Macbeth: Final Discussion Questions Prepare these individually. Discuss in a small group, and then as a class. They will become the basis for your thesis.

1. Macbeth – first impressions What do we learn of Macbeth before we see him? Some critics have complained that, although described as brave and noble, Macbeth never does anything noble in the play itself. What evidence supports the view that Macbeth is not brave? That he is?

2. Macbeth – evil? Laurence Olivier has said that he played Macbeth as an evil man from the beginning, only awaiting a chance to seize the crown. John Gielgud, on the other hand, interpreted the character as a good man seduced into evil. What do you think? Why?

3. Lady Macbeth vs. Macbeth Is Macbeth or Lady Macbeth initially stronger in the intent to do evil? How does their intent to do evil change throughout the course of the play?

4. Lady Macbeth characterization Lady Macbeth has been played in many ways: as a temptress who uses sexual power over her husband to provoke him to commit murder; as a powerful personality who supplies the ambition Macbeth lacks; as an unstable character who cannot accept the consequences of her deeds; as a “feminine…fragile” wife. How do you think she should be depicted?

5. Macbeth, the murderer Discuss each of Macbeth’s murders after the death of Duncan. Why must he kill the guards? Why must he kill Banquo? Why does he attempt to murder Fleance? Why does he have Macduff’s family killed? What does this last murder tell us about Macbeth’s character?

6. Fully realized characters One critic has said that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are the only fully realized characters in the play, and that all the others exist only in relationship to them. Are there exceptions? Why would Shakespeare not develop the supporting characters?

7. Macbeth as a positive character What good character traits does Macbeth possess? How does Shakespeare bring these into the play in the last act?

8. Malcolm as King Macbeth’s death and the crowning of Malcolm return order to the kingdom. Explain how order is restored at the end of the play. Compare this to other plays by Shakespeare that you have read (Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet).