Macbeth (AQA GCSE English Literature)

He uses short, simple sentences to appear approachable to his subjects.

He speaks in prose to show his closeness to common people.

He uses elevated diction and iambic pentameter to convey his regal status.

He uses fragmented speech to show his nervousness about his position.

to honour their loyalty and bravery in defending Scotland

to encourage them to continue fighting against King Duncan’s enemies

to promote them to higher ranks and give them control over the kingdom

to persuade them to remain loyal to Malcolm as the future king

Duncan is ambitious and ruthless, while Macbeth is more passive and content.

Duncan represents a rightful king, while Macbeth is driven by unchecked ambition.

Duncan is suspicious and cautious, while Macbeth is trusting and easily manipulated.

Duncan encourages ambition in Macbeth, leading to Macbeth’s downfall.

It suggests that Duncan wants Macbeth to be his heir.

It increases Macbeth’s confidence, fuelling his ambition.

It makes Banquo jealous, leading to conflict between them.

It forces Macbeth to reject Duncan’s leadership entirely.

He believes that loyalty is always rewarded, so he cannot imagine betrayal.

He is an old and weak king, easily manipulated by stronger characters.

He trusts everyone equally, especially those who have wronged him in the past.

He refuses to listen to warnings from his advisers, leading to his downfall.

It strengthens Macbeth’s ambition because he realises he must act quickly to seize power.

It reduces Macbeth’s ambition because he respects Duncan’s choice.

It causes Macbeth to abandon his plans of murder, thinking Malcolm will fail as a leader.

It leads Macbeth to seek Malcolm’s approval to become king.

Duncan rules through fear and intimidation, while Macbeth rules through compassion.

Duncan’s leadership is based on trust, while Macbeth’s is rooted in manipulation and violence.

Duncan is more cunning and strategic than Macbeth in consolidating power.

Duncan uses manipulation to control his subjects, while Macbeth relies on trust and loyalty.

Duncan’s comments show that he is suspicious of Macbeth but is hiding it.

The pleasant appearance of the castle contrasts with Macbeth’s hidden intentions.

Duncan is unaware that Macbeth plans to promote him, creating dramatic irony.

Duncan is pretending to be friendly, but he is planning to imprison Macbeth.

Macbeth believes Duncan needs to die before he discovers his secret dealings with the witches.

Macbeth is driven by Lady Macbeth’s ambition rather than his own and lacks agency.

Macbeth is driven by his ambition to become king and sees Duncan as an obstacle to power.

Macbeth kills Duncan to protect Banquo from the witches’ prophecies.

His excessive ambition for power leads him to overlook Macbeth’s intentions.

His overwhelming trust in others blinds him to potential threats.

His desire for revenge against his enemies clouds his judgment.

His refusal to listen to his advisers causes his downfall.

He begins to lose sleep and withdraws from his duties as thane.

He avoids thinking about Duncan’s death and focuses on his plans to murder Banquo.

He hears an owl scream, and fears that the servants of his castle will reveal his guilt.

He sees a bloody dagger, pointing towards Duncan’s bedchamber, before he kills Duncan.