Macbeth

Revision Guide

Literature Paper 1 Section A

The

Revision Clock

Name: _______________________________________________ Target grade:

When revising for your Literature Paper 1 Section A exam, the King’s English department encourage you to use the revision clock below. Indeed, this revision technique could be used when revising other subjects.

STAGE 1: REVIEW Equipment needed: Macbeth playtext, past essays, English book and any other notes you may have. You may also find useful information online. Select your chosen route for revision from page 6. Review your chosen route along with contextual information. Examine key quotations, annotating why they are important and what they tell us about the character/themes. You may also wish to complete a range of other suggested activities for your chosen route.

STAGE 1: Review PLAN ROUTE REVISE

STAGE 3: CHECK READ MARK SCHEME REDRAFT

STAGE 2: PRACTICE TEST KNOWLEDGE SET A TIMER ANSWER A PRACTISE QUESTION

Produce either:

A mind map

Table

Questions and answers Summarising your chosen route.

REMEMBER! When you are reviewing the plot, key characters or theme, passive techniques such as reading and highlighting have been found to be less effective. Instead, you should turn text into tables or mindmaps. Also, you can try to explain topics in writing or verbally and check for accuracy. Compiling questions and answers for each route can be helpful. These activities require thinking about a topic and are much more effective in the learning process.

STAGE 2: PRACTICE

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect!

Using the information you have revised as a starting point, plan an answer for an exam style response – using the question provided for your route. Write your answer in full, under timed conditions (50 minutes).

Over time, you should aim to time yourself, work in silence and without review notes. Cheating should be avoided as this harms your ability to strengthen your memory.

STAGE 3: CHECK Complete the self-assessment sheet

STAGE 3: CHECK Self-evaluation

Don’t forget to reward yourself after completing all stages of revision for each route Remember! You can always ask your teacher for further support and guidance;

we’re here for you!

Using the mark scheme, highlight where you have

achieved the AOs.

What level would you give yourself?

Why?

Area of development:

Redraft your answer / a section of your answer and seek to achieve your target.

Have you achieved your target?

What mark would you give yourself now?

STAGE 1: Review Some useful websites for revision of the plot and characters:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/english/macbeth/plot/revision/1/

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/quickquizhub.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzAujyWpK_s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfnUq2_0FOY

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/macbethps.html

https://www.rsc.org.uk/macbeth/about-the-play

https://www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeare/macbeth/past-productions/michael-boyd-2011-production/stage-footage

http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discovery-space/adopt-an-actor/archive/banquo-played-by-billy-boyd

http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discovery-space/adopt-an-actor/archive/lady-macbeth-played-by-samantha-spiro

http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discovery-space/adopt-an-actor/archive/macbeth-played-by-elliot-cowan

https://www.bl.uk/articles-listing?related_to=2b34c98d-f5bc-42e9-bb93-ad59b84c12de

Rank the statements below: the top one should reflect most closely what you think the play is about and then the statements should go in descending order.

Three witches have the power to destroy anything and do so.

A foolish man who is weak and easily led.

A greedy couple.

An evil woman who goes mad.

An ambitious man who feels hard done by.

A country plagued by enemies and unrest.

A weak King who doesn’t recognise his enemies.

A noble man whom bad luck befalls with terrible consequences.

List 3 key pieces of information you have found through using the revision websites:

Recap

Who is travelling with Macbeth when he first encounters the three sisters? a) Macduff b) Lennox c) Banquo d) Duncan What is Macbeth Thane of at the start of the play?

a) Scotland b) Fife c) Cawdor d) Glamis

What prophecy do the sisters give Banquo in Act 1? a) That he will be made Thane of Cawdor b) That his son will be made Thane of Cawdor c) That his sons will be made princes d) That his sons will be made kings What ‘sign’ convinces Macbeth to kill Duncan? a) An apparition of one of the Weird Sisters b) A nightmare about one of the Weird Sisters c) An apparition of a floating dagger d) The ghost of his dead father visits him

What does Macbeth accidentally take with him after murdering the king? a) The murder weapons b) The king’s crown c) The bible d) The King’s bloody pillow Which characters run away shortly after Duncan’s death? a) Banquo and Fleance b) Macbeth and Lady Macbeth c) Malcolm and Donalbain d) Macduff and his family What does Macbeth hire men to do? a) Protect him from assassins b) Kill Macduff and his family c) Find the witches so he can talk to them again d) Kill Banquo and his son

