Macbeth Revision Lecture

Introduction

• Technical issues from last time have been resolved.
• Focus on last-minute revision tips for Macbeth.
• Discussion on exam strategy for literature paper one.
• Address rumors about potential characters in the exam.
• Tomorrow's session will focus on 'A Christmas Carol'.

Exam Strategy

General Tips

• Start writing immediately when the exam begins.
• Aim to use the full 52 minutes per question.
• The goal is to write as much as possible for higher marks.

Approach for Macbeth Question

• Read the question before the extract.
• Highlight key words in the question.
• Suggested structure: Introduction, two points from the extract, two from elsewhere.
• Writing in detail with chunky paragraphs is encouraged.

Alternative Approach

• Start with the extract.
• Link quotes from the extract to earlier and later in the play.
• Use a chronological approach if it helps with narrative flow.

Character Revision

Main Characters

• Macbeth: Noble at first, tragic hero, ambition as a fatal flaw.
• Lady Macbeth: Inverts societal expectations, dominant in the relationship, punished by supernatural hallucinations.
• The Witches: Influence Macbeth, control fate, flatter King James.

Minor Characters

• Avoid focusing on minor characters like Macduff, Banquo, or Duncan.
• Exam is likely to focus on main characters.

Themes in Macbeth

Ambition

• Ambition leads to corruption and downfall.
• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as cautionary figures.

Supernatural

• Witches influence and foreshadow chaos.
• Supernatural as a symbol of guilt (hallucinations).

Guilt

• Guilt shown through supernatural hallucinations.
• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s different responses to guilt.

Appearance vs Reality

• Nothing is as it seems; political uncertainty.
• Order is restored but with lingering tension.

Fate vs Free Will

• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth attempt to alter fate.
• Consequences of going against divine right.

Contextual Influences

• King James’s interest in witchcraft and divine right of kings.
• Patriarchal society influencing depiction of characters.
• Great chain of being and societal order.

Quotations

• Vaulting ambition: Represents Macbeth’s ambition.
• Unsex me here: Lady Macbeth’s rejection of femininity.
• Look like th' innocent flower: Deception and manipulation.
• Never shake thy gory locks: Banquo's ghost as divine punishment.
• Fair is foul: Witches’ influence and foreshadowing.
• Out, damned spot: Lady Macbeth’s guilt and punishment.
• Life’s but a walking shadow: Macbeth’s realization of futility.
• Dead butcher and fiend-like queen: Final condemnation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Final Tips

• Relax and write as much as possible in the exam.
• Use the lecture notes and model answers for efficient revision.
• Consider different approaches and techniques discussed for structuring your answers.