Macbeth Act I

Why did Macbeth become the Thane of Cawdor? He defeated the rebellious Macdonwald, and conquered the armies from Norway and of the traitor, the thane of Cawdor.
Who spoke the following: “And often times, to win us to our harm/the instruments of darkness tell us truths” Banquo
What does Lady Macbeth fear? She fears her husband is too kind to seize the throne by murder. He is too “full of the milk of human kindness”
In Macbeth’s soliloquy “If it were done when tis done, then ’twere well/It were done quickly,” he considers the possibility that? If it could be done without causing problems later, then it would be good to do it soon; he could risk eternal damnation.
“Let not light see my black and deep desires” (Sc IV) – who said this and why is it important? Macbeth. He admits that he hopes the king will be murdered. This quote reveals his fatal flaw: ambition.
Why does Macbeth decide to commit the murder? Who helps him with this decision? How? He changes his mind partially because of the prophecies and his ambition. Lady Macbeth also pushes him to commit the murder.
Who did Macbeth just defend in the war? King Duncan of Scotland
What predictions came true in this act? Macbeth became thane of Cawdor.
Who does Duncan decide will be his heir? His son, Malcolm (Prince of Cumberland)
How does Duncan feel as he enters Macbeth’s castle at Inverness? He is happy and feels welcomed, but he is unsuspecting and oblivious.
Characterize Lady Macbeth. She is even more ambitious than her husband. She is almost man-like in her ambition and ruthlessness.
What makes Macbeth susceptible to the witches’ prophecies? He has thought of being king before the witches prophesized it. Also, their first prediction came true moments after they told Macbeth – he was promoted to thane of Cawdor.
How does Lady Macbeth get her husband to do as she wishes? – calls him a coward and beast- reiterates his promise to her, and tells him how little of a man he will be if he breaks it- claims that if it were her promise to him, she would even kill her own infant to see it through
What 3 names do the witches greet Macbeth with? – Thane of Cawdor- Thane of Glamis- King
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” Who said this and what does it mean? Direct translation: What is good is bad, and what is bad is good. The three witches say this. It means that everything in the world is not in harmony at all, especially because Macbeth is planning to kill the King of Scotland (Duncan).
What 4 methods does Lady Macbeth use to sway Macbeth? – accuses him of lack of purpose; she calls him a coward- reiterates his promise to her- dehumanizes him and calls him a beast, not a man- claims that if it were her who had promised, she would shrug her feminine concerns and kill her own infant
What is Macbeth’s essential internal conflict? His inner battle on whether he should kill Duncan or not. He is almost forced to carry out the murder.
What does Macbeth reveal in his aside in the last scene? “I am settled and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat. Away, and mock the time with fairest show. False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” Now that he has made up his mind, his body is tightened like a bow. He and his wife will hide their evil intent with gracious faces.
How does Macbeth resolve his internal conflict? He says it was the witches prophecy and with the help of his wife’s ambition, he knows he can follow through with it.
Who said this: “He’s here in double trust:/First, as I am kinsman and his subject//Strong both against the deed; then, as his host/who should against his murderer shut the door/not bear the knife myself.” Macbeth
Who said this: “Yet do I fear thy nature/ It is too full o’the milk/of human kindness.” Lady Macbeth
Who said this: “This castle has a pleasant seat. The air /numbly and sweetly recommends itself/into our gentle senses.” King Duncan
“But tis strange!/ And often times, to win us to our harm/The instruments of darkness tells us truths/win us with honest trifles, to betray’s/In deepest consequences.” Banquo
What are the weird sisters? The witches.
What character contrasts with Macbeth? Banquo
Which is the stronger character in this act? Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? Why? Lady Macbeth
chastise to punish or severely criticize
dwindle to make or become less until little remains
lavish extravagant; to give in abundance
prophetic speaking or predicting as if by divine intervention
surmise to infer with little evidence; guess
trifle something of little importance or value
wrought shaped, created
August 14, 2019