When he sees them the second time, what four things do the witches show Macbeth? a) A head, a blood child, a crown and a serpent b) An armed child, a bloody child, a crowned child

with a tree in his hand, eight kings followed by Banquo’s ghost with a mirror

c) Armed head, visions, crowned child with a tree in his hand and a battlefield

d) An armed head, a bloody child, a crowned child with a tree in his hand, eight kings followed by Banquo’s ghost with a mirror

Why does Macbeth have Macduff's family and servants killed? a) Macduff is not loyal and Macbeth wants to kill his

family as they could kill him b) Macduff is not loyal to Macbeth, and Macbeth is

angry c) Macduff is angry with Macbeth and he is afraid d) Macduff is not loyal and Macbeth is happy Towards the end of the play, which words best describe Lady Macbeth's behaviour in this Act? a) Confident, egotistical and boastful b) Ambitious, power-driven and determined c) Psychotic, unstable and melodramatic d) Obsessive, paranoid and unhinged Macbeth does not fear death at the hands of the rebels because he has... a) Extensive battle experience b) Faith in the witches' prophecies c) Little reason to go on living d) No awareness of the rebels' strength In the last scene, Macbeth fights to the death because he... a) is given no other choice b) thinks that Macduff can be easily defeated c) does not believe Macduff's claims about his birth d) prefers an honourable defeat to a humiliating

surrender

Key vocabulary

Ambition

(noun) A strong desire to do or

achieve something.

Chivalry (noun)

Bravery, military skill, generosity in victory, courtesy

to women

Cowardice (noun)

Fear and self-concern leading to putting yourself first.

Conflict (noun)

A serious disagreement or argument.

Desire (noun)

A strong wish for something or someone.

Duplicity (noun)

Deceitfulness; being two-faced.

Femininity (noun)

The quality of being female; womanliness.

Machiavellian (adjective)

Being cunning, evil and sly.

Masculinity (noun)

The quality of being male; manliness.

Monarchy (noun)

The king, queen and royal family of a country.

Paranoia (noun)

A worry that you are being persecuted or victimised.

Patriarchal (adjective)

A social system where men (particularly fathers) hold the

power and influence.

Prophecy (noun)

A prediction of the future.

Soliloquy (noun)

A speech given to the audience.

Superstition (noun)

A belief in supernatural influences which there are no

evidence for.

Tyranny (noun)

An unfair, unjust and cruel government or rule.

Usurp (verb)

To take someone else’s place illegally or by force.

Villainy (noun)

Wicked or criminal behaviour.

Hamartia (noun)

A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero.

Hubris (noun)

Excessive pride or confidence.

Catharsis (noun)

Releasing – and finding release from – strong emotions.

Route options

You must have already completed basic revision of the plot before you complete a route option.

1. Macbeth

2. Lady Macbeth

3. Ambition

4. Good and Evil

5. Supernatural

Route 1: Macbeth

1. Macbeth True False

Macbeth is a brave and loyal soldier

Macbeth is a fool to believe what the witches say

Macbeth is weak compared to lady Macbeth

Macbeth regrets killing King Duncan

Although Banquo’s ghost terrifies him, Macbeth

doesn’t regret killing Banquo

Macbeth rules Scotland by murder and terror

Macbeth admits to himself he is evil, so he is honest,

and not a hypocrite

Macbeth never loses his bravery, even when he

realises the witches have tricked him

Quote analysis

‘Brave Macbeth’ (1.2.16) ‘…Thou wouldst be great, Art not without ambition…’ (1.5.17-18) ‘This dead butcher’ (5.9.36) THINK! What do these quotes reveal about Macbeth’s character? Can you find any other quotes that demonstrate how Macbeth’s character changes throughout the play? Look at the things MACBETH himself says.

Act 2 scene 1 Macbeth has reached the point where he must decide whether he will murder King Duncan or not. Remember Lady Macbeth’s attempts to persuade him. What should he do? List the reasons for and against killing King Duncan below.

To kill King Duncan… To not kill King Duncan…

Can you put these reasons in order of priority?

Act 3 scene 1

Provide quotes from the text for each of the following points:

I. Macbeth speaks to the murderers about Banquo on more than one occasion.

II. Macbeth tells the murderers that it was Banquo that caused them to be so poor and out of luck.

III. Macbeth asks rhetorical questions.

IV. Macbeth taunts the murderers by challenging them to prove their

manliness.

V. Macbeth makes statements which the murderers can’t challenge. VI. Macbeth convinces the murderers that they must carry out the murder

rather than Macbeth himself because of important reasons of state.

MACBETH Act 3 scene 4

Put the events in the correct order:

A. Macbeth says he is going to see the witches B. Lady Macbeth tells the Lords to ignore Macbeth’s

outburst or they will make him worse. C. Banquo’s ghost appears. D. The murderer tells Macbeth that Banquo is dead. E. Everyone leaves except Macbeth and Lady

Macbeth. F. Macbeth drinks to his absent friend Macbeth. G. Banquo’s ghost reappears. H. Ross suggests that the Lords leave the table.

Would you let the audience see the ghost if you were directing the play?

Write down the similarities and differences of Banquo’s murder compared to King Duncan’s.

King Duncan Banquo Murder of a good man. A murder the audience knows about in advance. Macbeth had to be persuaded to do it. Lady Macbeth sorted out the practical arrangements. Murder of a superior. Macbeth did it himself. A mistake – bringing out the daggers - was made. The mistake was quickly put right. A murder committed to become King. Murder committed in the dark. A violent and bloody murder. Reported (happened offstage).

Which murder do you find most horrific? Why?

Act 5 scene 3

When Macbeth says ‘let them fly all’, who or what is he talking about?

Why does Macbeth say, ‘What’s the boy Malcolm? Was he not born of woman?’

What does he mean when he calls the English army ‘epicures’?

List four things that Macbeth says to the servant which refers to the boy’s whiteness?

What piece of news does the servant bring?

Which four things does Macbeth say should accompany old age?

‘How does your patient doctor?’ asks Macbeth - who’s the patient?

According to the doctor, what is his patient’s problem?

Why does Macbeth ask the doctor about his ability to remove painful memories and take away anxiety? Give two reasons.

How does the doctor’s comment at the end of the scene contribute to the mood?

Act 5 scene 4

Siward believes that Macbeth will stay in his castle and allow them to attack it. Why does Malcolm think that this is Macbeth’s best tactic?

Malcolm and Macduff are both victims of Macbeth’s murderous brutality. Explain how.

Act 5 scene 4

What do you think Macbeth is talking about when he says he remembers a time when noises in the dark startled him?

When he hears of his wife’s death, he says that life is meaningless. What does he say his life is like?

Why does Macbeth react so violently, calling the Messenger ‘liar and a slave’?

How, for the first time, does Macbeth begin to have doubts about the witches?

Act 5 scene 5

Let’s explore Macbeth’s monologue (5:5:18-27)

A. Why does Macbeth repeat the word ‘tomorrow’? What effect is

created? B. What alliteration is used in line 19? How does this sound contribute to a

depressing mood? C. Why is death ‘dusty’? What effect does this alliteration have? D. ‘Out, out, brief candle’ – in this metaphor, why does he say that life is

‘brief’? Why does he tell it to go out? E. ‘Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player…’ What effect does this

metaphor create? How does Macbeth feel about life?

Macbeth’s speech throughout the play

o What’s the difference between Macbeth’s public and private speech throughout the play? Why is there a difference?

Route 2: Lady Macbeth

Quote analysis

‘…Come you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here…’ (1.5.38-39) ‘Had he not resembled My father as he slept, I had done’t.’ (2.2.12-13). ‘All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.’ (5.4.42-43) Macbeth: If we should fail. Lady Macbeth: We fail? But screw your courage to the sticking-place, And we'll not fail. (1.7.58-61) THINK! What do these quotes reveal about Lady Macbeth’s character? Can you find any other quotes that demonstrate how Lady Macbeth’s character changes throughout the play?

Act 1, Scene 5

At the beginning of this scene Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband in which he tells her about his recent experiences. Read the letter on lines 1-12 and then decide whether the statements below are true or false. Find quotes to support your answers.

