Macbeth Questions

Upon completion of the reading, please have them choose and answer two of  the following question in a journal entry.

1. Figurative Language. Macbeth has rich figures of speech - simile, metaphor, and personification.  Identify the figures used and write about their effectiveness in heightening the dramatic impact of the scenes.

2. Comic Relief.  Comic relief is a humorous scene, incident, or speech that is included in serious drama to provide time out from emotional intensity. It allows audience time to prepare for the next intense event. It often contrasts with the “heaviness” of the main plot. Discuss the porter/Macduff and Lennox scene. Include what it shows about Elizabethan audiences.

3. Characterization via Soliloquy and Dialogue. Early soliloquies by Mac and Lady Mac help you gauge their motivation. In Act II, Mac’s dagger soliloquy opens his mind to the audience. WHAT IMAGES ARE REVEALED? What is his state of mind now? Has he changed?  Soon after the murders of Duncan, the dialogue between the Macbeths reflects the impact of these deeds on them. HOW IS THIS DIALOGUE DIFFERENT FROM EARLIER CONVERSATIONS? How do their reactions differ? Who seems to recover more quickly? What does all this suggest about soul of each?

4. Imagery, Symbol, Character. Images of light and darkness recur; however, the image of blood dominates this act, along with a contrasting image of water. Blood and water, in fact, are ancient symbols. How dirty does Macbeth indicate his hands are? What does he mean? In contrast, what does Lady Mac say about dirty lands?  Why does her response seem Ironic when contrasted with Macbeth’s?