1. Macbeth, Act V Reading Guide

2. Ques. 1-4 1) The doctor thinks her sleepwalking proves her deep anxiety over something. 2)Shows guilt 3) Now, the psychological effects and remembrance of the murder will never go away. 4) They do not see her as totally evil. 5) Guilty consciences = “infected minds” 6) Feelings of guilt become so great that a confession may be made.

3. Ques. 7-12 7) Too much ambition is his character flaw…evil takes over his character and causes his downfall. (tragic hero). 8) The rude remarks hide his own fears; shows weakness. 9) The woods marching toward the castle; “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth” 10) Very agitated – seems like he is losing his mind. 11) Lady Macbeth. 12) Sick with guilt – emotional consequences of committing murder.

4. Ques. 13-17 13) Like a forest moving to the castle 14) Each soldier cuts a leafy branch as camouflage and when they move toward the castle – it looks like a marching forest. Scene 5 15) Puts his faith in the witches’ prophecies and will stay in the castle through the siege. 16) “taste of fears” and “supped with horrors” – He has feared and went through horror, so he has no fear of the army. 17) He has put on his armor to try to battle the British forces.

5. Ques. 18 – 22 18) Shows the pointlessness of his ambition in becoming king. 19) “a walking shadow”; “poor player”; “a tale told by an idiot” – theme of false appearance 20) Knows he is doomed, but will die in battle. 20) Knows he is doomed, but will die in battle. 21) The woods moving toward the castle. The prophecy is coming true. 22) Desperate – remain in the castle or die fighting. 22) Desperate – remain in the castle or die fighting.

6. Ques. 23-26 23) When the trumpets blow, the war begin 24) “None of Woman born shall harm Macbeth” 25) Like a bear whose chains limit its movement. 26) Macduff wants revenge for his family’s death vs. Macbeth’s selfishness of staying on the throne. 27) He feels guilty for murdering Macduff’s family. 28) As predicted, Macduff was not “of woman born” – Refers to the modern day C-section. 29) He fights to death even though he knows he is doomed. 30) He started out as a noble person, but fell on his tragic flaw (too much ambition). 31. Malcolm “Here comes the newer comfort” – Macduff with Macbeth’s head on the hilt of the sword.

7. Ques. 28 -31

8. A-H p. 387 – purple text A. Guilty conscience B. Macbeth is either crazy or a cruel and violent tyrant C. She dies as the enemy approaches – suicide D. Macbeth’s troops leave him, so he plans to allow an attack and then drive off the enemy. E. He is numb to fear and horror F. Life is brief, dreary, and meaningless G. Woods march to the castle; Macduff was “none of woman born” – C-Section; Macduff kills Macbeth H. Macbeth is beheaded by Macduff and Malcolm takes the throne.