After reading her husband’s letter Lady Macbeth considers his character and starts to make plans. Continue to decide whether the statements below are true or false and remember to select quotes to support your answers.

Statement T

F

Quotation

5. Lady Macbeth doesn’t think that Macbeth will ever be king.

6. Lady Macbeth thinks that Macbeth is too ‘nice’ to kill Duncan.

7. Lady Macbeth wants her husband to hurry to her so she can encourage him to overcome everything in the way of the crown.

8. Lady Macbeth thinks that fate and supernatural forces have already determined that Macbeth will be king.

9. Lady Macbeth decides to make Duncan welcome when he comes to stay.

10. Lady Macbeth calls on angels to help her with her murderous plans.

11. Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth to show his true feelings.

12. Lady Macbeth expects to leave all of the planning to her husband.

Statement T

F

Quotation

1. Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth about his encounter with the witches.

2. Macbeth writes that the witches are just ordinary human beings.

3. Macbeth explains that he couldn’t escape from the witches.

4. Macbeth decided to tell Lady Macbeth about the witches so that she can rejoice in the knowledge of their future success.

Act 5 scene 1 In the reference column, explain which incident Lady Macbeth is referring to in her dream and give the Act, Scene and line reference.

Quotation Reference

Out damned spot! Out, I say!

Why then ‘tis time to do’t.

Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier, and afear’d?

Yet who would have thought the old

man to have had so much blood in him?

The Thame of Fife had a wife. Where is

she now?

What, will these hands ne’er be clean?

No more o’ that, my lord, no more o’

that. You mar all with this starting.

Here’s the smell of blood still; all the

perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this

little hand.

Wash your hands, put on your night-

gown, look not so pale.

I tell you yet again, Banquo’s buried; he

cannot come out on’s grave.

To bed, to bed; there’s knocking at the

gate. Come, give me your hand; what’s

done cannot be undone. To bed, to bed,

to bed.

Route 3: Ambition

‘That is a step On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies.’ (1.4.48-50)

‘Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires.’ (1.4.52-53) ‘I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other.’ (1.7.25-28) Can you create a picture for each of these quotes? Can you reduce each quote to one key word? Q. Why is ambition the most obvious theme in the play?

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Route 4: Good and Evil

‘By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.’ (4.4.11-45) ‘…look like the innocent flower But be the serpent under’t.’ (4.5.63-64) ‘…Mock the time with fairest show!- False face must hide what the false heart doth know.’ (1.7.81-82). Can you create a picture for each of these quotes? Can you reduce each quote to one key word? What is good or evil in the quote?

Which characters are good and evil in the play? Some will be easier to characterise, for those more tricky characters when, how and why do they change from good evil or evil good?

Route 5: Supernatural

‘The instruments of darkness tell us truths; Win with honest trifles, to betray’s In deepest consequence.’ (1.3.123-125) ‘I…begin To doubt th’equivocation of the fiend That lies like truth.’ (5.5.41-43) Analyse the quotes: who says them? What do they mean?

Act 1 scene 3

How is the language of the witches similar to Act 1 scene 1? What do we learn about the witches power in this scene? What 3 prophecies do the witches give Macbeth? Why does each prophecy make Macbeth feel secure? How does Banquo react to the prophecies?

Act 5 scene 1

Macbeth’s meeting with the witches in Act 1 scene 3 was accidental, this meeting was deliberate. Now, totally immersed in the forces of darkness he demands to ‘see’ the future. They respond and present him with a series of four apparitions:

1. An armed head 2. A bloody child 3. A child crowned with a tree in his hand 4. A show of eight kings, followed by Banquo’s ghost

What do these apparitions mean?

STAGE 2: PRACTICE

Essay question: Macbeth

Read the following extract from Act 5 Scene 3 of Macbeth and then answer the

question that follows.

At this point in the play Macbeth is under siege from the English army.

MACBETH

Bring me no more reports; let them fly all: Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane, I cannot taint with fear. What's the boy Malcolm? Was he not born of woman? The spirits that know All mortal consequences have pronounced me thus: 'Fear not, Macbeth; no man that's born of woman Shall e'er have power upon thee.' Then fly, false thanes, And mingle with the English epicures: The mind I sway by and the heart I bear Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear.

