir to his throne.

36

• Macbeth declares his joy but notes to himself
  that Malcolm now stands between him and the
  crown. Plans are made for Duncan to dine at
  Macbeths castle that evening, and Macbeth goes
  on ahead of the royal party to inform his wife of
  the kings impending arrival.

37
Scene 5- Lady Macbeth

• In Inverness, Macbeths castle, Lady Macbeth
  reads to herself a letter she has received from
  Macbeth. The letter announces Macbeths promotion
  to the thaneship of Cawdor and details his
  meeting with the witches. Lady Macbeth murmurs
  that she knows Macbeth is ambitious, but fears he
  is too full of th milk of human kindness to
  take the steps necessary to make himself king
  (I.v.15). She resolves to convince her husband to
  do whatever is required to seize the crown.

38
Cont.

• A messenger enters and informs Lady Macbeth that
  the king rides toward the castle, and that
  Macbeth is on his way as well. As she awaits her
  husbands arrival, she delivers a famous speech
  in which she begs, you spirits / That tend on
  mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / And fill me
  from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst
  cruelty

39
Cont.

• Macbeth enters, and he and his wife discuss the
  kings forthcoming visit. Macbeth tells his wife
  that Duncan plans to depart the next day, but
  Lady Macbeth declares that the king will never
  see tomorrow. She tells her husband to have
  patience and to leave the plan to her.

40
Act I, Scenes 6-7

• Duncan, the Scottish lords, and their attendants
  arrive outside Macbeths castle. Duncan praises
  the castles pleasant environment, and he thanks
  Lady Macbeth, who has emerged to greet him, for
  her hospitality. She replies that it is her duty
  to be hospitable since she and her husband owe so
  much to their king. Duncan then asks to be taken
  inside to Macbeth, whom he professes to love
  dearly.

Inverness Castle
41
Cont.

• Inside the castle Macbeth paces by himself,
  pondering his idea of assassinating Duncan. He
  says that the deed would be easy if he could be
  certain that it would not set in motion a series
  of terrible consequences. He then considers the
  reasons why he ought not to kill Duncan Macbeth
  is Duncans kinsman, subject, and host moreover,
  the king is universally admired as a virtuous
  ruler. Macbeth notes that these circumstances
  offer him nothing that he can use to motivate
  himself. He faces the fact that there is no
  reason to kill the king other than his own
  ambition, which he realizes is an unreliable
  guide.

42
Cont.

• Lady Macbeth enters and tells her husband that
  the king has dined and that he has been asking
  for Macbeth. Macbeth declares that he no longer
  intends to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth, outraged,
  calls him a coward and questions his manhood
  When you durst do it, she says, then you were
  a man

43
Cont.

• He asks her what will happen if they fail she
  promises that as long as they are bold, they will
  be successful. Then she tells him her plan while
  Duncan sleeps, she will give his chamberlains
  wine to make them drunk, and then she and Macbeth
  can slip in and murder Duncan. They will smear
  the blood of Duncan on the sleeping chamberlains
  to cast the guilt upon them. Astonished at the
  brilliance and daring of her plan, Macbeth tells
  his wife that her undaunted mettle makes him
  hope that she will only give birth to male
  children. He then agrees to proceed with the
  murder.

44
Macbeth Questions
45
Act 1

• Why does King Duncan Make Macbeth Thane of
  Cawdor?
• How does Banquo react to Macbeths new title?
• Lady Macbeth calls upon the spirits to make
  thick my blood, stop up the access and passage to
  remorse
• What is she asking?

46
Act 1

• At the end of Act 1, give all the reasons Macbeth
  does not want to murder the king?
• In what ways does Lady Macbeth attack Macbeths
  manhood? How does she show she is more of a man
  than he?

47
Act II

• Act 2, Scene 1
• Past midnight, Macbeth tells Banquo that they'll
  speak of the witches another time and bids him
  goodnight. 
• Macbeth imagines he sees a dagger.
• Act 2, Scene 2
• Lady Macbeth waits for Macbeth to come with the
  news that he has killed the King. 
• I cant say anything else without being a plot
  spoiler 
• Act 2, Scene 3
• The Porter pretends that he is hell's gatekeeper,
  then lets two noblemen, Macduff and Lennox,
• into the castle. 
• Macduff discovers King Duncan's body. 
• Macbeth pretends to be angry, while Lady Macbeth
  faints at the news.
• Act 2, Scene 4
• Ross, a nobleman, and an Old Man discuss what a
  strange night it has been.
• Ross and Macduff discuss whether Malcolm and
  Donalbain are responsible for their father's
  murder. 

