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AQAEnglishLiteraturePaper1Macbeth

RevisionbookletMs.Gee

REMINDERIntheexam,youwillbepresentedwithashortextractfromtheplay.TherewillonlybeONEquestiononMacbeth–youMUSTanswerit!Thequestionwillaskyoutofocusonanideaorcharacter/sintheplaysoyoucanshowyourunderstandingofthewholetext.Youcanthenusetheprintedextractasastartingpointforevidenceandresponse(examinersexpecttoseewordlevellanguageanalysis).SPAGisassessedinyourMacbethanswer.Youareadvisedtospend15minutesplanningusingamindmap,30minuteswritingyourresponseandthen5minutescarefullyproof-readingitforSPAGaccuracy!

(Youthenspendthenext50minutesinthisexamwritingyourresponse

tothequestiononDickens’novel,‘AChristmasCarol’.)

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Macbeth:‘achainofevents’

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CharacterAnalysis:LadyMacbethLadyMacbethisthedeuterogamist(thesecondmostimportantcharacter)inthisdrama:thewifeofMacbeth,sheshareshislustforpower.OurinitialimpressionsofLadyMacbetharethatsheis,asMalcolmdescribesheratthecloseoftheplay,indeed“fiend-like”as,whenshelearnsofDuncan’svisittoDunsinaneherthoughtsturnimmediatelytoregicide.Withoutpause,shesummonsevil“spirits”andcommandsthemto“makethickmyblood”sothat“nocompunctiousvisitingsofNature”shakeherwickedintentiontomurdertheKing.Interestingly,inthissoliloquyLadyMacbethimaginescommittingtheregicideherselfassheaskstobewrappedintheblackestsmokeofHell“sothatmykeenknifeseesnotthewounditmakes.”Later,sheprivatelyadmitsinanaside:“Hadhenotlookedlikemyfatherasheslept,Ihaddone’t,”suggestingthatLadyMacbethisnotas“fiend-like”asissometimesargued.Certainly,sheisnotnaturally“fiend-like”orshewouldnothavesoughtassistancefromthe“murderingministers”sheconjureswhentheaudiencefirstmeether,eventhoughshewillinglysubmitstotheirwickedinfluence.ItisarguablethatLadyMacbethissubconsciouslyrepelledbythethoughtofregicidebecausewhensheispressuringherhusbandtocommitthedeedsheavoidsusingtheword“murder”;insteadsheemploysavarietyofeuphemisms,including:“thisenterprise”,Duncanbeing“providedfor”ormerely“it”.However,othersarguethatShakespeare’semploymentofeuphemismshereisquitedeliberateandservessubtlytoconveyLadyMacbeth’swily,artfulmanipulationofherhusbandandwhich,therefore,strengthenstheaudienceimpressionofherasbeingtruly“fiend-like”.However,oncetheregicideiscommittedandLadyMacbethbecomesQueen,thedynamicsofherrelationshipwithMacbethundergoesadramatictransformation.DespitehavingfulfilledherambitiontobecomeQueen,inanasidetotheaudienceLadyMacbethprivatelyadmits:“Nought’shad,all’sspent,whereourdesireisgotwithoutcontent.”Ironically,whenherhusbandthenentersherownfacebecomesamask,disguisingwhatisinherheartassheadmonishesMacbethforentertaininggloomythoughtswhichoughttohavebeenburiedalongsidethebodyofthedeadKingDuncan.Asherabilitytoinfluenceherhusbanddiminishes–hesimplyignoreshercommandtohalthismurderousplansforBanquowhenshedemands:“Youmustleavethis”–LadyMacbethbecomesanincreasinglyisolatedfigure.AfterthebanquetsceneatwhichMacbetharousessuspicionsbyhiserraticbehaviour,LadyMacbethtellshim:“Youlacktheseasonofallnatures–sleep.”Ironically,theaudience’sfinalimpressionsofherareinAct5scene1wheresheissleepwalking,burdenedbyguilt.Theboldfigurewhoinstructedevilspiritsto“palltheeinthedunnestsmokeofHell”isnowapatheticfigure,afraidofthedark.LadyMacbeth’sgentlewomantellstheDoctorobservinghersleepwalk:“Shehaslightbyhercontinually–‘tishercommand.”Theevilshesowillinglyembracedbetraysher–asitbetraysMacbeth–andproducesonlyanguishinplaceoftherewardsshehadenvisioned.OnthenightofDuncan’smurder,theirhandsbathedinDuncan’sblood,sheboldlyclaimed:“Alittlewaterclearsusofthisdeed.”Now,however,sheseemsunabletoridherselfofthestenchandspotsofbloodsheimaginescoverherhandsstill.TheDoctorfearssheissuicidalandclaims:“moreneedsshetheDivinethanthephysician.”

