How are the witches presented at the beginning of the play?
It is Banquo who first describes the Witches. His words in Act 1, Scene 3 depict the Witches as stereotypical hags – ‘withered’ and ‘wild’, unearthly beings (‘That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ Earth’) with ‘skinny lips’, chapped (‘choppy’) fingers and beards (1.3. 40–46).
How are the witches in Macbeth presented?
Shakespeare presents the witches in Act 1 Scene 3 as otherworldly, threatening figures. The fact that they speak in trochaic tetrameter, for example `hand in hand`/`sea and land` stresses the fact that the witches are chanting and differentiates them from the way that Macbeth and Banquo speak.
Why is Duncan so happy with Macbeth and so unhappy with Macdonwald?
According to his testimony, Macdonwald (described as “merciless”) is a rebel who fought against the king. Supported by the treacherous Thane of Cawdor and the King of Norway, Macdonwald used soldiers from Ireland and the Scottish Hebrides to try and overthrow Duncan. This explains why Duncan is so unhappy with him.
What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears?
valiant Cousin
What is Duncan’s reply when he hears Cawdor betrayed him?
Macbeth has betrayed the king and instead of being killed and stripped from his title he is promoted to king. Duncan replies that the Thane of Cawdor should be sentenced to death.
What is Lady Macbeth’s prayer to the spirits when she learns Duncan is coming?
What is Lady Macbeth’s prayer to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing? She wants to have every ounce of any feminine characteristics gone. She doesn’t want any kindness or mercy to stop her from killing the king.
How does Macbeth convince himself to kill Duncan?
How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan? Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to kill King Duncan by preying on his sense of manhood and courage. Lady Macbeth’s tactics work: Even though Macbeth is disgusted by his wife’s ruthlessness, he resolves to kill Duncan.
What four reasons does Macbeth give for not killing Duncan?
Macbeth hesitates because he has sworn his loyalty as a subject to Duncan, because he is related to Duncan (the bonds of family were strong), because he has been treated well by Duncan and has a good reputation, and because he thinks to himself that if the Fates have said he will be Thane of Cawdor and King (one of …
What line does Macbeth kill Duncan?
The audience does not see Macbeth kill Duncan any more than we see Macduff kill Macbeth later in the play. At the close of Act II, Scene 1 Macbeth says: I go, and it is done: the bell invites me. That summons thee to heaven, or to hell.
What two reasons does Macbeth give for not wanting to kill King Duncan?
His reasons for not killing Duncan include the following: Macbeth states that he is Duncan’s “kinsman” (13), suggesting a family relation and also that he is Duncan’s “subject,” thereby falling under Duncan’s dominion or kingdom—certainly good reasons not to murder him, as he says, “strong against the deed” (14).
Why shouldn’t Macbeth kill the king?
Basically, Macbeth would be violating every rule of gracious hosting by killing Duncan while he is staying at his home. You are supposed to protect your guests, not kill them. This is even worse when your guest is also your kinsman. Macbeth then goes on to praise Duncan, saying he is great and doesn’t deserve to die.
What are the pros and cons of Macbeth Killing Duncan?
What does he decide? ProsKilling Duncan will lead him to become king and he will achieve power. ConsHe says that when you do something evil, it tends to come back and get you He also says that as a host, kinsman and as Duncan’s subject, he should be protecting Duncan not trying to kill him.
Why is Macbeth conflicted about killing Duncan?
Macbeth hesitates to kill Duncan because he has a change of mind. He begins thinking about the fact that Duncan has recently honored him by promoting him to the position of Thane of Cawdor. Of course, Macbeth’s decision to not kill King Duncan is overruled by Lady Macbeth.
What mistake does Macbeth make after killing Duncan?
What mistake does Macbeth make after killing Duncan? He forgot to leave the bloody daggers with the guards.
Who is Macbeth’s friend?
Banquo
What is Macbeth’s profession?
Macbeth is a Scottish general and the thane of Glamis who is led to wicked thoughts by the prophecies of the three witches, especially after their prophecy that he will be made thane of Cawdor comes true. Macbeth is a brave soldier and a powerful man, but he is not a virtuous one.
What is Lady Macbeth’s true character?
Lady Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous and frightening female characters. When we first see her, she is already plotting Duncan’s murder, and she is stronger, more ruthless, and more ambitious than her husband.