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Macbeth: Final Discussion Questions

Macbeth: Final Discussion Questions. Prepare these individually. Discuss in a small group, and then as a class. They will become the basis for your thesis. 1. Macbeth – first impressions. What do we learn of Macbeth before we see him?

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Macbeth: Final Discussion Questions

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  1. Macbeth:Final Discussion Questions Prepare these individually. Discuss in a small group, and then as a class. They will become the basis for your thesis.

  2. 1. Macbeth – first impressions • What do we learn of Macbeth before we see him? • Some critics have complained that, although described as brave and noble, Macbeth never does anything noble in the play itself. • What evidence supports the view that Macbeth is not brave? That he is?

  3. 2. Macbeth – evil? • Laurence Olivier has said that he played Macbeth as an evil man from the beginning, only awaiting a chance to seize the crown. • John Gielgud, on the other hand, interpreted the character as a good man seduced into evil. • What do you think? Why?

  4. 3. Lady Macbeth vs. Macbeth • Is Macbeth or Lady Macbeth initially stronger in the intent to do evil? • How does their intent to do evil change throughout the course of the play?

  5. 4. Lady Macbeth characterization • Lady Macbeth has been played in many ways: as a temptress who uses sexual power over her husband to provoke him to commit murder; as a powerful personality who supplies the ambition Macbeth lacks; as an unstable character who cannot accept the consequences of her deeds; as a “feminine…fragile” wife. • How do you think she should be depicted?

  6. 5. Macbeth, the murderer • Discuss each of Macbeth’s murders after the death of Duncan. • Why must he kill the guards? • Why must he kill Banquo? • Why does he attempt to murder Fleance? • Why does he have Macduff’s family killed? • What does this last murder tell us about Macbeth’s character?

  7. 6. Fully realized characters • One critic has said that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are the only fully realized characters in the play, and that all the others exist only in relationship to them. • Are there exceptions? • Why would Shakespeare not develop the supporting characters?

  8. 7. Macbeth as a positive character • What good character traits does Macbeth possess? • How does Shakespeare bring these into the play in the last act?

  9. 8. Malcolm as King • Macbeth’s death and the crowning of Malcolm return order to the kingdom. • Explain how order is restored at the end of the play. • Compare this to other plays by Shakespeare that you have read (Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet).

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