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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
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Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
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2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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English Literature
15 Dec 2025
626
6 pages
luka ๐ @lukabalkute_wrwd
Ever wondered how Shakespeare builds tension and reveals character psychology in Macbeth? These key scenes from Act I... Show more
Right from the start, Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a heroic figure through the Captain's glowing report to Duncan. The phrase "For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name" uses an embedded anagram technique to highlight just how important this praise is.
What's brilliant here is that Macbeth doesn't boast about himself - others recognise his worth. This shows natural leadership and stereotypical masculine characteristics that make him seem worthy of advancement.
Key Point This early praise sets up the dramatic irony - we see Macbeth at his moral peak before his tragic fall begins.
The fragmented structure of the Captain's speech mirrors the chaos of battle whilst building Macbeth's reputation as Scotland's greatest warrior.
Lady Macbeth's soliloquy reveals her manipulative personality when she describes Macbeth as "too full o' th' milk of human kindness". This metaphor is loaded with meaning - milk represents purity and maternal care, suggesting Macbeth is naturally compassionate.
But here's the twist Lady Macbeth sees his kindness as a weakness that'll stop him seizing the crown. The colour imagery of "milk" (white and pure) contrasts sharply with the dark ambitions she's planning.
Remember Soliloquies always reveal characters' true thoughts - this is where we see Lady Macbeth's ruthless ambition.
Shakespeare uses this moment to show how she'll become the driving force behind Duncan's murder, exploiting Macbeth's better nature.
After hearing the witches' prophecies, Macbeth's mind starts racing with possibilities. The anaphora in "cannot be ill, cannot be good" shows him trying to make sense of conflicting thoughts, whilst the antithesis (opposing ideas) reveals his moral confusion.
His "horrid image" and "my scared heart knock at my ribs" use powerful visual imagery to emphasise the physical impact of his guilty thoughts. You can literally feel his heart pounding with fear and excitement.
Exam Tip Notice how Shakespeare makes internal conflict external through physical descriptions - this technique appears throughout the play.
The phrase "scared heart" is particularly clever - it suggests both fear and the scarring effect of evil thoughts on his conscience.
Macbeth's aside "Let not light see my black and deep desires" marks a crucial turning point where his ambition becomes truly sinister. The metaphor contrasts light and darkness - he literally wants to hide his evil thoughts from God's sight.
This moment shows the good vs evil battle raging inside him, with evil starting to win. His desire for the crown is becoming so strong that he's already considering betraying Duncan, his king and kinsman.
Character Development This is where Macbeth crosses from loyal subject to potential traitor - watch how his language becomes increasingly dark.
The word "desires" suggests these aren't just passing thoughts but deep-seated cravings that are beginning to consume him.
Following Duncan's assassination, Lady Macbeth attempts to emasculate Macbeth by calling him "a painted devil" when he's paralysed by guilt and fear. She's using gender expectations as a weapon against his conscience.
Duncan, ironically, feels unsafe even in Macbeth's castle - asking "Who's there? What ho!" This shows how Macbeth has created the very danger that now threatens his guest, highlighting the theme of betrayed hospitality.
Dramatic Irony Duncan trusts Macbeth completely whilst the audience knows he's already planning regicide.
The frozen moment where Macbeth stands motionless represents how guilt can paralyse action - he's committed the ultimate sin and can't process what he's done.
Macbeth's hyperbolic imagery in "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" shows his guilt has become astronomical in scale. He believes not even the entire ocean could cleanse his sin.
This metaphor suggests his guilt is spreading like blood in water - it'll contaminate everything it touches rather than being washed away. Shakespeare implies that regicide is an unforgivable sin that stains the soul permanently.
Religious Context Neptune was the Roman god of the sea - even divine power isn't strong enough to remove his guilt.