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Characteranalysis:Macbeth

Macbethistheprotagonistinthistragedy:atragicherowhosehamartia–thefatalflawinhischaracter-ishisambition,alustforpowersharedbyhiswife.Heisawareoftheevilhisambitiongivesrisetobutheisunabletoovercomethetemptation.Often,LadyMacbethiswronglyaccusedofinvitingMacbethtocontemplateregicide.Infact,afterhisencounterwiththewitchesinAct1scene3,Macbethhimselfconsidersregicidewhenhereflectsontheirprophecyandadmits:“Ifgood,whydoIyieldtothatsuggestionWhosehorridimagedothunfixmyhairAndmakemyseatedheartknockatmyribs,Againsttheuseofnature?”Heishereacknowledgingthatthethingheiscontemplating–usurpingKingDuncan’scrown-is“againsttheuseofnature.”Wrackedbydoubts,inAct1scene7ashecontemplatestheregicide,Macbethwaversandinformshiswife:“Wewillproceednofurtherinthisbusiness.”Unlikehiswife’swily,artfulavoidanceoftheword“murder”duringthisconversation,itisclearthatMacbethusesaeuphemismherebecausetheverythoughtofmurderfrightenshim,letalonethedeed.EvenwhencriticisedandchallengedbyLadyMacbeth,heretainsthemoralsensibilitytodeclare:“Idaredoallmaybecomeaman./Whodaresdomoreisnone.”Havingsubmittedtohiswife’sartfulpersuasion,MacbethkillsDuncanbutisimmediatelyplaguedbyhisconscience.Hetellshowhe“couldnotsayAmen”andofavoicethatforetoldsleeplessnessaspunishmentforsuchaheinousact.ThoughMacbethisinfluencedbyboththewitchesandhiswife,Macbethisnotcontrolledbythem.Hisstoryisoneofmoralchoiceandtheconsequencesofthatchoice.OnceDuncanismurdered,MacbethwithdrawsfromLadyMacbethandallsubsequentmurdersinthisplayaretheproductsofMacbeth’sownparanoiaanddesperatedesiretoclingtopower“onthisbankandshoaloftime”hereonEarth,knowinghehasbeencondemnedtoaneternityinHellforkillingGod’sanointedrepresentativeonEarth.HavingmurderedBanquoandMacduff’sfamily,Macbeth’sparanoiagiveswaytoamorefundamentaldisorder.InAct5wewatchashepreparestodefendhiskingdom–reducedtohiscastleatDunsinane–andheswingsviolentlybetweenfitsofrageanddespair.Evidently,hehaslostanyemotionalconnectiontohisfellowmen,declaresthatheis“sickatheart”andhas“livedlongenough”.Wheninformedofhiswife’sdeath,heiscompletelyunmovedandinsteadreflectsonthemeaninglessoflifeitself.Macbethisatragicheropreciselybecausehedoesnotaccepthisevilcallously;hesuffersforit.Inhisownwords:“Toknowmydeed,‘twerebestnotknowmyself.”

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CharacterAnalysis:Banquo

BanquomightbestbedescribedasaminorcharacterinthetragedyofMacbeth.Nevertheless,hehasanimportantfunctionintheplayandisconsideredbymanytobeaneffectivedramaticfoilforMacbeth.ItisthroughBanquo’sinteractionswithMacbethandhisownmotivationsthattheaudience–throughcontrast–gaininsightsintoMacbeth’snaturealso.Alikeinmanyways,BanquoandMacbethareequalsastheplaybegins:bothareScottish“captains”defendingDuncan’srealmagainstthemaraudingNorweyansledbySweno.Theyfighthonourablyandareheroicwarriors,riskingtheirlivesindefenceofDuncan’skingdom.However,afterthebattlewhentheyencounterthe“weirdsisters”onthe“blastedheath”,Banquo’sdramaticfunctionistodemonstratetoanaudiencethatthetemptationsofthewitchesmaybesuccessfullyresistedandthatMacbeththereforeactsfromfreewill.Banquoexpressesunshakeablemoralprinciplesandwarnshisfriendthatthewitchesmaywellbe“instrumentsofdarkness”who“tellustruths”inorderto“winustoourharm”andto“betrayusindeepestconsequence.”Banquo’sconcerncontrastsstrikinglywithMacbeth’sownsusceptibilitytothewitches.Banquo’sresistancetotheinfluenceofevilservestohighlightMacbeth’sfailuretoresistandforegroundshistendencytowardsevil,stimulatedbyambition-theflawthatmakesthetragedypossible.Promptedbyparanoidinsecurity,whenMacbethdecidestomurderBanquoheacknowledgesBanquo’sendearingqualities:his“royaltyofnature”,his“wisdom”andhis“dauntless”orfearlessnature.ThisresentmentofBanquo'snaturalsuperiority,togetherwithjealousyofhisdestinyasa“fathertoalineofkings”,motivatesMacbethtocommitfurtherwickedmurdersinthesecondhalfoftheplay,commencingwithBanquo’sandtheattemptedmurderofhissonandheir,Fleance.Banquo’sfateisdeterminedbyhisvirtue,justasMacbeth’sisdeterminedbyhisvillainy.

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CharacterAnalysis:TheWeirdSisters(Witches)

Theweirdsistersareanunholytrinity,atrioofmalevolent,supernaturalcharacterswhosefunctioninthedramaistoencourageMacbethinhisevilinclinations.Thoughtheirappearancesintheplayarebrief,theyhaveanimportantfunction.ShakespeareestablishesthesupernaturalthemeviatheirassociationwithdisorderinNature:theyappearamidthunderandlightninginagrimmeetingona“blastedheath”whichcontributesgreatlytothetoneofmysteriousevilwhichpervadestheplay.Likewise,thesupernaturalworldtheyrepresentisterrifyingtoanaudiencebecauseitisbeyondhumancontrolandintheplayitissymbolicoftheunpredictableforceofhumandesire,suchasMacbeth’sruthlessambitiontobecomeKing.Attheirfirstappearance,theweirdsistersstateanambiguitythatShakespeareweavesthroughtheplay:“Fairisfoul,andfoulisfair.”Indeed,thewitches’relationshipwithMacbethissoentwinedthatthefirstlinehespeaksintheplayisanechoofthisriddle.Hesays:“SofairandfouladayIhavenotseen.”Thedeceptivepicturesofthefuture–intheirinitialpredictionofMacbethbecomingKingandlaterintheriddlesgivenbytheApparitionswhichrisefromthecauldronwhenMacbethvisitsthewitchesforasecondtime–encourageinMacbethandLadyMacbethafalsesenseofwhatisdesirableandpossible.Themagicofthewitches,then,istheirabilitytocreatemoraldisruptionwhich,inMacbeth’scase,leadstohisdeathandsubsequentdamnation.Itisimportanttorememberthatwhilethewitchesmayhave“moreinthemthanmortalknowledge”,theydonotcontrolMacbeth.Theymerelyputideasintohismindonwhichhethendecidesforhimself.Heisthemasterofhisowndestinyandactsoutoffreewill.

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KeyQuotestorememberbycharacter:LadyMacbeth Macbeth Banquo Thewitches

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LanguageAnalysisPracticeExtracts

1) Atthispointintheplay,abloodySergeantisgivingKingDuncanareportaboutMacbeth’sbraveconductonthebattlefield.KingDuncanthenrewardsMacbethwiththetitleofThaneofCawdor.

