Act 5, Scene 5 – Lady Macbeth Kills Herself
Lady Macbeth dies. Macbeth hears that Birnam Wood is moving towards the castle goes out
to fight.
“I have almost forgot the taste of fears” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth is at first boasting and full of bravado – nothing can frighten him. However, his
attitude changes when he is told that his wife is dead.
“The queen, my Lord, is dead” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Lady Macbeth dies offstage – it is an anti-climax and shows how unimportant she has
becomes.
“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty place from day to day
to the last syllable of recorded time; and all our yesterdays have lighter fools the way
to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Macbeth’s language is sad and reflective. His actions have left him feeling that life is
meaningless. This shows that he is not a monster – he still has a human side that regrets
what he has done.
Macbeth describes life as a ‘shadow’ and ‘candle’ – it’s fleeting and unreal.
“Poor player” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Macbeth compares life to a bad actor – he sees life as meaningless.
Macbeth language, e.g. ‘petty’, ‘fools’ and ‘idiot’, reflects his bitterness.
“Signifying nothing” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Macbeth realises that all his terrible acts had no purpose.
“The fiend that lies like truth” – Theme: Loyalty and Betrayal
This is a turning point in the action – Macbeth starts to realise that the Witches have
tricked him.
When Macbeth finds out that Birnam Wood is moving towards his castle, he realises
that the Witches have tricked him. This shows he was too trusting of the Witches – it is
ironic considering his betrayal to Duncan, who trusted Macbeth.
“I ‘gin to be aweary of the sun” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth is tired ‘of the sun’ – he doesn’t seem to care if he lives or dies.
Macbeth decides to attach the approaching army – it is a brave decision and reminder of
the fearless warrior that Macbeth was in Act 1.
Lady Macbeth dies. Macbeth hears that Birnam Wood is moving towards the castle goes out
to fight.
“I have almost forgot the taste of fears” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth is at first boasting and full of bravado – nothing can frighten him. However, his
attitude changes when he is told that his wife is dead.
“The queen, my Lord, is dead” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Lady Macbeth dies offstage – it is an anti-climax and shows how unimportant she has
becomes.
“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty place from day to day
to the last syllable of recorded time; and all our yesterdays have lighter fools the way
to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Macbeth’s language is sad and reflective. His actions have left him feeling that life is
meaningless. This shows that he is not a monster – he still has a human side that regrets
what he has done.
Macbeth describes life as a ‘shadow’ and ‘candle’ – it’s fleeting and unreal.
“Poor player” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Macbeth compares life to a bad actor – he sees life as meaningless.
Macbeth language, e.g. ‘petty’, ‘fools’ and ‘idiot’, reflects his bitterness.
“Signifying nothing” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Macbeth realises that all his terrible acts had no purpose.
“The fiend that lies like truth” – Theme: Loyalty and Betrayal
This is a turning point in the action – Macbeth starts to realise that the Witches have
tricked him.
When Macbeth finds out that Birnam Wood is moving towards his castle, he realises
that the Witches have tricked him. This shows he was too trusting of the Witches – it is
ironic considering his betrayal to Duncan, who trusted Macbeth.
“I ‘gin to be aweary of the sun” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth is tired ‘of the sun’ – he doesn’t seem to care if he lives or dies.
Macbeth decides to attach the approaching army – it is a brave decision and reminder of
the fearless warrior that Macbeth was in Act 1.
