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Macbeth Study Guide

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Macbeth Study Guide
Macbeth Study Guide
Macbeth Study Guide
Act 1 1. What reason can you think of as why Macbeth is first introduced to us through the witches? E.g.To tell us, that Macbeth was a good guy before he’s darkest wish has been prophesied or for tolled. We learn how Macbeth deals with the prophecy towards the witches have told him 2. Explain what you think is meant by the paradoxical: Fair is foul, foul is fair. E.g. Good is bad, bad is good towards the witches? Macbeth is a fair man who appears foul in the witches’ eyes, but when they tell him the prophecy’s and Macbeth turns foul (bad) he then appears fair towards the witches. Good and evil not so clear throughout the film. Everything iss turned upside down.
Scene 2 provides us with the views of Duncan, the King, and the bloodied Captain has of Macbeth. 1. Paraphrase the Captain’s description of the battle and the part played by Macbeth in the securing victory. E.g. Rebels looked like they were going to win the battle, but Macbeth and Banquo pulled through and after that fight they had also fight the King of Norway. Without them these battles would have been lost. 2. What impression do you gain of Macbeth in the securing victory? E.g. Noble, brave, loyal…. 3. The Thane of Cawdor was obviously a traitor. What does Duncan’s comment: “No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive. Our bosom interest:” suggest about Duncan’s former relationship with him? E.g. They were really close and he (Duncan) trusted him with his life. Now Duncan feels disappointed and angry… He didn’t see the betrayal coming. 4. Given the fact that Macbeth was first mentioned by the witches, the idea of fair is foul, foul is fair was introduced in scene one and that Duncan was deceived by Cawdor, to what extent are you prepared to accept at face value the assessment of Macbeth as brave and noble? E.g. Not much, because he puts his dark plans into action instantly….after hearing the prophecy’s, but before meeting the witches
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