Macbeth Analysis Sheet

The story of Macbeth is based on a true story. However, it is not based on one person in history; it is actually a blend of two.

Raphael Holinshed, an Elizabethan historian, wrote Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland, which was the text Shakespeare used to create the character, Macbeth. He used two separate sections of Holinshed’s works, blending two different kings: Donwald, who was influenced by his wife to kill King Duff, a guest in his castle at the time who blamed his drunken chamberlains, and Makbeth, who murdered Kind Duncan, a king whose rule was so weak that there were outbreaks of violence and rebellion.

Donwald was said, by Holinshed, to have believed a witch (whom he trusted dearly), that he could not be killed be any man born by a woman and nor until the wood of Bernane moves to Dunsinane castle. This caused him to do many outrageous things and greedily oppress his subjects.

Makbeth however, plotted with his friends to kill King Duncan. His closest friend, and accomplice in the assassination, was Banquo.

1.  Why might Shakespeare have made these changes to his character, Macbeth, blending two historical figures together? What do you think he was trying to prove in this combination?

2.  Copy the following table into your workbooks and complete.

Theme/ issue / Key Scene / Characters involved / Images/ metaphors/ Vocab / Quotes
Fate/Destiny / Predetermined
Able to be altered
Supernatural / Influences
Presence
Greed
Murder / Death and destruction
Hatred and revenge
Jealousy
Persuasion/Manipulation
Ambition
Moral choice

3.  Translate the following quotes from Macbeth into your own words:

A) The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step

On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap,

For in my way it lies. Stars, hides your fires,

Let not light see my black and deep desires…

(Act 1, Scene 4, Lines 48-51)

B) To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself.

Knock within

Wake Duncan with thy knocking: I would thou

couldst.

(Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 76-77)

4.  Macbeth’s demeanour changes dramatically throughout the play. Complete the following table to pinpoint where, when and how these changes occur.

Macbeth’s demeanour / Key scenes/events / Quotes
Not wanting to kill
Resigned to killing Duncan
Happy to kill others to secure kingship
Resigned to his own fate

5.  Find at least three (3) quotes for each character which best exemplify their position in the play.

a.  Macbeth

b.  Lady Macbeth

c.  Banquo

d.  Macduff

e.  Malcolm

f.  Duncan

6.  The supernatural is a prominent theme throughout Macbeth. Complete the following table to map how supernatural elements affect Macbeth, fate and moral choice.

Effects of the supernatural on:
Macbeth / Fate / Moral choice