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What does the term “tragic flaw” refer to in Shakespearean tragedy?
A tragic flaw is a personal weakness or character trait (such as ambition, jealousy, or indecision) that contributes to the hero’s downfall.
Why were female roles played by young boys in Shakespeare’s time?
Because women were not allowed to act on stage, so young boys with high voices played female roles.
What is meant by the “Great Chain of Being”, and why is it important in Shakespeare’s plays?
It is the belief that all beings have a fixed place in a natural hierarchy ordained by God. When this order is broken, chaos and disorder follow, a key theme in
What was the main purpose of soliloquies in Elizabethan drama?
To reveal a character’s inner thoughts, conflicts, and motivations directly to the audience.
How do the Three Witches manipulate Macbeth without directly forcing him to act?
They give him ideas and prophecies that appeal to his ambition, allowing him to choose his actions himself.
What does the dagger hallucination symbolise in Macbeth’s psychological development?
It symbolises his inner conflict, guilt, and loss of control as his violent thoughts begin to dominate his mind.
Why is Banquo considered a moral contrast to Macbeth?
Banquo hears the same prophecies but resists acting immorally, showing integrity and self-control.
Why does Hamlet delay taking revenge, despite having clear evidence of Claudius’s guilt?
He is reflective and philosophical, struggles with moral doubt, and fears acting unjustly or impulsively.
How does the play-within-the-play help Hamlet confirm Claudius’s crime?
Claudius’s guilty reaction to the reenacted murder proves his responsibility for King Hamlet’s death.
How does mistaken identity drive both comedy and tension in the play?
Characters fall in love with the wrong people, misunderstand situations, and act on false assumptions.
Why is Malvolio’s punishment often seen as cruel rather than comic?
Because it humiliates him psychologically and emotionally, going beyond light-hearted comedy.
What role does social class play in relationships between characters?
It creates tension between ambition and status, especially in Malvolio’s desire to rise above his position.
Why does Olivia fall in love with Cesario rather than Orsino?
Because Cesario is sincere, witty, and emotionally direct, unlike Orsino’s exaggerated romantic language.
Name two plays in which disguise plays a central role.
Twelfth Night, As You Like It (also The Merchant of Venice).
Let's guess: which play ends with multiple marriages, and which with multiple deaths?
Twelfth Night ends with marriages; Hamlet ends with deaths.
What does the verb "to get on with" mean?
to have a good relationship with someone