SERGEANTForbraveMacbeth(wellhedeservesthatname),DisdainingFortune,withhisbrandishedsteel,Whichsmokedwithbloodyexecution,Likevalor'sminion,carvedouthispassageTillhefacedtheslave;Whichne'ershookhands,norbadefarewelltohim,Tillheunseamedhimfromthenavetoth'chops,Andfixedhisheaduponourbattlements.DUNCANOvaliantcousin,worthygentleman!SERGEANTAswhencethesun'ginshisreflectionShipwreckingstormsanddirefulthunders[break'],SofromthatspringwhencecomfortseemedtocomeDiscomfortswells.Mark,KingofScotland,mark;Nosoonerjusticehad,withvalorarmed,Compelledtheseskippingkernstotrusttheirheels,ButtheNorweyanlord,surveyingvantage,Withfurbishedarmsandnewsuppliesofmen,Beginafreshassault.DUNCANDismayednotthisourcaptains,MacbethandBanquo?SERGEANTYes,assparroweagles,ortheharethelion.IfIsaysooth,ImusttheywereAscannonsoverchargedwithdoublecracks,Sotheydoublyredoubledstrokesuponthefoe.

Q1:Startingwiththisconversation,explainhowfarShakespearepresentsMacbethasaheroiccharacter?Writeabout:

• HowShakespearepresentsMacbeth’scharacterhere• HowShakespearepresentshischaracterelsewhereintheplay.

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Thingstoread/think/writeabout:READthecharacteranalysisofMacbeth

• Thesergeant’sreferencetohimas‘braveMacbeth’andwhatitsuggestsabouthisreputation.

• ThesergeantremarksthatMacbethwas‘disdainingfortune’–laughingattheluckthat

Macdownaldhadonhisside–andeasilykilledhim.DiscussthesignificanceofthisinthecontextofMacbeth’sbeliefinthefortuneandfateaswellasthenaturalorder.

• Shakespeare’schoiceofmetaphorasthesergeantdescribesMacbeth’s‘brandishedsteel/Whichsmokedwithbloodyexecution’andwhatitmightforeshadowaboutMacbeth’sconductlaterintheplay

• ThesignificanceofthedeliberatelyunsettlingandgruesomedescriptionofMacbethkillinghisenemy:‘He‘neershookhands,norbadefarewelltohim,/tillheunseamedhimfromthenavetoth’chops/Andfixedhisheaduponourbattlements.’IsShakespeareintroducingour“hero”asablood-soakedkillerwhohasnoself-controlorconcernforhumanlife?

• Thefrequentuseoftheword‘bloody’inthissceneintroducesamuchusedwordinthe

play.Itisofnotetoconsidertheheavymention/appearanceofbloodintheplayevenoutsidethebeginningandendsceneswhicharesetonthebattlefield,eventhoughtherearenootherbattle-likecircumstances.isthisasuggestionthattheactionsthattakeplaceintheroyalcourtareasmaliciousandviolentasonthebattlefieldandthatbotharenasareasdangerousaseachother?

• Ifweconsiderthattheking,theinstructoroftheorderofthings,advocatesgruesome

fightinganda‘bloodyexecution’,doesthissuggestthatthisisaworldwheremoralityissecondary?

• ThesergeantforeshadowsMacbeth’sdeceptionwhilehepraiseshisdedicationtodefending

Scotland.Thisisanexampleoftheworldoftheplayasaplacewhereallisnotwhatitseems:‘fairisfoulandfoulisfair’.

• ConsiderhowtheinitialpresentationofMacbethasawarherowho,unlikethetraitor

ThaneofCawdorisabraveandloyalservantofKingDuncanhelpsShakespearepresenthisfallfromthisstateofvirtuebecauseofhischaracter’sfatalflaw.

• ContrastthisscenewithMacbeth’slatersoliloquieswhenconsideringtheactofkilling:‘Full

ofscorpionsismymind’and‘WillallgreatNeptune’soceanwashthisbloodcleanfrommyhands?

• TheendoftheplayseesMacbeth’sownheadbeingbroughttoMalcolmasheisproclaimed

King:isitworthconsideringifthereareanyothersimilaritiesbetweenthebeginningandtheendoftheplayandwhy?

• IsitsignificantthatDuncanisnotinthebattlefieldleadinghisarmy?Comparethisto

Macbethwhodespiteseizingthecrownthroughwrongfulmeansdefendshiskingdomfromthefrontattheplay’send.

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2) Atthispointintheplay,BanquoandMacbethhavejustmetthewitches.ThewitcheshavejusttoldMacbethhewillonedaybetheKingofScotland.

BANQUOGoodsir,whydoyoustart;andseemtofearThingsthatdosoundsofair?I'thenameoftruth,Areyefantastical,orthatindeedWhichoutwardlyyeshow?MynoblepartnerYougreetwithpresentgraceandgreatpredictionOfnoblehavingandofroyalhope,Thatheseemsraptwithal:tomeyouspeaknot.Ifyoucanlookintotheseedsoftime,Andsaywhichgrainwillgrowandwhichwillnot,Speakthentome,whoneitherbegnorfearYourfavoursnoryourhate.FirstWitchHail!SecondWitchHail!ThirdWitchHail!FirstWitchLesserthanMacbeth,andgreater.SecondWitchNotsohappy,yetmuchhappier.ThirdWitchThoushaltgetkings,thoughthoubenone:Soallhail,MacbethandBanquo!FirstWitchBanquoandMacbeth,allhail!MACBETHStay,youimperfectspeakers,tellmemore:BySinel'sdeathIknowIamthaneofGlamis;ButhowofCawdor?ThethaneofCawdorlives,Aprosperousgentleman;andtobekingStandsnotwithintheprospectofbelief,NomorethantobeCawdor.SayfromwhenceYouowethisstrangeintelligence?orwhyUponthisblastedheathyoustopourwayWithsuchpropheticgreeting?Speak,Ichargeyou.(TheWitchesvanish)

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Q1:Startingwiththisconversation,explainhowfarShakespearepresentsMacbethasacharacterwhobelievesinthesupernaturalpowerofthewitches.Writeabout:

• HowShakespearepresentsMacbeth’sreactiontothewitcheshere• HowShakespearepresentshisbeliefsinthemelsewhereintheplay.

