Here are Some Great Sources!

Macbeth Navigator

Phillip Weller does a nice job of collecting some rather reliable and engaging sources while explaining many of the subtle nuances of Macbeth.  http://www.shakespeare-navigators.com/macbeth/index.htm

l

Folger Shakespeare Library- 

The online source of Shakespeare. http://www.folgerdigitaltexts.org/

Shakespeare Online: 
A series of  essays and a good breakdown of the play
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/macbethresources.html

Macbeth Questions with Hyperlinks

Macbeth Final Questions:

1.) The fantastical and grotesque witches are among the most memorable figures in the play. How does Shakespeare characterize the witches? What is their thematic significance?  (Scenes to peruse: 1.1; 1.3;3.5;4.1)

2.)  Compare and contrast Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo. How are they alike? How are they different? Is it possible to argue that Macbeth is the play’s villain and Macduff or Banquo its hero, or is the matter more complicated than that?  (Scenes to peruse:  1.3, 2.1, 2.3,  3.1, 4.3, 5.7, 5.8 )

3.)  Discuss the role that blood plays in Macbeth, particularly immediately following Duncan’s murder and late in the play. What does it symbolize for Macbeth and his wife? (Scenes to peruse: 1.7;2.2;3.4;5.1)

4.)  Discuss Macbeth’s visions and hallucinations. What role do they play in the development of his character?  (Scenes to peruse: 1.3; 2.1;3.4.3.5;4.1;5.1)

5.)  Is Macbeth a moral play? Is justice served at the end of the play? Defend your answer.   (Scenes to peruse: 2.1, 3.2, 5.1, 5.3-9)

6.) Choose two of the minor characters in Macbeth and examine how they contribute to the play's action.  (Scenes to peruse: 1.3, 2.3, 4.3, 5.2, 5.4, 5.7)

7.) The witches tell Banquo that he will be the father of future kings. How does Banquo's reaction reveal his true character? (Scenes to peruse: 1.3, 1.6, 2.1 )

8.)  The theme of “Fair is foul, foul is fair” permeates throughout the play.  Explain what it means, providing examples from the play to support your answer.  (Scenes to peruse: 1.1; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 2.1; 3.1; 3.3)

9*.)   Discuss the use of clothing as a metaphor in Macbeth.  (Scenes to peruse:1.3; 1.7, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5,5)

10*.)     Examine to what extent Lady Macbeth is to blame for her husband's downfall. Discuss the relationship between the couple as the play develops. (Scenes to peruse: 1.5; 1.7; 3.4; 5.5)

11.)   Discuss whether Macbeth is truly a tragic figure.