Macbeth Act 1 & 2

What characters are introduced in scene one? The three witches
How would you explain the line: “fair is foul and foul is fair”? The line is a paradox. Fair means good/right. Foul means bad/wrong/gross. They’re saying that being bad is good.
What specific plan was mentioned by the witches? They plan to meet again upon the Heath, after the battle to confront Macbeth.
What three men are leading troops into battle to support Duncan? Macbeth, Banquo & Malcolm
Who defeated and killed Macdonwald? Describe the traitors death. Macbeth defeated and killed him. He was split in half and then beheaded.
To whom does King Duncan give Cawdor’s title? The title is given to Macbeth, which means more land in more money. He is now thane of Glamis and Cawdor.
What revenge does the witch plan for the sailor whose wife wouldn’t give her any chestnuts? What does this say about their powers? They will make sure he gets no sleep, he will not have water and wind will toss the ship. This shows that the witches are in some control of human/environmental nature.
What two predictions do the witches make for Macbeth? Macbeth is predicted to become Thane of Cawdor and King.
What three predictions do the witches make for Banquo? Banquo is predicted to be less but greater than Macbeth, not so happy but much happier and will not be king but will get kings.
Who does Duncan name to succeed his throne? What specific title is he given? Duncan named Malcolm to succeed his throne and he will become the Prince of Cumberland
How does lady Macbeth characterize her husband? She says he is “to full of the milk of human kindness.” this means that he’s too nice.
Why does lady McBeth call upon the evil spirits to unsex her? What does this mean? She wants the evil spirits to make her less feminine. Fill her with cruelty.
In his soliloquy in lines 1-28, name at least five of the reasons he gives for not wanting to kill Duncan. What sole reason does he give from wanting to murder the king? 1- They are both Scottish2- Duncan is the king 3- Duncan is the guest at Macbeth’s house4- May trigger a chain deaths5- Duncan has made him Thane. 6- Macbeth will go to hell if he murders Duncan.Ambition is the sole reason.
What reason against the murder does he give lady Macbeth? The king had given Macbeth honor, title of Thane, money, etc.
In lines 38-42, what does lady Macbeth imply about Macbeth’s love for her? Macbeth’s love is failing, it’s not as strong as it used to be
What statement of Lady Macbeth causes Macbeth to decide to commit the murder? “Screw your courage to the sticking place and we’ll not fail”
What cursed thoughts does Banquo have? He is thinking about the three sisters and some of the prophecies have come true
What lie does Macbeth tell Banquo? Macbeth lies and says he has not been thinking about the three sisters.
What is the meaning of Banquo’s answer to Macbeth’s comment that ends in “it shall make a favor for you”? Macbeth tells Banquo that it is in his best interest to stick/stand by Macbeth. Macbeth is making sure he has someone on his side.
What causes Macbeth to think he sees a dagger? The pressure from his wife is getting to him.
At the end of scene one, a bell rings. What do you think is the significance of this, not the reality? It signifies the moment that he came to his inclusion.
What omen of death does lady Macbeth hear? She hears an owl.
What reason does lady Macbeth give for not committing the murder herself? She says that Duncan looks like her father so she cannot kill him.
What words about himself does Macbeth believe he hears? Macbeth murdered sleep and shall sleep no more.
How does Macbeth mismanage the murder? He brought back the daggers, he was supposed to leave them with the guards.
Both Macbeth and his lady comment on the effectiveness of water in cleaning away their involvement in the deed. How do they differ? Lady Macbeth- water will literally was the deed for their hands. Macbeth- figuratively/hyperbole= no water could wash the deed away.
Why has Macduff come to Macbeth’s castle? He came to wake up Duncan and get him ready
What unusual things happened to Macduff and Lennox during the night? They heard screams, the wind howled so much the chimneys flew off and there may have been an earthquake
Who discovers the murder? Macduff
Why does Macbeth say he killed the kings men? What possible reason may he actually had? He said he killed them because he didn’t think they were loyal and he loved the king too much and they may have known too much. He felt he had to do it to cover up the murder.
Why does Lady Macbeth faint? She faints because it diverted attentionfrom from Macbeth to herself
In lines 159-171, what actions do Malcolm and Donalbain take? Malcolm will go to England and Donalbain goes to Ireland. They Escape to be safe.
In lines 5- 25, Ross and the old man discuss the strange unnatural events that have occurred. What are they? The horses each other, a falcon killed an owl,its day but it looks like night
Who does the public believe are responsible for the murder of King Duncan? The guards were paid by Dunkin sons to kill him.
Who has been named King? Macbeth
What reason does Macduff imply is his for not attending Macbeth’s coronation? He’s a little suspicious of Macbeth becoming king.
Name two character so far who have shown they are suspicious of Macbeth’s rapid asent to the throne Banquo and Macduff
September 9, 2019