* SET ONE

1. Is Macbeth a tragic hero according to the classical definition of the term or is he merely a monster? Does
Shakespeare succeed in creating sympathy for Macbeth?

2. The theme of “Fair is foul, foul is fair” permeates throughout the play. Explain what it means, providing
examples from the play to support your answer.

3. Lady Macbeth – discuss her influence and the ebb and flow of power in Macbeth.

4. Examine Macbeth's mental deterioration throughout the play.

5. Macbeth is about various kinds of murder (among other things). Does the play distinguish between
honorable and dishonorable violence? Can this very bloody play be seen as a plea for peace and human
harmony?

6. Discuss the use of clothing as a metaphor in Macbeth.

* SET TWO

* John Donne once said, No man is an island. This truism suggests that humans rarely act alone.
Behavior is often influenced and swayed by others. Discuss the relevance of this statement to Macbeth.

* The use and abuse of power is a dominant theme in much of literature. Using Macbeth, discuss how
power can corrupt organizations and/or destroy human relationships.

SET THREE

1. With direct reference to the text of the play, discuss the effectiveness of one the following patterns of
imagery: a) blood b) clothing c) darkness d) plants/garden e) animal.

* With reference to specific examples, show how Macbeth's reckless challenge to fate causes his downfall.

* The sleepwalking scene in Act V is one of the most memorable in all of drama. Relate this scene to the
overall play and examine what makes Lady Macbeth's revelation so provoking.

* "Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair" is a paradox, a statement that appears to be contradictory but actually
expresses the truth. Discuss this paradox in Macbeth.

SET FOUR

1. Compare and contrast Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo. How are they alike? How are they different?Is it
possible to argue that Macbeth is the play’s villain and Macduff or Banquo its hero, or is the matter more
complicated than that?

2. Discuss the role that blood plays in Macbeth, particularly immediately following Duncan’s murder and
late in the play. What does it symbolize for Macbeth and his wife?

3. Discuss Macbeth’s visions and hallucinations. What role do they play in the development ofhis character?

4. Is Macbeth a moral play? Is justice served at the end of the play? Defend your answer.