macbeth

macbeth

1. actions

   • Somewhat reluctantly murders King Duncan, breaking the great chain of being
     • refuses to follow the plan after doing so- refuses to plant the knives on the guards so LM is left to do it instead
   • After meeting the witches with Banquo, curiosity gets the better of him so he goes to meet them again. With his newfound power, he believes they must follow his orders
   • chops off Macdonald's head at the beginning of the play because he was a traitor
   • kills innocents- women and children

2. who is he

   • complex character that undergoes dramatic changes throughout the play
     • for example, at the start of the play, he is presented as valiant and honourable whereas towards the end, he is an oppressive tyrant
   • supersticious- believed the witches' prophecies every time without doubt
   • At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is the thane of Glamis, who then becomes thane of Cawdor, to then finally become King of scotland

3. key quotations

   • 'my mind is filled with scorpions'
     • represents the corrupt Macbeth is filled with
   • goes from being called 'brave' to being described as a 'dead butcher'
     • highlights the dramatic contrast between the start and end of the play and who Macbeth has become