Macbeth Paragraph Answers

Answer the following in paragraphs with complete sentences.

ACT I:
A) When a play is performed, lighting, music, costumes, props and even how the actors
move are used to aid in establishing atmosphere. Summarize scenes four (I.iv)) and
seven (I.vii) and note what atmosphere you think is appropriate. Then note two things
that might be done in staging that scene to help establish the atmosphere.
B) What approaches or strategies does Lady Macbeth use to try to change Macbeths
mind about assassinating Duncan? Why does Macbeth finally agree?
ACT II:
A) In this play, Shakespeare often gives animals, objects or natural forces human
qualities. ChooseTWO (2) of the following examples of personification. Indicate the
letters of your choices and answer the questions.
a. Thou sure and firm-set earth,/ Hear not my steps, which walk they walk, for fear/ Thy
very stones prate of my whereabout (II.i.56-58)
b. Some say, the earth/ Was feverous and did shake (II.iii.60-61)
c. By the clock tis day,/ And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp (II.iv.6-7)
What is personified? What human quality is described? What ideas or feelings are
conveyed?
B) What does Macbeths dagger soliloquy reveal about his intentions and his state of
mind? Support your answer.
ACT III:
A) In Act III, Macbeth plots to murder Banquo and Fleance. What is his motive? What
are the direct results of the murder attempts? What repercussions occur later?
B) Explain what you think Macbeth means in this statement in scene i: I am in blood/
Stepped so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go oer.

ACT IV:
A) One of the most striking motifs in the play involves blood. Notice how each phrase or
reference below is used in context and note two ideas or feelings that are conveyed.
1) baboons blood and sows blood (IV.i.)
2) blood-boltered Banquo smiles upon me (IV.i)
3) bleed, bleed, poor country and it bleeds, and each new day a gash / Is added to
her wounds (IV.iii)
4) bloody-sceptered (IV.iii)
B) Using evidence from the play, explain how King Edward, as he is described in scene
iii, contrasts with Macbeth.
ACT V:
A) Various readers may have their own ideas about what was most responsible for
Macbeths downfall. For each of the possible causes common to traditional tragedy
listed below, tell how you would judge the importance of the causenot to all to
extremely. Then explain why you feel as you do.
- How important is Macbeths tragic flaw of excessive ambition? Why do you think so?
- How important are Macbeths errors in judgement? Why do you think so?
- How important is fate? Why do you think so?
B) What do you see as the theme of the play? Defend your answer.