Act 1 Macbeth Study guide questions

What is the point of the first scene (literally) and in reference to the whole play? The witches will be foreshadowing. We know there will be wickedness, curses, and supernatural. They are setting up the play that is going to be full of murder.
What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald? Duncan calls Macbeth “O valiant COUSIN, worthy gentleman”
Who is sentenced to death and why? The Thane of Cawdor, he was sentenced because he tuned to the King of Norway and attempted to take over Scotland. The king says I am not a good judge of man.
What do the witches predict in Act 1, Scene 3 for Macbeth? Banquo? Macbeth- They call him Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis, and King of Scotland.Banquo- The Father of Kings
What news does Ross bring Macbeth? Ross brings that the king has told him that he is the Thane of Cawdor.
Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth’s new title. He is, however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the “instruments of darkness”? The witches tell us things that are true, however they never tell us the consequences that come with the truths.
Malcolm describes Cawdor’s last moments before execution. What is Duncan’s reply? Cawdor died bravely. He asked Duncan for forgiveness, he repented and the he jumped and died like a brave man who knew how to die. Duncan said he looked so trustworthy, I thought he was a good loyal man to me and Scotland.
Macbeth says “Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.” What are Macbeth’s desires Macbeth’s desire is wanting to be the king.
After lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him. She is afraid he is too kind to hurt Duncan. She thinks he lacks ambition. She says just let him get here and ill tell him.
What is Lady Macbeth’s prayer to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming. She says unsex me, make me a man. Fill me with cruelty and make my blood thick. Make me have no feelings. make it dark so I will not see the wound after the knife marks.
What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home? She says when the king arrives treat him as you generally would, be kind, but inside be like a serpent.
What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan? He is his king. As his host he is to protect not kill. As great as a king he is, his death will destroy the people. The people will find whoever did this to their king.
What arguments does lady macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder? 1. Where you drunk when you told me you would do it. 2. Where you asleep? 3. Are you willing to say I would have, but i couldn’t. 4. Your not a man. 5. If I had a child I would throw it against a wall and bash its brains before id lie to you.
What is Lady Macbeth’s plan? 1. King Duncan is going to be exhausted. 2. She is going to get the two guards drunk so they pass out. 3. She will take their daggers. 4. He will take the daggers and kill king. 5. He will return the daggers and go back to the room to put on their PJ’s and act really sad when they realize.
July 5, 2019