The Story of Macbeth

Is Macbeth about the downfall of tyrant, or about a misguided man who is easily manipulated?  Throughout this site there are questions, ideas, and comments for you to respond to.  You can respond to any posts, and any comments written by your classmates.   Please be sure to use the text of the play to support your opinions.  And please. . . play nice!

 You must make a minimum of 20 comments–each one is scored out of five points.  If you write more than 20 comments, your grade will be based on the highest 20 scores.

L. Macbeth

Is she evil?

Blood

Blood is mentioned over 100 times in Macbeth. What are the most significant references to blood in the play? As a psychological symbol, what does blood represent for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

Sympathy

Is Macbeth a sympathetic character?  Do we feel sorry for him at any point during the play?

Scenes

Are there any scenes/characters who you think are unnecessary in the performing of the play?  Are there any scenes/characters you would alter or cut out entirely?

Is Macduff a Good Guy?

Many of us think of Macduff as the “hero” of the play.  He kills Macbeth and, in theory, restores order to Scotland. 

 However, is he truly good?  Does he have any flaws/shortcomings that we are willing to overlook because of his heroic actions at the end of the play?

A Tragic Flaw

TRAGIC FLAW: the defect of character that brings about the main character’s downfall in a tragedy 

 A tragic hero is one who’s downfall is caused by a moral weakness or flaw that leads him to his tragic (and unavoidable) destiny.  Does this describe Macbeth?

Justice

Is Macbeth a moral play? Is justice served at the end of the play?  In other words, does everyone get what they deserve?  Have the many deaths (Duncan, Banquo, the Macduff family) been avenged?

Ambition

If one of the main themes of Macbeth is ambition, whose ambition is the driving force of the play—Macbeth’s, Lady Macbeth’s, or both?

Violence

Most violence is done off stage, however there are few key moments on stage: The murder of Banquo, the murder of Macduff’s son, and the death of Macbeth (he dies on stage, and his head is removed offstage). 

Why are these moments shown and others are not?  For example: Duncan’s murder is a pretty big deal, why isn’t that shown on stage?  The boy’s death seems minor in comparison.