Enter a Servant

The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!

Where got'st thou that goose look?

Starting with this speech, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents

Macbeth as a hero.

Write about:

How Shakespeare presents Macbeth is this speech.

How Shakespeare presents Macbeth in the play as a whole.

[30 marks]

AO4 [4 marks]

STAGE 2: PRACTICE

Essay question: Lady Macbeth

At this point in the play, Macbeth has decided he will not kill King Duncan. He is just about to share this news with his wife, Lady Macbeth.

MACBETH We will proceed no further in this business: He hath honour'd me of late; and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon. LADY MACBETH Was the hope drunk Wherein you dress'd yourself? hath it slept since? And wakes it now, to look so green and pale At what it did so freely? From this time Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valour As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,' Like the poor cat i' the adage? MACBETH Prithee, peace: I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none. LADY MACBETH What beast was't, then, That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man; And, to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man.

5

10

15

20

Starting with this conversation, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as the dominant partner in this relationship. Write about: • how Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth in this speech • how Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth elsewhere in the play

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

STAGE 2: PRACTICE

Essay question: Good and Evil

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.

MALCOLM Macduff, this noble passion, Child of integrity, hath from my soul Wiped the black scruples, reconciled my thoughts To thy good truth and honour. Devilish Macbeth By many of these trains hath sought to win me Into his power, and modest wisdom plucks me From over-credulous haste: but God above Deal between thee and me! for even now I put myself to thy direction, and Unspeak mine own detraction, here abjure The taints and blames I laid upon myself, For strangers to my nature. I am yet Unknown to woman, never was forsworn, Scarcely have coveted what was mine own, At no time broke my faith, would not betray The devil to his fellow and delight No less in truth than life: my first false speaking Was this upon myself: what I am truly, Is thine and my poor country's to command: Whither indeed, before thy here-approach, Old Siward, with ten thousand warlike men, Already at a point, was setting forth. Now we'll together; and the chance of goodness Be like our warranted quarrel! Why are you silent? MACDUFF Such welcome and unwelcome things at once 'Tis hard to reconcile.

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]

STAGE 2: PRACTICE

Essay question: Supernatural

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 The weird sisters, hand in hand, Posters of the sea and land, Thus do go about, about: Thrice to thine and thrice to mine And thrice again, to make up nine. Peace! the charm's wound up.

Enter MACBETH and BANQUO

MACBETH So foul and fair a day I have not seen. BANQUO How far is't call'd to Forres? What are these So wither'd and so wild in their attire, That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth, And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught That man may question? You seem to understand me, By each at once her chappy finger laying Upon her skinny lips: you should be women, And yet your beards forbid me to interpret That you are so.

Starting with this extract, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents the witches in the play. Write about: • how Shakespeare presents the witches in this extract • how Shakespeare presents the supernatural in the play as a whole

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

STAGE 2: PRACTICE

Essay question: Ambition

Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 5 of Macbeth and then answer the question that

follows.

At this point, Lady Macbeth has received a letter from her husband telling her about the predictions the witches made.

Starting with this speech, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents ambition as the key theme of the play.

Write about:

how Shakespeare presents ambition in this speech

how Shakespeare presents ambition in the play as a whole

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

LADY MACBETH:

Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way: thou wouldst be great, Art not without ambition, but without The illness should attend it. What thou wouldst highly, That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, And yet wouldst wrongly win. Thou'ld'st have, great Glamis, That which cries, "Thus thou must do," if thou have it, And that which rather thou dost fear to do, Than wishest should be undone. Hie thee hither, That I may pour my spirits in thine ear And chastise with the valor of my tongue All that impedes thee from the golden round, Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem To have thee crowned withal.

Useful vocabulary

Dramatic Irony Conscience

Tragedy Tragic Hero

Soliloquy Remorse

Guilt Stage directions

Mood Tone

Sympathy Tormented

Manipulation Equivocation

Resolute Motive

Treachery Confidence

Ambition Manliness

Determination Insincerity

Influenced Strategy

Calculated Cunning

Sycophantic Betrayal

Loyalty Hypocritical

Integrity Corrupt

Dialogue Aside

Iambic pentameter Prose

Verse Stalls

Heavens