48
Act II

• Macbeth has a vision (mental image) of a bloody
  dagger floating before him and leading him to
  Duncan's room.
• When he hears Lady Macbeth ring the bell to
  signal the completion of her preparations,
  Macbeth follows through with his part of the plan
  and leaves for Duncan's room.

49
Act II (conntinued)

• Lady Macbeth waits for Macbeth to finish killing
  Duncan.
• Macbeth enters, still carrying the bloody
  daggers.
• Lady Macbeth again chastises him (tells him off)
  for his weak-mindedness and plants the daggers on
  the bodyguards herself.
• As she does so, Macbeth imagines that he hears a
  voice saying "Macbeth will sleep no more."
• Lady Macbeth returns and assures Macbeth that "a
  little water clears us of this deed."

50
Act II (conntinued)

• At the gate the porter pretends that he is
  guarding the door to hell.
• The thanes knock at the gate, and Macduff
  discovers Duncan's body when he goes in to wake
  him up.
• Macbeth kills the two bodyguards, supposedly in a
  fit of grief and rage, when they are discovered
  with the bloody daggers.
• Duncan's sons Malcolm and Donalbain, fearing that
  their lives are in danger, flee to England and
  Ireland
• their flight brings them under suspicion
  (question) of conspiring (planning, scheming) in
  Duncan's death
• Macbeth is crowned king of Scotland.

51
Macbeth Act II

• Guided Reading
• Questions and Notes

52
Act II, Scene 1 Guided Reading Questions

• Describe the mood in this scene.
• Macbeth lies to Banquo in this scene. What lie
  does he tell, and why does he tell it?
• What is the signal that it is time to commit the
  murder?
• What hallucination does Macbeth have during his
  soliloquy in this scene?
• What is Macbeth thinking about in this soliloquy?

53
Act II, Scene 1

• Act IIRising Action
• Characters make decisions and begin to act upon
  them
• Can begin to separate the good characters from
  the bad
• Atmosphere is very dark (FORESHADOWING)
• Moon is down
• No stars in the sky

54
Act II, scene 1 contd

• Banquo is uneasy and cannot sleep
• Evidence of dramatic foil
• Macbeth says that he isnt thinking about the
  witches prophecies
• Thats really all hes been thinking about
• He lies to throw off suspicion (he is putting on
  a false face

55
Act II, Scene 1

• Macbeth hallucinates a dagger hovering in the air
  leading him on to commit the murder
• He notices every sound around himhe is uneasy.
  Still has second thoughts about the murder
• Questions his own sanity
• Says that wicked dreams will abuse his sleep
  (this will recur throughout the play)
• Wants to get the job done quickly (while he
  talks, Duncan lives)

56
Act II, Scene 2 Guided Reading Questions

• Why does Lady Macbeth claim to have been unable
  to kill Duncan herself? Why is this ironic?
• What does BLOOD symbolize in the play?
• After the murder, Macbeth claims to hear voices.
  Are they real or are they something else? What
  do the voices say?
• What is the biggest difference between Lady
  Macbeth and Macbeth that becomes apparent in this
  scene?

57
Act II, Scene 2

• Lady Macbeth says Duncan reminded her of her
  father as he slept
• Ironythis does not seem like the same Lady
  Macbeth from Act I (she is ALONE on stage!)
• BLOODGuilt
• It cannot be washed away
• Macbeth hears voiceshis conscience?
• Macbeth does murder sleep
• Cawdor shall sleep no more

58
Act II, Scene 2 contd

• Macbeth claims he cannot say amen (Pray)
• He is already suffering from guilt
• Difference between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
• He worries that there is not enough water in all
  of the oceans of the world to wash the blood
  off his hands (HYPERBOLE)
• She acts as though it is nothing

59
Act II, Scene 3 Guided Reading Questions

• What is ironic about the porters description of
  his job?
• Who is the first person to discover Duncans dead
  body?
• Who witnesses Macbeths murder of the guards?
• Why does he CLAIM to have killed the guards? Why
  does he REALLY kill them?
• Where do Malcolm and Donalbain plan to flee? Why
  do they think they need to leave?

