1. Macbeth Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.
William Shakespeare
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

2. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 5
What does the sleepwalking scene tell us about Lady Macbeth’s state of mind? Explain the irony of this change.
In Act II Lady Macbeth makes light of the murder and says that a little water will solve their problem of washing their hand (and guilt) clean. Now she is wandering the castle rubbing her hands to wash away blood that is only a figment of her imagination. Her inner confusion and disharmony engulfs her in madness. She had warned Macbeth not to dwell on his feelings of guilt because it will make them mad (II.2) This is the same woman who earlier in the play seemed (even more so than her husband) impervious to the suffering of others.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

3. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 5
List some of the specific events that Lady Macbeth refers to in her sleepwalking speeches.
Notes written and delivered, fear of lights being extinguished, gushing blood, Lady Macduff’s death, Banquo’s death and burial.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

4. Macbeth
Scene 2
Act 5
Two place names of significance are mentioned in Scene 2. What are they, and where have you heard of them before?
Birnam Wood (Act IV sc1), Dunsinane (Macbeth’s Castle first mentioned in Act I sc 5). The witches’ prophesies.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

5. Macbeth
Scene 3
Act 5
Why is Macbeth so cocky in Scene 3? What does Macbeth’s reaction to his servant tell us about him?
He still believes that the witches’ prediction is true and assumes that he will be safe. He does not want to listen to reason and makes fun of the servant who is trying desperately to help Macbeth.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

6. Macbeth
Scene 5
Act 5
What do lines in Scene 5 say about Macbeth’s state of mind?
He has caused such horrors that he no longer responds to the screams of women in a normal manner; he is devoid of normal feeling.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

7. Macbeth
Scene 5
Act 5
When the report comes that Birnum Wood is moving toward Dunsinane, how does Macbeth react?
Why doesn’t he give up right away?
He immediately thinks of the witches’ predictions and knows he is in dire trouble. He still believes that no man born of woman can harm him, and thus still has bravery.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

8. Macbeth
Scene 7
Act 5
What does Macbeth decide against in Scene 7, lines 36-38? Who is “the Roman fool” to whom he is referring?
He is alluding to Roman soldiers who would rather fall on their own swords to commit suicide rather than be taken as prisoners of war.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

9. Macbeth
Scene 7
Act 5
At what point does Macbeth realize that he has been tricked?
When Macduff announces that he was born prematurely and by Caesarean birth (therefore he was not “of woman born”).
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

10. Macbeth
Scene 8
Act 5
In the final scene, Macbeth at one point tells Macduff, “I’ll not fight with thee!” What changes his mind?
When Macduff threatens to capture him and display him as a public spectacle.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

11. Macbeth
Scene 8
Act 5
What does Macbeth’s last line tell us about his state of mind? Who will be the next king? Why?
It is almost like “playing chicken” in that he dares Macduff and does not want to yield without a fight. He would rather die in battle than go through the humiliation of being taken prisoner and put on public display. Malcolm…because he is the rightful heir to Scotland (he is the Thane of Fife).
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

12. Macbeth Scene 8 Act 5 What is the mood at the end of the play?
Hopeful. Malcolm promises rewards to his supporters and further restoration and relief to his people and invites everyone to his coronation at Scone. His speech suggests that law, justice, and stability have returned to the once-troubled country.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

13. Macbeth Discussion Topics
What aspects of the play reflect the “fair if foul” theme? Consider the following:
Macbeth’s Soldiers Macbeth Lady Macbeth The Weird Sisters & Prophecy
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

14. Macbeth Discussion Topics
What is Macbeth’s lament in his “my way of life is fallen into the sear” speech (V )?
He knows he will not have the honor, love, respect, family, etc, as one would expect at his point of life. Instead, he has curses and false honor.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

15. Macbeth Discussion Topics
What effect is Shakespeare creating with this sequence of short scenes that follow one another so closely?
Time is moving quickly. The pace of the action is picking up, speeding toward Macbeth’s death.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

16. Macbeth
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.