Macbeth

What is the mood of the opening scene? The mood of the opening scene is creepy.
Why would Shakespeare open with this scene? The audience wants to watch more.
“Fair is foul and foul is fair.” What do the witches mean by this quote? Explain how this is a paradox. Why might this be important to the play? What seems good could be bad. What seems bad could be good. Things may not be what they seem.
Who do the witches promise to meet in the near future? Macbeth
“For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name-“. At the beginning of the play this tells us that Macbeth is brave, honorable, and loyal.
What did Macbeth do in battle? Macbeth fought against a traitor and won.
Why was the Thane of Cawdor ordered to be killed? He was considered to be a traitor who fought against the King of Scotland. He’ll be killed so he can’t fight against the King again.
What does Duncan mean when he says, “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth has won”? The Thane of Cawdor lost his title to Macbeth.
Based on the beginning of this scene, do you think we can trust the witches? No we cannot trust them. They are powerful and vengeful.
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” Why does Macbeth say this? It is a good day because they won the battle, but the weather is bad.
What are the three prophesies to Macbeth? Hail, Thane of Glamis, Hail Thane of Cawdor. You shall be king one day.
Which ones have already been filled? Macbeth has been made Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor. The Thane of Cawdor fought against the king and he’s going to be killed.
What do the witches tell Banquo? What could they mean by this? Lesser than Macbeth but greater. Not so happy but much happier. Your descendants will be kings.
How does Macbeth react to the news of his promotion to Thane of Cawdor? He thinks about the prophecies and being king.
What is Banquo’s advice to Macbeth? Do you think he will listen? He warns Macbeth not to trust the witches-they could be tricking them.
How does Duncan greet Macbeth? He’s grateful to Macbeth.
What title has Malcolm been granted? What could this mean for Macbeth? The Prince of Cumberland. Macbeth has to kill the son. He is an obstacle for Macbeth.
Lines 48-53. Examine Macbeth’s aside. What is happening to his character? Thinking evil thoughts. He’s power hungry and evil. He feels guilty about it.
What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to the letter from Macbeth? She was happy about the letter from Macbeth because Macbeth got the promotions.
Describe Lady Macbeth’s character. Lady Macbeth is cruel and evil.
What is she planning to do? She wants to be remoresless. Convince Macbeth to kill the king.
What does she plan to commit the murder? She’s planning to kill him tonight.
How does Macbeth react to the plan? He wants to discuss this later.
What is her concern about Macbeth’s character? He’s too tenderhearted to kill Duncan.
How does she tell him to act? She told him to act nice and innocent.
What is Duncan’s mood as he approaches the castle? Duncan is happy.
What is the weather like? The weather is clear.
How does Lady Macbeth act in front of Duncan? She was overly welcoming.
Does Duncan suspect anything? Duncan is not suspicious.
How does Macbeth feel about killing Duncan? Worried about consequences. Duncan trusts him. Duncan is a good person. The only reason to kill is ambition.
How does Lady Macbeth react to this? Questions his love. She calls him a coward. Questions his manhood.
Who will they frame for the murder? They will frame the guards.
How will Macbeth and Lady Macbeth blame the murder on the guards? They will get them drunk and they will put Duncan’s blood on their daggers.
What does Banquo dream about? Banquo dreams about the witches.
What is he worried about in regards to Macbeth? Banquo is worried that Macbeth might believe about the witches prophesies.
Will Banquo act as Macbeth’s ally? No because Macbeth is planning to kill Duncan.
What does Macbeth reveal in his soliloquy? He makes his decision on his own to follow through with his decision.
Why was Lady Macbeth unable to kill herself? Because she looks like her father.
What does this say about her character? She may not be as ruthless as she seems.
What does Macbeth imagine he hears during the crime? Macbeth “shall sleep no more”.
How does Macbeth react after the murder? He is feeling regretful.
What does Macbeth forget to do? To plant the daggers by the guards. So Lady Macbeth does it.
How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth after the murder? She calls him a coward and tells him to wash his hands and be done with it.
What is Banquo’s advice to Macbeth? He warns Macbeth not to trust the witches. They could be tricking them.
What are the purposes of the porter scene? The purpose of the porter scene was to make you laugh and to remind you that life is still going on.
What does the porter say this is the problem with drinking? 1. Drinking alcohol makes you sleepy and have to urinate. 2. The Paradox is that when you drink you want to have sex but you are unable to perform or have sex.
What is Macduff’s initial reaction? Horrified
What is Lennox’s initial reaction (who does he blame?) Duncan’s guards
What is Macbeth’s initial reaction? Very upset
What is Lady Macbeth’s initial reaction very shocked
What is Banquo’s initial reaction? He wants to investigate his murder.
What are Donalbain and Malcolm’s initial reactions? They are worried that they are in danger.
Why does Macbeth say he killed the guards? Because he was so upset that the guards killed Duncan.
Why did he really kill them? He had to kill his killers to cover up his crime.
Was this in the original plan? This is not in the original plan.
What do Malcolm and Donalbain decide at the end of this scene? They leave. Malcolm goes to England and Donalbain goes to Ireland. They left because they think it’s dangerous for them to stay.
How might this look to others? To others it might look like that they are guilty.
List the examples of disorder in this scene? It is still dark but its daytime.
What is Shakespeare trying to say about murder? Someone might take somebody’s life away. The Falcon is killed by an owl. Duncan’s horses went wild.
Who does Macduff say the others thanes blame for the murder? They blame Duncan’s guards.
What does this mean for Macbeth? Macbeth will become king.
Why might Macduff not go to Macbeth’s coronation? He doesn’t trust him.
July 27, 2019