60
Act II, Scene 3

• Porteran old drunk man whose job it is to answer
  the door, carry baggage, etc.
• He is there for comic relief to relieve the
  tension of the previous scene (common in
  Elizabethan dramas)
• Ironyhe compares his job to the porter at the
  gate of hell
• Inverness is a type of hell for everyone this
  morning

61
Act II, Scene 3 contd

• First person to see Duncans body
• Macduff
• Lennox witnesses the killing of the guards
• Macbeth CLAIMS that he killed the guards out of
  love for Duncan
• Macbeth REALLY killed them to
• Keep them quiet (dead men tell no tales!)
• Appear to be a protector (a resume builder)

62
Act II, Scene 3 contd

• Malcolm and Donalbain plan to flee
• Malcolm to England
• Donalbain to Ireland
• 2 reasons
• For their safety (if the real killer is still
  alive, they could be next)
• They will be suspected (they have the most to
  gain from Duncans death)

63
Act II, Scene 4 Guided Reading Questions

• Describe strange events and the weather the night
  of Duncans murder (some of this information is
  in the previous scene).
• What news does Macduff report from the meeting
  inside the castle?
• What is unusual about Macduffs decision
  concerning Macbeths coronation? How will Macbeth
  react to this news?
• At the end of Act II, which characters are
  questioning the guilt of the guards in Duncans
  murder?

64
Act II, Scene 4

• Unnatural events and a TERRIBLE storm night of
  Duncans murder
• Earthquakes
• Hurricane force winds
• Animals shrieking all night (suspicion states
  that animals can sense danger or evil)
• Pitch black the next day
• Duncans horses ate each other (Great Chain of
  Being)

65
Act II, Scene 4

• Macduff reports that the verdict is that the
  guards MUST have been guilty
• They were probably bribed (suborned) by Malcolm
  and Donalbain)
• Malcolm and Donalbain fled so they must be guilty
  of something
• The guards stood to gain nothing on their own by
  killing Duncan

66
Act II, Scene 4

• Macbeth will become king
• Macduff will not go to the coronation
• Macbeth will consider him a traitor
• Questioning the guards guilt at the end of the
  act
• Macduff
• Banquo
• Malcolm
• Donalbain

67
Macbeth Questions Act 2
68

• 1. After the murder, Macbeth is agitated. Why?
  What does Lady Macbeth urge him to do?
• 2. Why is the porter scene included? What makes
  this important, funny?
• 3. What was Lennox and Macduffs impression of
  the night before showing at Macbeths castle?
  What does it signify?

69

• 4. Why do Malcom and Donalbaine flee from
  Scotland? Where does each go?
• 5. What is the dagger of the mind symbolic of?
  How does the dagger change throughout the
  soliloquy, and what do these changes represent?

70
Act III

• Act 3, Scene 1
• Banquo expresses his suspicion of Macbeth.
• Macbeth questions Banquo about the ride he's
  taking and insists he return in time for a
  banquet that night.
• Macbeth persuades two Murderers that they have a
  new enemy who needs to be killed
• Act 3, Scene 2
• Lady Macbeth and Macbeth both envy the peaceful
  dead, who sleep in peace, while they, who have
  everything, live in constant fear of losing
  everything.
• Macbeth reassures Lady Macbeth that their
  problems will soon be solved.
• Act 3, Scene 3
• The Murderers carry out their work.
• Act 3, Scene 4
• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth welcome the guests to
  their banquet.
• The First Murderer reports back to Macbeth.
• Macbeth sees an unwelcome guest at the banquet.
• He decides to meet with the witches again.
• Act 3, Scene 5
• The three Witches appear with Hecate, the goddess
  of witchcraft.
• Act 3, Scene 6
• Lennox and another Lord have a conversation which
  shows doubts about Macbeths leadership.

71
Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1

• Banquo suspects Macbeth - gains comfort from 2nd
  prediction - his own children will be Kings
• Even with new title Macbeth does not feel at ease
• calls murderers dogs but he shows his inhumanity
  and imperfections -also wants to kill Fleance

71
72
Act 3 Scene 2

• Macbeth plans murder not Lady Macbeth
• Macbeth and Lady Macbeths world not at peace
• Macbeth wants to get rid of his bond with
  humanity
• We have scorched the snake, not killed
  it.Macbeth, 3.2.15
• Duncan is in his grave After life's fitful
  fever he sleeps well.Macbeth, 3.2.245