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Thingstoread/think/writeabout:READthecharacteranalysisoftheWitches

• Macbeth’sdramaticreactiontothepredictionsdeliveredbythe“weirdsisters”.ItissostrikingthatBanquoobservesMacbeth’sfacialexpressionandaddresseshimdirectly(seelines1–2).

• Banquo’sremarktothewitchesaboutMacbethbeing“raptwithal”.Discussthe

significanceofthisinthecontextofMacbeth’sbeliefinthesupernatural.

• Shakespeare’schoiceofimperativeverbswhenMacbethcommandstheweirdsisters(twiceonline20andagainonline28).

• ThesignificanceofaseriesofquestionsaddresseddirectlytothewitchesandShakespeare’schoiceofdictioninMacbeth’sopinionthatthewitchespossess“strangeintelligence”.WhatdoesthisseriesofquestionsconveytoanaudienceaboutMacbeth’sbeliefin,andattitudetowards,thesupernatural?

• Considertheuseofdramaticironyhere,too.TheaudienceisawarethatDuncanhasdecreedthetitleThaneofCawdoristopasstoMacbethforhisbraveryinbattle.IsShakespearetryingtoshapetheaudience’sopinionofbeliefinthesupernatural?

• ConsiderMacbeth’sasideshortlyafterthefirstpredictionisrealisedwhenRossbringsnewsthatDuncanhasbestowedthetitleThaneofCawdoronMacbeth.Inanaside,Macbethreflectsontheencounterandremarks:“Thissupernaturalsoliciting/Cannotbegood,cannotbeill.”DiscussthesignificanceofMacbeth’suncertaintyaboutthesupernaturalbeinggoodorevilhere.

• ContrastthiswithBanquo’sverydifferentreactiontothewitchesandtheadvicehegivestoMacbeth:“Andoftentimes,towinustoourharm,

Theinstrumentsofdarknesstellustruths, Winuswithhonesttrifles,tobetray's Indeepestconsequence.”

• Macbeth’signoranceofBanquo’sadviceandlatervisittothewitches.Explainwhat

motivateshimtovisitthemandwhatthisconveystoanaudienceabouthisbeliefintheirabilities,givenhislaterboldclaimthathebears“acharmedlife”which“mustnotyield/Tooneofwomanborn.”

• ThefutilityandironyofMacbeth’sfinalcommentintheplay,toMacduff:“damned

behewhofirstcries,‘Hold–enough!’”inthecontextofhavingalreadysurrenderedhissoultothedevilforcommittingtheactofregicide.

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Macbeth

3) ReadthefollowingextractfromAct1Scene5ofMacbethandthenanswerthequestionthatfollows.

AtthispointintheplayLadyMacbethisspeaking.ShehasjustreceivedthenewsthatKingDuncanwillbespendingthenightathercastle.

TheravenhimselfishoarseThatcroaksthefatalentranceofDuncanUndermybattlements.Come,youspiritsThattendonmortalthoughts,unsexmehere,Andfillmefromthecrowntothetoetop-fullOfdirestcruelty!makethickmyblood;Stopuptheaccessandpassagetoremorse,ThatnocompunctiousvisitingsofnatureShakemyfellpurpose,norkeeppeacebetweenTheeffectandit!Cometomywoman'sbreasts,Andtakemymilkforgall,youmurderingministers,WhereverinyoursightlesssubstancesYouwaitonnature'smischief!Come,thicknight,Andpalltheeinthedunnestsmokeofhell,Thatmykeenknifeseenotthewounditmakes,Norheavenpeepthroughtheblanketofthedark,Tocry'Hold,hold!'

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Q1:Startingwiththisspeech,explainhowfaryouthinkShakespearepresentsLadyMacbethasapowerfulwoman.Writeabout:•howShakespearepresentsLadyMacbethinthisspeech•howShakespearepresentsLadyMacbethintheplayasawhole.[30marks]

SPAG[4marks]

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Thingsyoumightwriteabout:

• Theconnotationsofthe“raven”andheruseoftheadjective“fatal”todescribeDuncan’sentrancetoDunsinanecastle.WhatdoesitconveyaboutherimmediatethoughtsandreactionstoMacbeth’sletter?

• Summoningevilspirits.ExplainclearlywhatLadyMacbethinvitesthe“murdering

ministers”todotoherbodyandwhysherequeststheirassistance.

• Thefactsheimaginescommittingtheregicideherselfinthissoliloquy:shereferstotheweaponas“mykeenknife”.However,shedoesnotlatercommitthecrimeherself.Whatreasondoesshegivefornotdoingso,inanasidetotheaudienceinAct2scene2,lines15–16?ExplainwhatimpressionsthisprivateadmissionconveysaboutLadyMacbeth’scharactertotheaudience.

• ThinknowaboutAct3scene2,wherewefirstseeLadyMacbethasQueen.Inan

asidetotheaudienceattheopeningofthisscene,explainwhatfeelingssheprivatelyadmitsto,nowthatherambitiontobequeenhasbeenfulfilled.

• NowthinkaboutourfinalimpressionsofLadyMacbeth,inAct5scene1.Writeaboutthesignificanceofhaving“lightbyhercontinually”andhowthislinkstoherdesiretobewrappedin“thedunnestsmokeofHell”whenfirstcontemplatingDuncan’smurder.Explainalsotheironyofherconstantlyrubbingherhands,givenhercommenttoMacbethonthenightofDuncan’smurder:“Alittlewaterclearsusofthisdeed.”

KEYWORDVOCABULARY:trytousethesewordsinyourresponse.Checkspellingofkeyterms.soliloquyaudienceimpressioninitialadmissionambitiousfiendishdeterminedcallousironicsignificantasidesymbolismimperativeseuphemismslightimageryregicidesinElizabethanchainofbeingunnaturalmetaphoralliterationgenderroles/stereotypes

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Thingstothinkandwriteabout:FIRST–ReadthecharacteranalysisofLadyMacbeth.Highlightusefulpointsandconsiderwhereyoumightsynthesisethemintoyourresponse.

