Macbeth ~ Act Five - Study Guide

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Answer all the questions IN DETAIL - Due April 1,2008

ACT FIVE - SCENE 1: (Macbeth's Castle - Dunsinane)

1. What visions plague Lady Macbeth?

2. How does Lady Macbeth's condition differ from Macbeth's at this time?

ACT FIVE - SCENE 2: (The countryside near Dunsinane)

Briefly explain the conversation of these Scottish noblemen, Menteith, Caithness, Angus and Lennox.

ACT FIVE - SCENE 3: (Macbeth's Castle - Dunsinane)

1. What does Macbeth's opening speech reveal to us?

2. What does Macbeth's speech to Seyton reveal to us?

3. What does Macbeth resolve to do? Why?

ACT FIVE - SCENE 4: (Birnam Woods)

1. What news does Seyton bring Macbeth?

The final soliloquy of Macbeth is one of the most famous passages of this tragic drama. (to be memorized)

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrowCreeps in this petty pace from day to dayTo the last syllable of recorded time;And all our yesterdays have lighted foolsThe way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle.'Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a taleTold by an idiot, full of sound and fury,Signifying nothing.

2. list four things to which Macbeth compares life

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

3. How does Macbeth express the span of life?

1. A
2. B
3. C

4. How does he express the futility of life?

ACT FIVE - SCENE 6: (Dunsinane - outside of Macbeth's Castle)

1. What is happening here?

ACT FIVE - SCENE 7: (within the castle walls)

1. Explain the action in this final scene and Malcolm's speech at the end.