72
73
Act 3 Scene 3

• Banquo killed - Murderers lantern extinguished -
  Fleance escapes
• Forces of darkness are at odds with light
• Murderers capable of poetry
• Escape of Fleance turning point - Peripeteia -
  sudden reversal of fortune
• Banquos dying words to revenge

73
74
Act 3 Scene 4

• Macbeth has Thanes of Scotland over - Macduff not
  there
• Murderers tell Macbeth what happened - Macbeth
  losses it
• Macbeth sees ghost - goes into a fit
• Macbeth has lost control
• Macbeth will kill Macduff and visit three sisters
• It will have blood, they say blood will have
  blood. Macbeth, 3.4.15253

74
75
Act 3 Scene 5

• Hecate joins three sisters
• Some say this scene was not in the orginal play

75
76
Act 3 Scene 6

• Lennox reveals doubts about Macbeth - Did he kill
  the guards hastily?
• Macduff has fled to England to join forces with
  Malcolm also asks help from King Edward of England

76
77
Macbeth

• Act III Guided Reading Questions and Notes

78
Act III, Scene 1 Guided Reading Questions

• How is Banquo beginning to feel about Macbeth?
• How does Macbeth feel about Banquo?
• What does Macbeth suddenly realize about his
  murdering of Duncan?
• What plan does Macbeth concoct against Banquo?
• What persuasive tactics does he use to get his
  plan accomplished?
• Why does Macbeth claim he cannot kill Banquo?

79
Act III, Scene 1

• Turning Pointa high point in the action
• Protagonist does/does not achieve goal
• Protagonist makes an important discovery or
  decision
• Protagonist must begin to act in order to protect
  his position
• Tragic Flaw becomes apparent

80
Act III, Scene 1

• Banquo voices his concernshe has doubts about
  how Macbeth got the crown
• I fear/ Thou playdst most foully for it.
• Macbeth states that he fears Banquo
• He is the only outsider who knows the witches
  prophecies
• His prophecy was GREATER than Macbeths
• Sudden realization (EPIPHANY)Macbeth killed
  Duncan for Banquos eventual gain!

81
Act III, Scene 1

• Macbeth makes a plan to kill both Banquo and
  Fleance
• Macbeths behavior at this point
• Finding it difficult to trust people
• Seems desperate to do what is necessary to
  maintain his position
• He has become a tyrant willing to kill his best
  friend because of his ambition

82
Act III, Scene 1

• Macbeth hires two killers
• Mercenaries
• Makes them believe that Banquo is responsible for
  their position in life (they have had a previous
  conversation)
• Questions their manhood (whom does this remind us
  of?)
• Says he cannot kill Banquo because they have
  mutual friends who would never forgive him for it.

83
Act III, Scene 1

• The real reason Macbeth must persuade the
  murderers in this way?
• He wants to appear to have no real connection to
  the murder
• Makes the murderers themselves feel that it is
  THEIR choice to kill Banquo
• Are they alone in the room when the plan is
  concocted?

84
Act III, Scene 2 Guided Reading Questions

• When Lady Macbeth is alone on stage, what does
  she reveal about her inner feelings?
• How much information does Macbeth reveal to Lady
  Macbeth about his plans for Banquo? Why does he
  choose to limit his information?

85
Act III, Scene 2

• Lady Macbeth alone on stagehow is she beginning
  to change?
• Behavior seems to flip-flop from earlier in the
  play
• Whats done is done when Macbeth reenters
• Macbeths reference to the nightmares that
  shake them nightly.
• Watch for constant references to lack of sleep or
  inability to sleep restfully
• Macbeth murdered sleep
• PSYCHOLOGICALLY what is causing their lack of
  sleep?

86
Act III, Scene 2

• Macbeth makes vague references to something BAD
  that will happen that night, but does not give
  any real details to Lady Macbeth
• Macbeth tells his wife he wants her to be
  innocent of the knowledge of tonights plan
• The fewer people who know about it the better
• Another sign of his distrust
• He is taking charge of the situation (their
  gender roles are becoming more standard for the
  time period)

87
Act III, Scene 3 Guided Reading Questions

• Who is the third murderer who shows up in this
  scene? Give evidence to support your answer.
• What happens to Fleance?
• What does LIGHT symbolize in the play?

