Macbeth (AQA GCSE English Literature)

It shows the tension between his ambition and his loyalty to the king.

It demonstrates his complete disregard for morality.

It shows his immediate willingness to pursue power by any means.

It indicates his fear of Lady Macbeth’s disapproval.

to show that he is completely insane

to reflect his overwhelming guilt and moral turmoil

to suggest that he is under the witches' control

to indicate that he is losing faith in his actions

Macbeth becomes more independent and secretive, leaving Lady Macbeth isolated.

Lady Macbeth gains more power as Macbeth relies on her.

Macbeth becomes increasingly devoted to Lady Macbeth, seeking her approval.

Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s bond strengthens as they plot together.

It highlights his growing independence and reliance on dark forces over his wife’s influence.

It shows his increasing reliance on Lady Macbeth’s advice.

It suggests that Macbeth has fully given up on his ambition.

It indicates that Macbeth seeks approval from Lady Macbeth for his actions.

It shows his unwillingness to accept the witches’ prophecies.

It reflects his fear of Banquo becoming king.

It demonstrates Macbeth’s desire to appease Lady Macbeth.

It shows that Macbeth is willing to murder even his closest friends to secure his power.

He seeks vengeance for her death, blaming his enemies.

He becomes nihilistic, seeing life as meaningless.

He is consumed by grief and despair.

He plans to abandon his throne in her memory.

It strengthens his relationship with Lady Macbeth.

It provokes Macduff to seek revenge, leading to Macbeth’s downfall.

It ensures his safety from Macduff.

It is a strategic mistake that strengthens his enemies.

It demonstrates his cowardice and fear of death.

It shows his regret and desire for redemption.

It confirms his desire to die as a warrior, even in defeat.

It illustrates his wish to surrender and escape his fate.

Macbeth’s ambition is completely driven by the witches’ influence.

Macbeth’s ambition is tempered by his conscience, which limits its destructive impact.

Macbeth’s ambition destroys him by blinding him to the consequences of his actions.

Macbeth’s ambition only contributes partially to his downfall.

Macbeth’s guilt over his actions fuels his paranoia and leads to further violence.

The witches’ prophecies directly cause Macbeth’s paranoia by manipulating his mind.

Macbeth’s paranoia is exaggerated and unjustified, as most threats are imaginary.

His paranoia is purely a result of political pressure and the fear of losing power.

his initial murder of King Duncan, which shows his willingness to betray for power

his ordering of the murder of Macduff’s family, which shows cruelty without justification

his refusal to confide in Lady Macbeth, which shows his growing isolation

his decision to consult the witches again, which shows his reliance on the supernatural

Macbeth retains some sympathy because he is ultimately a tragic hero consumed by ambition.

Macbeth deserves no sympathy because his actions are purely evil and selfish.

Macbeth deserves sympathy because he was manipulated by external forces.

Macbeth should be sympathised with because his death restores the natural order of society.