Macbeth Act I Study Guide Questions

Who do the witches plan to meet once the battle is over? Macbeth
What kind of mood is established in the first scene of Act I? An ominous, stormy, scary, creepy, and evil mood.
I Because Shakespeare’s’ audience believed in witches, how would they have reacted to Act I scene I of the play? They would’ve been scare and somewhat entertained. Shakespeare knew how to entertain.
What news has the captain brought to Duncan? Reports about the battle and Macbeth’s victory
What fourth news is brought by Ross? About the battle between Scotland. The king of Norway’s troops frightened the people and ave the title “Thane of Cawdor” to Macbeth.
What is Duncan’s reaction to the news about Cawdor? Kill the thane of cawdor for treason and give the title to Macbeth (Dramatic Irony)
What do the witches discuss as they await Macbeth? Stereotypical witch things: killing a pig, making sailor’s life miserable, and the trouble that they caused
How do the witches surprise Macbeth and Banquo? They speak in riddles. They’re reading titles such as Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor. They’re giving Macbeth predictions, but he isn’t in those positions yet.
What do the witches predict for Banquo? That he’ll be lesser and greater than Macbeth, but he’ll be much happier. He’ll be a father to kings, but not a king himself
How could Banquo be “lesser than Macbeth and greater” and “not so happy, yet much happier” Although Banquo won’t have the title like Macbeth, he’ll make up for that in happiness.
What does Macbeth demand of the witches? An explanation to their predictions.
What news does Ross relate? The king is pleased with Macbeth’s success, so Macbeth can now hold the title “Thane of Cawdor”
How do Macbeth and Banquo react differently to Ross’s information? Macbeth is excited and Banquo is practical.
What does the line “If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me without my stir” mean? Macbeth means that he may possibly become king by doing nothing and that fate will make him king.
How did Cawdor die? He died with dignity. He confessed to the crime and didn’t lie his way out of it.
How had King Duncan always felt about Cawdor? What odes this tell us about his personality? Duncan always trusted Cawdor, including during times when he shouldn’t have It tells us that Duncan doesn’t have a good sense of judgement
What announcement does Duncan make after he, Macbeth, and Banquo exchange warm greetings? He will name Malcom as his successor (prince of cumberland- next person in line)
How does Macbeth view the Prince of Cumberland? He is very upset that he won’t be king by chance. He must give it up or must act upon it. He views Prince of Cumberland as an obstacle
What is a symbol that Macbeth is poor? He wrote his letter in prose
How was Lady Macbeth advised of the witches prophecies? By the letter from Macbeth. She likes the news that she received.
What is lady Macbeth’s main concern about her husband? She thinks that her husband may be too kind and too weak to do this criminal act.
Why does Lady Macbeth want to be a man and want it to be nighttime? So that she can be strong and unemotional so that she can do evil.
On home does Lady Macbeth call for guidance and strength? Evil spirits
What does Lady Macbeth mean by “He that’s coming must be provided for”? She is referring to killing Duncan at night.
As Duncan arrives at Inverness, does he suspect anything might be wrong? He is innocent and everything is pleasant. He doesn’t suspect anything and says that everything he looks and smells is nice.
What’s ironic about the way Duncan and lady Macbeth speak? Verbal Irony. She doesn’t trust him, but he trusts her.
What does Macbeth’s soliloquy at the beginning of the scene mean? He shares his thoughts after Lady talked to him. He doesn’t mind killing Duncan, but doesn’t want to face punishment and guilt. He also thinks that duncan is a good guy and it’s hard to kill a good guy.
What does Macbeth first tell lady Macbeth? He doesn’t want to kill Duncan and he was worried because he and the people like Duncan.
What methods does Lady Macbeth use to goad him into action? She calls him a coward and questions his manhood
After reading the speech that Lady Macbeth makes about her baby, what adjectives would you use to describe her? She wanted to take the baby and smash it into the ground. She is angry and compares the baby to Macbeth.
What plan has Lady Macbeth formulated for Duncan’s demise? She plans to kill him in his sleep. She wants to get the guards drunk to make it easier to murder.
How does Macbeth add to Lady Macbeth’s plan? He says to use the guards’ daggers to frame them for the crime
September 3, 2019