| What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play? | The witches are deciding when they shall meet again. The main character, Macbeth, is also introduced by name, linking him to the witches. |
| What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald? | He calls him “valiant Cousin! Worthy gentleman!” (Later, we find this was quite ironic, being said to the man who will be his murderer.) |
| Who is sentenced to death? | The Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death as a traitor. |
| What do the witches predict in I.iii for Macbeth? For Banquo? | They predict Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis and eventually the king. Banquo’s sons will become king |
| What news does Ross bring Macbeth? | Ross tells Macbeth that Macbeth now holds the title of 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”? | He says they often tell of good things which may happen without telling the bad consequences. |
| Malcolm describes Cawdor’s last moments before execution. What is Duncan’s reply? | You can’t tell what is in a person’s heart by looking at his face. (Things are not what they seem!) |
| Macbeth says, “Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires.” What are Macbeth’s desires? | He now desires to be the king, and he realizes that something will have to be done with the present king (and his sons) before his desires can become reality. |
| After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him? | Lady Macbeth thinks Macbeth could be a good king, but he lacks the hardheartedness which would allow him to get to the position. She’ll talk him into it. |
| What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming? | She wants to be filled with cruelty, given a hard heart and the thick blood necessary to do what has to be done in order to make Macbeth king |
| What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home? | She tells him he must learn to look innocent even when his heart is full of evil. He has to learn to hide his true feelings. (Things not being as they seem!) |
| What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan? | If Macbeth kills Duncan, then he is setting a precedent that subjects can kill kings and be rewarded with the kingship (around 8-10). Macbeth is Duncan’s kinsman and his subject, as well as his host. (12-16). Duncan is a good king and virtuous man; he has done no particular evil. Duncan is a popular king, and his death would bring sorrow and unrest upon Scotland (16-20 and to end). |
| What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder? | She tells him not to be a coward, not to say later that he “could have been” when he could now “be” king. She tells him to be a man and go get what he wants. She says if she had made the promise to do so, that she would have killed her own baby to carry out that promise. |
| What is Lady Macbeth’s plan? | She will drug the kings grooms (guards) with their drink. Macbeth will then go into the king’s room and murder him in his sleep. They will plant the weapons on the guards to make them appear guilty. |
MACBETH ACT 1 COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
July 1, 2019