88
Act III, Scene 3

• Two murderers were hired
• THREE show up
• The other two seem confused (and almost angered)
  by this intrusion
• Who is the third murderer?
• NEVER find out
• Doesnt appear to be a mistake on Shakespeares
  part
• Could be someone who is still loyal to Macbeth
• Could be Macbeth covering his tracks or showing
  more signs of distrust by quickly adding a third
  person himself

89
Act III, Scene 3

• Banquo is killed
• Fleance manages to escape
• Why is this a HUGE problem for Macbeth?
• If one believes the witches prophecies (which
  have all come true so far), Fleance poses a
  bigger threat to Macbeth than Banquo does
• Watch for references now to LIGHT
• Symbol of LIFE
• Who did strike out the light?

90
Act III, Scene 4 Guided Reading Questions

• Macbeth thinks his friends are playing tricks on
  him. What is causing his paranoia?
• When Macbeth reacts to the Ghost of Banquo, how
  does Lady Macbeth excuse his behavior?
• When did Macbeth begin to distrust Macduff? How
  does Macbeth know what is going on with Macduff
  right now?
• Lines 137-139. Translate the COMPLETE sentence
  contained in those lines.

91
Act III, scene 4

• Only Macbeth can see the ghost of Banquo at the
  dinnerobserve his reaction (and remember that he
  is on front of an audience)
• Macbeth seems to think his friends are playing a
  trick on himsigns of paranoia
• Two reasons for paranoid feelings
• Guilt
• Lack of sleep (caused by guilt)

92
Act III, Scene 4

• Lady Macbeth excuses his behavior as FITS that he
  has had since childhood
• Personality trait is in direct conflict with the
  feelings of security people want in their king
• Questions his manhood to his face
• Tells others to ignore him
• What happens when they both realize that people
  can hear their private conversation?

93
Act III, scene 4

• From earlier in the act, we know that Lady
  Macbeth is not as calm as she pretends to be.
  Dramatic Ironywhen the audience knows something
  the characters do not.
• Macbeth says that blood will have blood.
• Beginning to understand that there are
  consequences for all actions
• Things are beginning to snowball for himhe is
  losing control and desperately trying to hold on.

94
Act III, scene 4

• Macbeth doesnt trust Macduff
• Began when Macduff did not honor him at his
  coronation
• Now Macduff has refused to attend the state
  banquet
• Macbeth has spies in all his thanes houses
• Macbeth will go to the three witches to find out
  if they will tell him any more information

95
Act III, Scene 5 Guided Reading Questions

• Why is Hecate angry with the three witches (more
  than one answer)?
• What negative trait does Hecate plan to have the
  three witches bring out in Macbeth (tragic flaw)?

96
Act III, scene 5

• Scholars believe that scene 5 may have been added
  after Shakespeares death to give more of a role
  to the witches (who were a crowd favorite) and in
  order to clarify the tragic flaw in the play.
• Hecate is angry with the three witches
• Acting without her knowledge
• Not including her
• Giving information to someone like Macbeth (maybe
  he couldnt handle it)

97
Act III, scene 5

• She misdirects her vengeanceshes angry with the
  witches, so she plans to hurt Macbeth (this is a
  pattern in the play)
• She details her plan to get Macbeth to feel
  OVERCONFIDENT so that it will bring about his
  eventual downfall
• TRAGIC FLAW
• Security is mortals chiefest enemyif he feels
  safe in his position he will let down his guard
  so mistakes can occur

98
Act III, Scene 6 Guided Reading Questions

• In Lennoxs sardonic speech, what does he seem to
  say is wrong with peoples assumptions about
  Duncans murder?
• Where is Macduff?
• How will Macbeth react to Macduffs refusal to
  report to see hm?

99
Act III, scene 6

• Sardonic
• Combination of SARCASTIC and IRONIC
• Lennox is being VERY sarcastic in this speech.
  When he says it only makes sense to think that
  something is true, he is really saying its
  RIDICULOUS to jump to these conclusions
• Lennox casts suspicion on Macbeth (rememberhe
  was the one who was with Macbeth when he killed
  the guards!)

100
Act III, scene 6

• If you believe that Malcolm and Donalbain are
  guilty of Duncans murder because they fled, then
  you MUST believe that Fleance killed Banquo
  (since he fled)
• HOWEVER, it is illogical to believe that Malcolm
  and Donalbain are guilty when all the evidence
  points to someone else
• People in Scotland better beware of walking late
  at nightno one is safe in Scotland when the sun
  goes down

101
Act III, scene 6

• The lord reports that Macduff is fleeing to
  England to see Malcolm
• They want to bring back English troops to help
  dethrone Macbeth
• When Macbeth learned that Macduff was planning to
  leave, he commanded him to report to see him,
  Macduff refused. How will Macbeth react (think
  about how people in this play take out vengeance)?