• CommentonLadyMacbeth’sviolentemotionalreactiontoMacbeth’sdecision.CommentonShakespeare’schoiceofimageryhere,whereMacbeth’s“hope”ispersonifiedbyLadyMacbethinascathingcriticismofhiscowardice(seelines6to9).

• CommentonMacbeth’sattempttoasserthisdominanceinthisexchange

(seelines17to19).Isitsuccessful?WhatisMacbeth’sviewofmurderhere?Howisitdifferentfromhers?

• Heruseofeuphemisms(onlines21and22)tocleverlyavoidhavingtousetheword“murder”,givenMacbeth’sannouncementinthisexchangethathewillnotcommitthedeed.Howdoesthisshowherdominanceintheirrelationship?

• ExplainhowthedynamicsoftheirrelationshipchangesonceMacbethusurpsDuncan’sthrone.ConsidertheirdisagreementoverMacbeth’splansforBanquoinAct3scene2.HowdoesLadyMacbethtrytoassertherdominanceinthatconversation(seeAct3Scene2,lines25to40)?Isshesuccessful?

• Ourfinalimpressionsofher:apitiable,tragicandtroubledwoman,frightenedofthe“dunnestsmokeofHell”shesowillinglyaskedtobewrappedinatthebeginningoftheplay.

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4) ThisisfromAct3scene1oftheplay.Atthispointintheplay,MacbethisnowkingofScotland.HisfriendBanquoexpresseshisprivatefearsthatMacbethwasinvolvedinthemurderofKingDuncan.

BANQUOThouhastitnow:king,Cawdor,Glamis,all,Astheweirdwomenpromised,and,Ifear,Thouplay'dstmostfoullyfor't:yetitwassaidItshouldnotstandinthyposterity,ButthatmyselfshouldbetherootandfatherOfmanykings.Iftherecometruthfromthem--Asuponthee,Macbeth,theirspeechesshine--Why,bytheveritiesontheemadegood,Maytheynotbemyoraclesaswell,Andsetmeupinhope?Buthush!nomore.EnterMACBETH,asking,LADYMACBETH,asqueen,LENNOX,ROSS,Lords,Ladies,andAttendantsMACBETHHere'sourchiefguest.LADYMACBETHIfhehadbeenforgotten,Ithadbeenasagapinourgreatfeast,Andall-thingunbecoming.MACBETHTo-nightweholdasolemnsuppersir,AndI'llrequestyourpresence.BANQUOLetyourhighnessCommanduponme;tothewhichmydutiesArewithamostindissolubletieForeverknit.

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20Q1:Startingwiththisconversation,explainhowShakespearepresentstherelationshipbetweenBanquoandMacbeth.Writeabout:•howShakespearepresentstheirrelationshipinthisconversation•howShakespearepresentstherelationshipelsewhereintheplay.

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Thingstothinkandwriteabout:FIRST–ReadthecharacteranalysisofBanquo.Highlightanyusefulpoints.Thinkaboutwhereandhowyoumightsynthesisethesepointsinyourresponse.

• Therelationshippresentedinthisextractisoneofmutual-butunspoken-mistrust.LookcloselyatBanquo’saside,wherehereflectsonMacbeth’srecentgains.Explainwhat emotion Banquo privately expresses here and what this conveys to theaudienceabouttherealityoftheirrelationshipasfriendsatthispointintheplay.

• Macbeth’sreferencetoBanquoasthe“chiefguest”at the“solemnsupper” tobe

held later the same evening – an ironic comment given Macbeth’s soliloquyimmediatelyafterthisconversationwhenheadmitsthathis“fearsinBanquostickdeep”,followedbyaplottomurderhim.

• Explain Banquo’s function in the play. Discuss the qualities that Banquo andMacbethhaveincommon.(Lookatthefirstfive linesofMacbeth’ssoliloquy,Act3scene 1 lines 50 to 55,whereMacbeth explainswhat those qualities are!) ExplainwhyShakespearepresentsthesetwocharactersasbeingsosimilarinmanyways.

• Now,explainthemajordifferencebetweenthemandinwhatwayBanquo’svirtueshapestheaudience’sopinionofMacbeth’svice.YoumightrefertothewaythetwomenreactdifferentlytothewitchesandtheirpredictionsinAct1scene3toillustratehowtheyaredissimilarinoneverysignificantway.

• You might discuss the significance and the irony of Banquo’s ghost honouringMacbeth’srequest,deliveredinthisextract:“To-nightweholdasolemnsuppersir,/ And I'll request your presence.” Plagued by a guilty conscience, the betrayer istormentedbytheghostofhisinnocentvictim.NoneoftheguestsyetknowBanquoisdead.Ironically,theguestsassumethatMacbethisbeinghauntedbytheghostofsomeoneelse, perhapsDuncan.Macbeth’s seeminglybizarre conversationwith“astool” incriminatehiminamurderandsoBanquo’s initialsuspicion inthisextract,that Macbeth “play’dst most foully” for Duncan’s crown is a suspicion nowentertainedbyalltheguestsatthissupposedly“solemnsupper.”

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Writer’sIdeas(AO3)TheseareallpossibleIDEASthatcouldappearasexamquestions.TryplanningresponsestowardsIMERCIparagraphsforeachoftheIDEASthatShakespeareexploresinMacbeth:

1) Shakespeareconsiderswhetherfate(destiny)orhumanwill(choice)determinesaman'sfuture.

2) Macbethcanbereadasacautionarytaleaboutthekindofdestructionambitioncancause.

3) Shakespeareexploresthequalitiesthatdistinguishagoodrulerfromatyrant(what

Macbethclearlybecomesbytheplay'send).

4) Shakespearedramatisestheunnaturalnessofregicide(killingaking).

5) "Fairisfoulandfoulisfair"isthewitches’mantra-echoedthroughouttheplay.Shakespeareexplorestheideathatappearances,likepeople,arefrequentlydeceptive.

