Post your comments below the question.

Respond to other posts positively and respectfully.

Stay close to the text.

Add links and pictures to make your case.

Put your name under your comments.

Ask your own questions and invite comment.

Macbeth wonders at the "supernatutal solicitings" of the Weird Sisters, but are their predictions so "supernatural"? An up-and-coming "man to watch" just saves the kingdom by winning two battles and killing a dangerous rebel. Does he need a prophecy to tell him he's up for a promotion? So, if these Weird Sisters are not "supernatural," then what are they?

If Macbeth is a study of kingship and the traits a good king must possess (and it is), then evaluate Duncan as a king. Is he the exemplum that Shakespeare is holding up for emulation? (Come back to this question after finishing the play.)

What are the implications of being "unsexed"? (talk about microcosm / macrocosm) when you answer this one.

Based on Act 1 scene 7, describe and evaluate The Macbeths as a married couple.

 Based on Act 1 scene 7, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth do not even resemble a married couple to me.  They have no communication whatsoever and seem to lead parallel lives, never interferring with one another or collaborating on anything.  In this specific scene, they are plotting to kill Duncan.  At one point, (lines 39-45) Lady Macbeth is accusing Macbeth of being a coward and tells him he plots great ideas but never has the guts to go through with them.  In the next couple lines she even accuses him of not being a man about it!  To me, this does not seem like the kind of relationship a married couple should be in.  She certainly does not support Macbeth or do her duty as the "partner in crime".  Here's my question: do you think Lady Macbeth feels threatened by Macbeth, so that is why she is putting on a tough exterior and/or feels she cannot live up to his expectations as his partner?

Emily Mulhern

Lady Macbeth confesses to herself that she would have killed Duncan herself if it weren't for his resemblance to her father. What does this offhand comment reveal about Lady Macbeth? How does that comment affect your reaction to the "unsex me" soliloquy in 1.5?

Why are they killing Duncan? Shouldn't they be killing Malcolm?

How does the phrase "restless ecstasy" (3.2) describe Macbeth as a character? Consider connotations, metaphor, and paradox.

You are the director of a production of Macbeth. You are staging Act 3 scene 4. Do you have the actor playing Banquo enter as a ghost, or do you play it with Macbeth addressing an empty chair? Which is better theater? Why? (I know the stage directions indicate that Banquo enters, but I don't see the Shakespeare police anywhere.)

Why does Macbeth return to the Weird Sisters?

     I dont think that there is a solid definite answer to this question.  It seems odd that Macbeth would try to return to the weird sisters to find answers when they are actually the root of his problems.  I don't know what was going through his mind when he decided to do this.  I think Macbeth was impatient and wanted answers right away which is not always the best thing to do.  He rushed into finding answers and went to a bad source, the weird sisters.  I think that Macbeth should not depend on prophecies so much and should do what he thinks is right and moral.  He shouldn't let the weird sisters control his life like i think he has done. 

Gus Sutera Block 3

Why does Shakespeare have Malcolm explain in detail what makes a great king?

How is the character of Macbeth "modern"? Consider the "tomorrow" speech in Act 5 scene 5 as you respond.

What problems and loose ends does Shakespeare leave at the end of the play?