102
Act III, scene 6

• IRONY
• Macbeth was given his first promotion (to Thane
  of Cawdor) because a man was a traitor
• He was overly trusted by Duncan who was the
  victim of a traitor
• Now, Macbeth will fell what its like to have his
  friends betray him!

103
Act IV

• Act IV, Scene 1
• The witches call up apparitions which give
  Macbeth new prophecies.
• The witches vanish and Macbeth calls in Lennox,
  who tells him that Macduff has fled to England.
• Macbeth takes drastic steps
• Act IV, Scene 2
• Ross brings Lady Macduff the news that her
  husband has fled Scotland. 
• Lady Macduff and her son joke about Macduff being
  a traitor.
• A messenger rushes in to warn Lady Macduff about
  impending danger.
• Act 4, Scene 3
• Macduff seeks Malcolm's support for a war against
  Macbeth.
• Malcolm tests Macduff's intentions.
• Speaking to Malcolm and Macduff, Ross tells of
  Scotland's suffering under Macbeth and of the
  slaughter of Macduff's wife and children.
• Everyone is now ready to make war against
  Macbeth.

104
Macbeth Act 4 Scene 1

• Double, double, toil and trouble Fire burn, and
  cauldron bubble.Witches, 4.1.101
• Macbeth goes to weird sisters and demands to be
  shown apparitions of the future
• 1. disembodied head of a warrior who warns
  Macbeth of revenge
• 2. blood-covered child who cannot be killed by
  any man of woman born

104
105

• 3. a child wearing a crown promises Macbeth
  cannot lose in battle until Birnam wood moves to
  Dunsinane
• Macbeth asks about Banquos sons and sees a
  procession of Banquo and future kings
• Macbethless future
• Macduff has fled to England and Macbeth announces
  revenge of Macduffs wife and children
• Ill make assurance double sure.Macbeth, 4.1.93

105
106
Act 4 Scene 2

• Lady Macduff feels Macduff has acted dishonestly
• Son says the world is full of dishonest men

106
107
Act 4 Scene 3

• At one fell swoop.Macduff, 4.3.256
• Malcolm tests Macduffs loyalty - says he would
  be a great tyrant - reverse psychology
• Macduff still hates Macbeth - Malcolm has gotten
  what he wants Macduffs loyalty
• Ross tells him of the slaughter of wife and child
  - Macduff vows revenge

107
108
Act IV
109
Act IV, Scene i
110
Summary

• Witches and their brew- odd components of brew
• Prophecies and apparitions, apparitions visit
  MacBeth
• Meeting with Lennox
• Macduff flees to England but his family remains
  in the castle
• MacBeth plans to capture Macduffs castle and
  kill Macduffs wife and his children

111
Q1 Analyze the contents of the witches brew in
relation to their pagan beliefs.

• Witches put in the potion Liver of blaspheming
  JewNose of Turk and Tartars lips,(26-29)
• Jews, Turks, and Tartars are enemies of
  Christianity.
• These people are put in the potion on the basis
  of being unchristian.
• This situation is ironic, because witches are
  believed to be pagan, not Christian, and they are
  condemning their pagan enemies by placing them in
  the potion.

112
Q2 Who comes to visit the witches as they are
making the spell?

• Macbeth walks in
• This is ironic because they say that something
  wicked comes this way and then Macbeth walks in.
• By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked
  this way comes (Lines 44-45)

113
Q3 What does Macbeth want from the witches?

• He wants to know what comes next in their
  prophecies

114
Q4 The power of man, for none of woman born
Shall harm Macbeth. What do you think this
means? How does Macbeth take it? Predict
Macbeths demise.
115

• Answer
• Significance Very few people will be able to
  kill MacBeth. Either a supernatural being or a
  person not naturally born.
• MacBeth takes this as proving how unstoppable he
  his, how he is invincible.
• Consequently, MacBeth will have a different
  attitude. He might become more violent and cruel,
  thinking that no one will be able to stop him.
• MacBeths downfall will be that he will act
  differently because of this information.

