Act 5 Macbeth Study Guide

What do the doctor and the gentlewoman see Lady Macbeth doing? What do they decide to do? What is Lady Macbeth’s mental state in Scene 1? Lady Macbeth is sleep-walking; trying to wash blood from her hands – “Out, out damn spot.” She recounts all the murders they are responsible for- insane Speaks to no one, including her husband
What are conditions in Scotland? Scotland – out of control, starving people, murdering, stealing, no laws.
What is Macbeth’s mood in Scene 3? Remains confident because of witches’ prophecies
What trick does Malcolm use to hide the number of men in his army? What is the importance of the camouflage in Scene 4? 10,000 men – cut a branch from a tree in Birnam Wood – and use it to camouflage themselves and their numbers. Birnam Wood is marching to Dunsinane – witches’ prophecy is coming true
What does Malcolm explain about the state of Macbeth’s armies? Many of his men have gone over to Malcolm’s side; the ones who have stayed with Macbeth are there because of fear – they cannot possibly fight their best because their hearts are not in it – they no longer support the king, Macbeth
What is Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death? “Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is here no more.”
What is the importance of Malcolm’s speech in Scene 6? Malcolm – great leader – war strategy – (been trained to take this role; he has watched and learned from his father) – his men trust him – he asks nothing of his men that he is not willing to do. Remember to add: Malcolm tests Macduff to see if he is still loyal to Macbeth – intelligent and clever – strategy with the branches as they move in to take Macbeth.
What is Macbeth’s reaction to the news that Birnam Wood is moving? He is somewhat sorry about all that he has done. He knows the witches have mislead him. – the witches’ prophecy is coming true
Who first fights Macbeth? What happens? Young Siward runs into Macbeth first – challenges Macbeth -perfect example of young warrior – believes he is invincible.
What is Young Siward’s reaction to the name Macbeth? Why is it important that Young Siward die with wounds to the front chest? Even the devil – is better than Macbeth – worse comparison possible. Wounds are in his chest – shows that he went down fighting – did not run.
What excuse does Macbeth give Macduff for not wanting to fight him? Macbeth tells Macduff that he has killed too many in his family already. “My soul is too much charged with blood of thine already.”
How does Macduff reveal Macbeth’s doom? Macduff reveals that he was not born naturally – he was ripped from his mother’s womb.
How does Macbeth die? Macduff kills him in a sword fight and cuts his head off.
Who will be the new king of Scotland? What is the significance of Malcolm’s ascension? Malcolm is placed on the throne where he takes his rightly position.