6) Shakespeareraisesthequestionofwhetherthere'sanyrealdifferencebetweenkillingamanincombatandmurderingforself-gain.

7) Theplaysuggeststhatuncheckedviolencemayleadtoakindofemotionalnumbnessthatrendersapersoninhuman.

8) Macbethinvertstraditionalgenderroles–LadyMacbethisthedominantpartner(attheplay'sbeginning)inhermarriageandshefrequentlybrowbeatsherhusbandforfailingtoactlikea"man"whenhewafflesaboutkillingtheking.

9) Theplayisalsonotableforthewayitportraysfemininityasbeingsynonymouswithkindnessandcompassionwhileitassociatesmasculinitywithcrueltyandviolence.

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KeyQuotestorememberbyIDEA: Fateandfreewill

Ambition

Power/dominance

Falseappearancevs.Reality

Violence

Gender

NatureofKingship

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Context PoliticalShakespearewroteMacbethin1606.Itisimportanttounderstandthepoliticalcontextinwhichitwaswritten,asthatisthekeytothemainthemeoftheplay,whichisthatexcessiveambitionwillhaveterribleconsequences.Shakespearewaswritingforthetheatreduringthereignsoftwomonarchs,QueenElizabethIandKingJamesI.TheplayshewroteduringthereignofQueenElizabeth,suchasAMidsummerNight'sDream,areoftenseentoembodythegenerallyhappy,confidentandoptimisticmoodoftheElizabethans.However,thosehewroteduringJames'sreign,suchasMacbethandHamlet,aredarkerandmorecynical,reflectingtheinsecuritiesoftheJacobeanperiod.MacbethwaswrittentheyearaftertheGunpowderPlotof1605.WhenQueenElizabethdiedin1603,shehadnochildren,orevennephewsornieces.ThethronewasofferedtoJamesStuart,JamesVIofScotland,whothenbecameJamesIofBritain.HewasadistantcousinofElizabeth,beingdescendedfromMargaretTudor,thesisterofElizabeth'sgrandfather,HenrytheEighth.JameswasthesonoftheCatholicMaryQueenofScots,whohadbeendeposedandimprisonedwhenhewasababy,andlaterexecutedonElizabeth'sorders.BroughtupbyProtestantregents,JamesmaintainedaProtestantregimeinScotlandwhenhecameofage,andsowasanacceptablechoiceforEnglandwhichhadbecomefirmlyProtestantunderElizabeth.However,hisaccessionwasbynomeansapopularchoicewitheveryone.SincehewasnotadirectdescendantofElizabeth,therewereotherrelativeswhobelievedtheyalsohadastrongclaimandJamesfearedthatdiscontentedfactionsmightgatheraroundthem.AtfirsttheCatholicshadhopedJamesmightsupportthem,sincehismotherhadbeensuchastaunchCatholic,butwhentheyrealisedthiswouldnothappenconspiraciesdeveloped,oneofwhichwastheGunpowderPlot.GuyFawkesandhismentriedtoblowupJamesandhisparliamentin1605.Theconspiratorswerebetrayed,andhorriblytorturedontherackuntiltheyconfessed.Theywerethenexecutedinthemostbrutalfashionasawarningtootherwould-betraitors.Shakespeare'splayMacbethistosomeextentacautionarytale,warninganyotherpotentialregicides(king-killers)oftheawfulfatethatwillinevitablyovertakethem.PhilosophicalReligiousthinkersintheMiddleAgeshadupheldtheideaof'TheGreatChainofBeing'.ThiswasthebeliefthatGodhaddesignedanorderedsystemforbothnatureandhumankindwithinwhicheverycreatureandpersonhadanallottedplace.ItwasconsideredanoffenceagainstGodforanyonetotrytoaltertheirstationinlife.Afterdeath,however,allwouldberaisedinthekingdomofheaven,iftheyrespectedGod'swill.SinceroyalrankwasbestowedbyGod,itwasasintoaspiretoit.Thisdoctrine–aconvenientoneforKingJames–wasstillwidelyheldinShakespeare'sday.Althoughhismother,MaryQueenofScots,wasabeautifulandcharmingwoman,JamesIwasawarehewasuglyandlackinginthecharismawhichinspiredloyalty.Buthewasanintelligentandwell-educatedman,andespousedvariousbeliefswhichhefeltwouldkeephispositionsecure.Oneofthesewastheso-called'divinerightofkings'.ThiswasthebeliefthatthepowerofmonarchswasgivendirectlybyGod,andthusmonarchswereanswerableonlytoGod.AnyoppositiontotheKingwasanattackonGodhimself,andthereforesacrilege,themostheinousofsins.Theanointing