116
Q5 Do you think the witches really predicting
fate or just orchestrating events the way they
want to?

• The witches do not make MacBeth kill others, so
  they are not really orchestrating the events.
• They are predicting fate because they just tell
  things how they are supposed to be and do not
  interfere in the lives of the characters too
  much. (The witches tell MacBeth prophecies, but
  they do not make him evil and cause him to kill).

117
Q6 What are the apparitions? What is the
purpose of them?

• 3 apparitions
• 1) Armed head, symbolizing MacDuff. Beware or be
  careful of Macduff
• 2) Bloody child, symbolizing MacDuff at birth.
  This apparition is truly important to the rest of
  the story. FORSHADOWING.
• 3) A child crowned with a tree in his hand,
  symbolizing Malcom. Until Great Birnam Wood moves
  to Dunsinane Hill nothing will happen to MacBeth.
• The 3 apparitions are visions that the witches
  reveal to Macbeth to reveal the prophesies and
  calm Macbeths fears.

118
Q7 Discuss the theme of blood in apparitions and
earlier in the play

• Earlier in the play blood symbolizes the guilt of
  both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth himself
• After Duncans murder the remaining blood on
  Macbeths hands represents his guilt resulting
  from the murder
• What is the importance of blood
• in this scene?

119
Q8 What is the significance of the line of
kings?

• All of those in the line of kings are descendents
  of Banquo
• The witches show the line of kings to MacBeth,
  fulfilling the first prophecy they made to him
  (when they said MacBeth would be king, also that
  Banquos sons will be king).

120
Q9 Compare/Contrast Macbeths thoughts as he
plans the murder of Macduffs family with his
thoughts before Duncans murder

• When MacBeth killed Duncan, he had feelings of
  humanity, guilt. He also second guessed himself.
  And this plan was conceived by MacBeths wife,
  not himself.
• When MacBeth killed Macduffs family, he had no
  second thoughts. He is all evil, and becoming
  crazier.
• The murder of Macduffs family further proves
  that MacBeth will do whatever he can to have
  power over everybody.

121
Act V

• Act 5, Scene 1
• Lady Macbeth's servant tells a doctor of the
  Lady's sleep-walking. 
• Lady Macbeth walks and talks in her sleep,
  revealing guilty secrets.
• Act 5, Scene 2
• The Scottish forces against Macbeth are on the
  march.
• Act 5, Scene 3
• Macbeth hears that his thanes are abandoning him,
  that the English army is approaching, and that
  his wife is ill, but he tries to convince himself
  that he has nothing to fear, and prepares to
  fight.
• Act 5, Scene 4
• The forces opposed to Macbeth enter Birnam wood.
• Malcolm gives the order for every soldier to cut
  a tree branch and hold it before him.
• Act 5, Scene 5
• Macbeth expresses his defiance of the forces
  marching against him.
• He hears the news about his wife
• A messenger reports of the approach of Birnam
  woods coming to Dunsinane.
• Act 5, Scene 6
• The English and Scottish forces, led by Malcolm,
  begin their attack upon Dunsinane.
• Act 5, Scene 7
• Macbeth fights Young Siward and kills him
• Macduff seeks revenge on Macbeth.

122
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 1

• Out, damned spot! out, I say!Lady Macbeth,
  5.1.31
• All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten
  this little hand. Lady Macbeth, 5.1.467
• Whats done cannot be undone.Lady Macbeth,
  5.1.623
• Played in dark except one candle
• Lady Macbeth has gone mad - sleepwalks and tells
  fragments of events

122
123

• overheard by doctor and lady-in-waiting
• Lady Macbeth is seen rubbing her hands - (quotes
  at the beginning)
• Lady Macbeth needs a divine
• Spiritual darkness - 1 candle

123
124
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 2

• Four lords of Scotland - Lennox, Mentith, Angus,
  and Caithness resolve to join Malcolm and English
  forces who are at Birnam Wood
• Caithness speech - warrior hero - valiant fury -
  but not righteous - Distemperd Cause

124
125
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 3

• Macbeth dismisses reports of invasion ( confident
  tyrant)
• Trusts the prophecies
• Servant ( cream faced lilly livered) announces
  huge army
• Doctor tells of Lady Macbeth
• yellow leaf - fall of his own reputation

125
126
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 4

• English and Scotish armies under leadership of
  Malcolm meet at Birnam Wood
• Malcolm orders soldiers to cut a branch and carry
  it in front of them as camouflage To shadow the
  number of our host
• taken from Holinsheds Chronicles - 1577

