Macbeth - Study Guide

William Shakespeare died in 1616. He leaves behind a body of work that many consider to the greatest in English literature. Macbeth is based on a real ruler of Scotland from the 11th century. This play is one of Shakespeare's most bloody.

'Fair is foul and foul is fair.' - Act 1 Scene 1 opens with the witches that seemingly govern the fates of Thanes. Scotland is at war with Ireland and the Vikings. King Duncan names Malcolm is successor. Lady Macbeth's ambition is shown.

'Is this a dagger which I see before me?' - Banquo and Macbeth are haunted by strange dreams and visions. Storms rage in the air at Duncan's castle. Macbeth does the deed. Duncan's maids are accused and also die. Horses eat each-other.

The witches have prophesied Macbeth to be king. He is. They have also foretold of Banquo's descendants ruling Scotland. Macbeth makes plans to have his friend, Banquo, assassinated. Macduff rides to England for help against a tyrant.

The witches work for the goddess, Hecate, who plots Macbeth's downfall. Lady Macduff and her child are killed to halt the progress of his bloodline. Macduff, Ross and Malcolm plot revenge on the usurper and murderer, Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth sees blood on her hands that will not wash off. Her avarice has been replaced by guilt over her role in the murders of Duncan, Banquo and Macduff's family. The three prophecies come true. Macbeth's final battle.

'Unsex me here', cries Lady Macbeth - one of the most interesting and atypical characters in literature. Other major players from the drama include Macbeth himself, Banquo, Macduff, Duncan, Malcolm and the Witches.

How do the major characters interact with each other in Macbeth. What once were friendships, oaths and allegiances quickly devolve to betrayals, revenge and murder. Prophecy and belief have a powerful effect on connections.

Like all Shakespeare's work, Macbeth is dense in meaning. The play tackles issues such as monarchy, fate, violence, gender, and power among others. This module provides a thematic overview of the drama.

Take this quiz to test your knowledge of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. The questions are in multiple formats and will ascertain whether you can tell the difference between a dagger and a bodkin.