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ceremonyatthecoronationmadetheKingvirtuallydivine.AlltheStuartkingsstronglysupportedthebeliefintheir'divineright'toruleasitwasaneffectivesafeguardoftheirposition.TheyevenclaimedChrist-likepowersofhealing.InMacbeth,ShakespearealludestoKingEdwardofEnglandsuccessfullyhealingthesick:'suchsanctityhathheavengivenhishand'.QueenAnnewasthelastBritishmonarchwhoused'theQueen'stouch'inthisway.Shakespeare'splotisonlypartlybasedonfact.MacbethwasarealeleventhcenturyScottishking,butthehistoricalMacbeth,whohadavalidrighttothethrone,reignedcapablyinScotlandfrom1040till1057.HesucceededDuncan,whomhehaddefeatedinbattle,buttherealDuncanwasaweakman,aroundMacbeth'sownage,nottherespectedelderlyfigurewemeetintheplay.Inreality,Macbethwassucceededbyhisownstepson,notbyDuncan'sson,Malcolm,whocametothethronelater.TheStuartkingsclaimeddescentfromBanquo,butBanquoisamythicalfigurewhoneverreallyexisted.ShakespearefoundhisversionofthestoryofMacbethintheChroniclesofHolinshed,ahistorianofhisowntime.HolinsheddoesincludeaBanquoinhisversion,butheisalsoatraitorwhoassistsMacbethinthemurder.AsatributetotheStuarts,andJamesinparticular,ShakespearepresentsBanquoasawise,nobleandregalfigurewhoarousesjealousyinMacbethasmuchforhisowngoodqualitiesasforthepromisethewitchesmaketohimoffoundingadynasty.ShakespeareandtheCourtDuringthereignofQueenElizabeth,Shakespeare'sactingcompanywascalledthe'Chamberlain'sMen',anditisknownthattheyperformedforthecourt.AftertheaccessionofJamestheychangedtheirnametothe'King'sMen'asatributetohim.ThepatronageoftheKingandcourtwasobviouslyvaluabletoShakespeare.InMacbeth,ShakespeareseekstoflatterandpleasetheKinginvariousways.Macbeth,thecharacterwhousurpstheplaceofalawfulKing,isshownaslosingeverythingasaresult–hebecomeshatedanddemonisedbyallhissubjects,asdoeshiswife,whosupportshiminhiscrime.Banquo,whomtheStuartsclaimedastheirancestor,ispresentedinacompletelypositivelight.WhenthewitchesshowMacbeththefuture,heseesalineofkingsdescendedfromBanquothatseemsto'stretchouttothecrackofdoom'.ThisflattersKingJameswiththepromiseofalong-standingdynasty,althoughinfactJames'sfather,CharlesI,wouldbeexecuted,andtheStuartlinewastodieoutwithQueenAnnein1714.ShakespearealsoincludedotherenthusiasmsoftheKingintheplay.JameshadwrittenabookcalledBasilikonDoron,whichlooksatthethemeofkingship.Inthebook,JamesidentifiestheidealkingasonewhodoeshisdutytoGodandtohiscountryandwhoisalsoamanofspotlesspersonalintegrity.Intheplay,Shakespeare,too,exploresthistopic,withthecharacterofMalcolmrepresentingthetemplateoftheidealking.Inaddition,theidealisedportraitofEdwardtheConfessor,the'holyking'whohasthepowerliterallytohealhispeople,wouldcomeacrosstoacontemporaryaudienceasanindirecttributetoJameshimself.Jameswasalsoveryinterestedinthesupernatural,andhadwrittenapapercalledDaemonologieonthesubject.DuringhisreignasKingofScotland,JamesisknowntohavebeendirectlyinvolvedinsomewitchtrialsatNorthBerwick.Womenwereregularlyburntaswitches,andShakespearepresentshiswitchesunequivocallyaspowerfulandevilemissariesofthedevil.Inhisday,themajorityofthegeneralpublic,too,believedinwitchesandthepowerofthesupernatural,andthewitchsceneswouldhavebeentakenveryseriously.

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FurtherSampleExamQuestionstoPracticePlanning

Section A: Shakespeare Answer one question from this section on your chosen text.

Macbeth

Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play the witches have met and are now ready to meet Macbeth and deliver his predictions.

ALL(3witcheschant)Theweirdsisters,handinhand,Postersoftheseaandland,Thusdogoabout,about:ThricetothineandthricetomineAndthriceagain,tomakeupnine.Peace!thecharm'swoundup.

EnterMACBETHandBANQUO

MACBETHSofoulandfairadayIhavenotseen.BANQUOHowfaris'tcall'dtoForres?WhataretheseSowither'dandsowildintheirattire,Thatlooknotliketheinhabitantso'theearth,Andyetareon't?Liveyou?orareyouaughtThatmanmayquestion?Youseemtounderstandme,ByeachatonceherchappyfingerlayingUponherskinnylips:youshouldbewomen,AndyetyourbeardsforbidmetointerpretThatyouareso.

Starting with this extract, explain how you think Shakespeare presents the witches.

Write about: • how Shakespeare presents the witches in this extract • how Shakespeare presents the witches and/or the supernatural in the play as a whole.

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

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Macbeth

Read the following extract from Act 2 Scene 3 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play Duncan’s sons are considering what they should do to be safe after the death of their father, the king.

ExeuntallbutMalcolmandDonalbain.

MALCOLMWhatwillyoudo?Let'snotconsortwiththem:ToshowanunfeltsorrowisanofficeWhichthefalsemandoeseasy.I'lltoEngland.DONALBAINToIreland,I;ourseparatedfortuneShallkeepusboththesafer:whereweare,There'sdaggersinmen'ssmiles:thenearinblood,Thenearerbloody.MALCOLMThismurderousshaftthat'sshotHathnotyetlighted,andoursafestwayIstoavoidtheaim.Therefore,tohorse;Andletusnotbedaintyofleave-taking,Butshiftaway:there'swarrantinthattheftWhichstealsitself,whenthere'snomercyleft.

Exeunt

0.1 Starting with this extract, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents fear.

Write about: • how Shakespeare presents fear in this extract • how Shakespeare presents fear in the play as a whole.

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

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Read the following extract from Act 3 Scene 1 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows. At this point in the play Macbeth is arranging to have Banquo killed.

MACBETHBringthembeforeus.ExitAttendantTobethusisnothing;Buttobesafelythus.--OurfearsinBanquoStickdeep;andinhisroyaltyofnatureReignsthatwhichwouldbefear'd:'tismuchhedares;And,tothatdauntlesstemperofhismind,HehathawisdomthatdothguidehisvalourToactinsafety.ThereisnonebutheWhosebeingIdofear:and,underhim,MyGeniusisrebuked;as,itissaid,MarkAntony'swasbyCaesar.HechidthesistersWhenfirsttheyputthenameofkinguponme,Andbadethemspeaktohim:thenprophet-likeTheyhail'dhimfathertoalineofkings:Uponmyheadtheyplacedafruitlesscrown,Andputabarrensceptreinmygripe,Thencetobewrench'dwithanunlinealhand,Nosonofminesucceeding.If'tbeso,ForBanquo'sissuehaveIfiledmymind;ForthemthegraciousDuncanhaveImurder'd;PutrancoursinthevesselofmypeaceOnlyforthem;andmineeternaljewelGiventothecommonenemyofman,Tomakethemkings,theseedofBanquokings!Ratherthanso,comefateintothelist.Andchampionmetotheutterance!Who'sthere!