126
127
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 5

• Macbeth fully armed - brave rhetoric
• shriek offstage - The queen is dead
• Birnam Wood appears to have uprooted itself
  advancing towards Dunsinane
• Shakespeare - Power-seeking tyrants tend toward
  self-destruction
• I have supped full with horrors.Macbeth,
  5.5.14 - Banquos ghost
• Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.Macbeth,
  5.5.21

127
128
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 6

• Malcolm and his troops have reached Dunsinane
• Siward first to advance - age
• Macduff order of troops- discipline - harbinger
  or sign of what is to come

128
129
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 7

• Macbeth challenged by son of Siward
• Macbeths forces have surrendered Dunsinane
  Castle
• They have tied me to a stake I cannot fly
• kills young Siward - Thou wast born of woman
• Macduff - ironic timing- takes place of Siward

129
130
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 8

• Macbeth and Macduff finally face to face
• words are tossed
• Macbeth ponders suicide but hey I cant die
• Macduff tells him he entered the world Untimely
  rippd from mothers womb
• Macbeth realizes witches are imperfect
  speakers
• Macbeth dies

130
131
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 9

• Malcolm proclaimed new king of Scotland
• true friends we miss loyalty he will rule with
  graciousness and humility
• Macduff enters with Macbeths head

131
132
Macbeth Act III

• Quiz

133

• 1.What is the barren scepter Macbeth refers to
  symbolize?
• 2.Why does Macbeth hire murderers to kill Banquo,
  instead of killing himself? How does Fleance
  escape?
• 3. Discuss Macbeths reaction to the escape of
  Fleance.

134

• 3. How does Lady Macbeth cover for Macbeth when
  he sees Banquos ghost?
• 4.How does Hecate react to the Fates
  intervention into Macbeths life?
• 5. How does Lennox begin to feel about Macbeth at
  the end of Act III? How does he show his change
  of mind?

135
Macbeth Act IV

• Quiz

136

• 1. What are the three prophesies the witches
  show to Macbeth? What does each mean? (Quote
  each and discuss.)
• 2. What does Macbeth decide to do after hearing
  his prophesy? (Find quote and discuss.)
• 3. Why does Lady Macduff call her husband a
  traitor? Why does her son think it foolish?

137

• 4. When Macduff hears news of his family, what
  does Malcolm urge him to do? How does Macduff
  show both male and female tendencies?
• 5. What was King Duncans flaw? How does Malcolm
  show he has learned from this flaw? Find quotes
  and discuss.

138
Macbeth Act V

• Quiz

139

• 1.Why does the gentle woman refuse to repeat Lady
  Macbeths sleep talk to the Doctor? Why can the
  doctor not treat her?
• 2. How does Macbeth reassure himself that Malcom
  and Macduff are of no threat?
• 3.How does Macbeth react to his wifes death?

140

• 4. Why does Macduff declare that he must kill
  Macbeth?
• 5.How do the apparitions prophesies come true?
  What is the real meaning of each apparition?

141
Quotation 1

• Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
• Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
• To the last syllable of recorded time.
• And all of our yesterdays have lighted fools
• The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle.
• Lifes 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.
• Act V, Scene V

• In this quote, Macbeth has just found out about
  the death of his wife and the attackers
  approaching his house. This quote really shows
  the growth of Macbeth as a character and
  demonstrates how his life was ruined by his
  vaulting ambition. This quote can be summed up to
  meaning that life has no meaning at all and that
  everyone is insignificant in the big picture.
  This statement by Macbeth can be seen as a way to
  justify his horrible actions because since life
  itself is truly meaningless, he can not feel
  guilty about the awful things he has done.

142
Quotation 2

• Out, damned spot out, I say. One, two why,
  then tis time to dot. Hell is murky. Fie, my
  lord, fie, a soldier and afeard? What need we
  fear who knows it when none can call our power to
  account? Yet who would have thought the old man
  to have had so much blood in him?
• Act V, Scene I

• In this quote, Lady Macbeth is sleep walking and
  is trying to rub off the imaginary blood that has
  stained her from the murdering of the King. This
  quote shows Lady Macbeths conscience about the
  murders even though she had called her husband a
  coward earlier in the work because of these same
  thoughts. For the first time in the play we see
  remorse from Lady Macbeth. This quote is
  significant because we see that Lady Macbeth has