Macbeth Act 1

What news regarding Macbeth and Banquo has the captain brought to KingDuncan? Macbeth being heroic from his efforts
What further news is brought by Ross? MacBeth is a trader
What is King Duncan’s reaction to the news about the Thane of Cawdor? He is very happy about winning
What do the witches discuss as they await Macbeth? The witches talked about how the first witch could not get a chestnut from a sailor’s wife because the wife said no. The witch got all upset, so she planned on putting a curse on the sailor himself when he is out at sea, so he could have bad luck.
What do the witches say to both Macbeth and Banquo that surprises them? After greeted MacBeth, granted Macbeth with three titles-part of the future. Banquo is to be Hesitant, fearful.
What news does Ross relate? Giving Ross’ honor to the king.
How do Macbeth and Banquo react differently to Ross’s information? Macbeth does not want to be king because there is already a king that runs the land. Banquo’s reaction is that Macbeth should be king and he discussed it with him that Macbeth should change his mind.
Explain the meaning of the following line – “If chance will have me King, why chance may crown me without my stir.” When Macbeth talked he referred to becoming king and not doing anything to get the throne. TALKING TO BANQOU
What feelings did the Thane of Cawdor experience prior to his death? The Thane of Cawdor confessed about his life to the king so he could die happy.
How had King Duncan always felt about the Thane of Cawdor? What does this reveal about Duncan’s character? Duncan felt about the Thane of Cawdor was, happiness because he can now move on to the new heir to the throne. Duncan’s character reveals he has a soft spot for others and he is generous to Macbeth and Banquo.
What announcement does King Duncan make after he, Macbeth and Banquo Exchange warm greetings? There are more rewards in store for Macbeth and he thanks Banquo too. Duncan told Banquo that he will hold him in his heart after he gave him a hug.
How does Macbeth view the Prince of Cumberland? Malcolm and Macbeth are now between the throne. This is a murderous thought because Macbeth is plotting to kill him. Once he killed Malcolm, he can’t go back and he will dread killing Malcolm for years to come.
How was Lady Macbeth advised of the witches’ prophecies? Macbeth told his wife about the witches that gave him titles through a letter.
What is Lady Macbeth’s main concern about her husband? Not going through with the murder of Duncan because she thinks Macbeth is too kind to murder Duncan.
On whom does Lady Macbeth call for guidance and strength? She called spirits for removing her womanly qualities so she could kill Duncan.
What does Lady Macbeth mean by “He that’s coming must be provided for”? Talking about the plan about killing Duncan at night.
As Duncan arrives at Inverness, does he suspect that anything could be wrong? He does not think that anything is wrong because he is thanking Lady Macbeth for having him at her home.
What is ironic about the way Lady Macbeth speaks to Duncan? She is playing a “role”-lying to him about welcoming him to the castle. In mind-plotting to murder him so she and her husband can have power.
What does Macbeth’s long soliloquy at the beginning of this scene mean? Macbeth is having second thoughts about killing Duncan.
What does Macbeth first tell Lady Macbeth? He first tells Lady Macbeth what news she has brought him.
What methods does Lady Macbeth use to goad him into action? The methods that she used on Macbeth are, not having a baby together if not with her on plan, and him being a coward-afraid.
After reading the speech Lady Macbeth makes about her baby, what adjectives can you use to describe her? Nasty, self centered, minipulative
What plan have Macbeth and Lady Macbeth formulated for Duncan’s demise? To make the guards drunk-knocked out and kill Duncan in his room. Place knife in guard’s hands to state that they were the ones who killed Duncan and feel sorry for themselves.