Re-enterAttendant,withtwoMurderers

Nowgotothedoor,andstaytheretillwecall. 0.1 Starting with this extract, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents the idea of Kingship:

Write about: • how Shakespeare presents Kingship in this extract • how Shakespeare presents Kingship in the rest of the play. [30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

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Read the following extract from Act 3 Scene 2 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows. At this point in the play Macbeth has arranged the killing of Banquo and is reflecting on the killing of Duncan.

MACBETHWehavescotch'dthesnake,notkill'dit:She'llcloseandbeherself,whilstourpoormaliceRemainsindangerofherformertooth.Butlettheframeofthingsdisjoint,boththeworldssuffer,ErewewilleatourmealinfearandsleepIntheafflictionoftheseterribledreamsThatshakeusnightly:betterbewiththedead,Whomwe,togainourpeace,havesenttopeace,ThanonthetortureofthemindtolieInrestlessecstasy.Duncanisinhisgrave;Afterlife'sfitfulfeverhesleepswell;Treasonhasdonehisworst:norsteel,norpoison,Malicedomestic,foreignlevy,nothing,Cantouchhimfurther.LADYMACBETHComeon;Gentlemylord,sleeko'eryourruggedlooks;Bebrightandjovialamongyourgueststo-night.MACBETHSoshallI,love;andso,Ipray,beyou:LetyourremembranceapplytoBanquo;Presenthimeminence,bothwitheyeandtongue:Unsafethewhile,thatweMustlaveourhonoursintheseflatteringstreams,Andmakeourfacesvizardstoourhearts,Disguisingwhattheyare.LADYMACBETHYoumustleavethis.

0.1 Starting with this extract, explain how you think Shakespeare presents deceitfulness.

Write about: • how Shakespeare presents deception in this extract • how Shakespeare presents deceit in the play as a whole.

[30 marks] AO4 [4 mark

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Macbeth Read the following extract from Act 4 Scene 3 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play Malcolm and Macduff have not yet heard that Macbeth has killed Macduff’s family. They are discussing Macbeth. Malcolm acknowledges that Macduff has good intentions.

MALCOLMMacduff,thisnoblepassion,Childofintegrity,hathfrommysoulWipedtheblackscruples,reconciledmythoughtsTothygoodtruthandhonour.DevilishMacbethBymanyofthesetrainshathsoughttowinmeIntohispower,andmodestwisdomplucksmeFromover-creduloushaste:butGodaboveDealbetweentheeandme!forevennowIputmyselftothydirection,andUnspeakmineowndetraction,hereabjureThetaintsandblamesIlaiduponmyself,Forstrangerstomynature.IamyetUnknowntowoman,neverwasforsworn,Scarcelyhavecovetedwhatwasmineown,Atnotimebrokemyfaith,wouldnotbetrayThedeviltohisfellowanddelightNolessintruththanlife:myfirstfalsespeakingWasthisuponmyself:whatIamtruly,Isthineandmypoorcountry'stocommand:Whitherindeed,beforethyhere-approach,OldSiward,withtenthousandwarlikemen,Alreadyatapoint,wassettingforth.Nowwe'lltogether;andthechanceofgoodnessBelikeourwarrantedquarrel!Whyareyousilent?MACDUFFSuchwelcomeandunwelcomethingsatonce'Tishardtoreconcile.

0.1 Starting with this extract, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents good and evil.

Write about: • how Shakespeare presents the goodness of Malcolm and Macduff in this extract • how Shakespeare presents good and evil in the play as a whole.

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

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Section A: Shakespeare Answer one question from this section on your chosen text.

Read the following extract from Act 5 Scene 1 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows. At this point in the play Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking, being observed by her Doctor..

LADYMACBETHThethaneofFifehadawife:whereisshenow?--What,willthesehandsne'erbeclean?--Nomoreo'that,mylord,nomoreo'that:youmarallwiththisstarting.DoctorGoto,goto;youhaveknownwhatyoushouldnot.GentlewomanShehasspokewhatsheshouldnot,Iamsureofthat:heavenknowswhatshehasknown.LADYMACBETHHere'sthesmellofthebloodstill:alltheperfumesofArabiawillnotsweetenthislittlehand.Oh,oh,oh!DoctorWhatasighisthere!Theheartissorelycharged.LADYMACBETHWashyourhands,putonyournightgown;looknotsopale.--Itellyouyetagain,Banquo'sburied;hecannotcomeouton'sgrave.

0.1 Starting with this extract, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as weak.

Write about: • how Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth in this extract • how Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth in the play as a whole.

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

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Section A: Shakespeare Answer one question from this section on your chosen text.

Macbeth

Read the following extract from the end of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play Macbeth is about to be killed by Macduff.

MACDUFFDespairthycharm;AndlettheangelwhomthoustillhastservedTellthee,Macduffwasfromhismother'swombUntimelyripp'd.MACBETHAccursedbethattonguethattellsmeso,Forithathcow'dmybetterpartofman!Andbethesejugglingfiendsnomorebelieved,Thatpalterwithusinadoublesense;Thatkeepthewordofpromisetoourear,Andbreakittoourhope.I'llnotfightwiththee.MACDUFFThenyieldthee,coward,Andlivetobetheshowandgazeo'thetime:We'llhavethee,asourrarermonstersare,Paintedonapole,andunderwrit,'Heremayyouseethetyrant.'MACBETHIwillnotyield,TokissthegroundbeforeyoungMalcolm'sfeet,Andtobebaitedwiththerabble'scurse.ThoughBirnamwoodbecometoDunsinane,Andthouopposed,beingofnowomanborn,YetIwilltrythelast.BeforemybodyIthrowmywarlikeshield.Layon,Macduff,Anddamn'dbehimthatfirstcries,'Hold,enough!'

0.1 Starting with this extract, explain how bravery is presented .

Write about: • how Shakespeare presents Macbeth and Macduff in this extract • how Shakespeare presents bravery/ brave characters in the play as a whole.

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]