The image of blood-stained hands becomes a recurring motif throughout the play, representing how the consequences of evil actions can never truly be escaped or forgotten.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
157
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
luka ๐
@lukabalkute_wrwd
Ever wondered how Shakespeare builds tension and reveals character psychology in Macbeth? These key scenes from Act I and Act II show the dramatic transformation of Macbeth from noble warrior to guilt-ridden murderer, using powerful literary techniques that'll be essential... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Right from the start, Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a heroic figure through the Captain's glowing report to Duncan. The phrase "For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name" uses an embedded anagram technique to highlight just how important this praise is.
What's brilliant here is that Macbeth doesn't boast about himself - others recognise his worth. This shows natural leadership and stereotypical masculine characteristics that make him seem worthy of advancement.
Key Point: This early praise sets up the dramatic irony - we see Macbeth at his moral peak before his tragic fall begins.
The fragmented structure of the Captain's speech mirrors the chaos of battle whilst building Macbeth's reputation as Scotland's greatest warrior.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lady Macbeth's soliloquy reveals her manipulative personality when she describes Macbeth as "too full o' th' milk of human kindness". This metaphor is loaded with meaning - milk represents purity and maternal care, suggesting Macbeth is naturally compassionate.
But here's the twist: Lady Macbeth sees his kindness as a weakness that'll stop him seizing the crown. The colour imagery of "milk" (white and pure) contrasts sharply with the dark ambitions she's planning.
Remember: Soliloquies always reveal characters' true thoughts - this is where we see Lady Macbeth's ruthless ambition.
Shakespeare uses this moment to show how she'll become the driving force behind Duncan's murder, exploiting Macbeth's better nature.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
After hearing the witches' prophecies, Macbeth's mind starts racing with possibilities. The anaphora in "cannot be ill, cannot be good" shows him trying to make sense of conflicting thoughts, whilst the antithesis (opposing ideas) reveals his moral confusion.
His "horrid image" and "my scared heart knock at my ribs" use powerful visual imagery to emphasise the physical impact of his guilty thoughts. You can literally feel his heart pounding with fear and excitement.
Exam Tip: Notice how Shakespeare makes internal conflict external through physical descriptions - this technique appears throughout the play.
The phrase "scared heart" is particularly clever - it suggests both fear and the scarring effect of evil thoughts on his conscience.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Macbeth's aside "Let not light see my black and deep desires" marks a crucial turning point where his ambition becomes truly sinister. The metaphor contrasts light and darkness - he literally wants to hide his evil thoughts from God's sight.
This moment shows the good vs evil battle raging inside him, with evil starting to win. His desire for the crown is becoming so strong that he's already considering betraying Duncan, his king and kinsman.
Character Development: This is where Macbeth crosses from loyal subject to potential traitor - watch how his language becomes increasingly dark.
The word "desires" suggests these aren't just passing thoughts but deep-seated cravings that are beginning to consume him.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Following Duncan's assassination, Lady Macbeth attempts to emasculate Macbeth by calling him "a painted devil" when he's paralysed by guilt and fear. She's using gender expectations as a weapon against his conscience.
Duncan, ironically, feels unsafe even in Macbeth's castle - asking "Who's there? What ho!" This shows how Macbeth has created the very danger that now threatens his guest, highlighting the theme of betrayed hospitality.
Dramatic Irony: Duncan trusts Macbeth completely whilst the audience knows he's already planning regicide.
The frozen moment where Macbeth stands motionless represents how guilt can paralyse action - he's committed the ultimate sin and can't process what he's done.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Macbeth's hyperbolic imagery in "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" shows his guilt has become astronomical in scale. He believes not even the entire ocean could cleanse his sin.
This metaphor suggests his guilt is spreading like blood in water - it'll contaminate everything it touches rather than being washed away. Shakespeare implies that regicide is an unforgivable sin that stains the soul permanently.
Religious Context: Neptune was the Roman god of the sea - even divine power isn't strong enough to remove his guilt.
The image of blood-stained hands becomes a recurring motif throughout the play, representing how the consequences of evil actions can never truly be escaped or forgotten.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
157
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology