Macbeth Acts 1,2, and 3 Study Guide

Why might have Shakespeare chosen to end the first scene with the following lines?Fair is foul, and foul is fair. The couplet sums up the mood of the scene
The witches predict that which of the following will be in Macbeth’s future: He will be Thane of Cawdor and then become king.
Why might have Shakespeare used dialogue to deliver information about the events that took place during the battle rather than stage the scene? It would be too hard to stage because of limited space and resources.
A good description of the witches includes which of the following? They are not of this world
Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches as they are standing in the heath. In what way does this affect the mood of the scene? Because a heath is an open wasteland, the location enhances the eeriness of the scene.
What is the central theme of Act I of the Tregedy of Macbeth? betrayal and greed
Macbeth and other Elizabethan plays represented a radical shift in English drama because they were not about religious themes.
Based upon the information in Act I, what appears to be Macbeth’s character flaw? a hunger for power
What important role do the witches play in Act I of Macbeth? They foreshadow events.
Based upon the information in Act I, what can you infer about King Duncan? He places a high value on bravery and loyalty.
Which of the following best describes Macbeth’s feelings about the possible assassination of King Duncan in Act I? conflicted
Based on the sililoquy quoted below from Act I, why does Lady Macbeth think her husband Macbeth has a poor chance of achieving power on his own? He is not ruthless enough.
In what way is Lady Macbeth stronger than her husband? She stands firm when Macbeth begins to waver in his deadly purpose.
King Duncan names Macbeth as heir to the throne upon his death. False
How does Lady Macbeth treat King Duncan? All previous
At the end of Act I, Lady Macbeth urges her husband to pray for darkness to cover their murderous deed. False
Valor boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery
Treason the offense of acting to overthrow one’s government or to harm or kill its sovereign
Liege a feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service.
Sovereign a person who has supreme power or authority.
In the following quote from Macbeth, paraphrase the character’s meaning.Macbeth: But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague th’ inventor: this even-handed justice Commends th’ ingredients of our poisoned chalice To our own lips. Macbeth is concerned that he’s going to be the instrument that teaches evil.
Paraphrase the following dialogue delivered by King Duncan. There’s no art To find the mind’s construction in the face: He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust. you can’t judge a book by its cover
Paraphrase the last line of the following quote from dialogue delivered by Macbeth: 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. The face must wear a mask to hide the heart’s hidden ambition.
In ACT II, Scene ii, Lady Macbeth’s purpose in drugging the servants is so they will sleep through King Duncan’s murder.
Which of the following characterizes the line from Macbeth, “This night’s great business into my dispatch” as blank verse? It has ten syllables with the stress falling on the second syllable of each foot.
Which of the following symbols in ACT II, Scene ii, signals that the murder has been accomplished? the owl’s scream and the crickets’ cries
After the murder, Macbeth declares that he will “sleep no more” because he believes his conscience will never let him rest.
In Act II, what does Macbeth really mean when he indicates that the blood on his hands will redden all the seas? It is a comment on his profound guilt.
In the Old Man’s dialogue in Act II, Scene iv, which of the following symbolizes King Duncan? the horse or falcon
When Lady Macbeth says, “My hands are of your color, but I shame/To wear a heart so white,” she means that her hands are red with King Duncan’s blood, but, unlike her husband, she is not afraid.
For what reason may Shakespeare have made Banquo the last person Macbeth sees before he murders King Duncan? Banquo, who is loyal to the king, represents Macbeth’s last chance to do what is right and call off his murderous plan.
What reason does Lady Macbeth give for not killing King Duncan herself? She says the king looked like her father as he slept.
To creep through the castle without awakening anyone, Macbeth’s footsteps must be stealthy
As soon as Macbeth commits murder, the weight of his conscience becomes palpable
The porter says, “Faith, here’s an equivocator, that could swear in both the scalse against either scale,” describing a liar who could make two contradictory statements and swear that both statements were true.
Which of the following choices is the best to paraphrase the following quote:Macbeth: I think not of them. Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve,We would spend it in some words upon that business,If you would grant the time. If you have some time, could you speak with me about what we’ve just been told by the witches.
In Act II, scene ii the following dialogue takes place between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. How do these exchanges affect the mood of the play?Lady Macbeth – My husband!Macbeth – I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?Lady M – I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. / Did not you speak?Macbeth – When?Lady M – NowMacbeeth – As I descended?Lady M – Ay.Macbeth – Hark! / Who lies i’ th’ second chamber?Lady M – Donalbain.Macbeth – This is a sorry sight. The short choppy sentences quicken the pace heightening the tension of the scene.
According to Macbeth, sleep helps the body to heal and relaxes the mind. True
Ross notes that it is dark outside when it should be light. What does this fact signify? The world is in chaos.
Which of the following authors wrote Macbeth? William Shakespeare
Which of the following is a synonym for “predominance”? prevalence
The main purpose of Act III seems to be a vehicle in which to expose Macbeth’s mounting troubles.
What is the most likely reason Banquo suspects Macbeth of murdering Duncan? The predictions of the witches seem to be coming true.
What threat does Banquo pose to Macbeth? Banquo knows too much and can implicate Macbeth in Duncan’s murder.
What is the most likely reason that Banquo doesn’t tell anyone about the witches’ predictions? He doesn’t want to cast suspicion on himself.
When Lady Macbeth claims, “Nought’s had, all’s spent / Where our desire is got without content..” she means that she and Macbeth have risked everything but have gained no happiness because they are living in fear.
The following lines, spoken by Lady Macbeth, are written in rhyme. What is the most likely reason Shakespeare may have done this?”Nought’s had, all’s spent / Where our desire is got without content; / Tis safer to be that which we destroy/ Then by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. to indicate that this is a turning point for Lady Macbeth
To persuade the two murderers to agree to kill Banquo, Macbeth tells them that Banquo has been the cause of all their misery.
What is the most logical reason that Macbeth sends a third murderer to join the first two in the killing of Banquo? Macbeth has become terribly suspicious and trusts no one; he sends the third murderer to make certain that the job gets done.
In Act III, scene iv, Macbeth says to Lady Macbeth, “We are yet but young in deed.” What does he mean? They are new to the ways of crime.
During the banquet Macbeth’s guilt is causing him to imagine he sees Banquo’s ghost. This is an example of internal conflict.
When Macbeth says, “Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown / And put a barren scepter in my gripe…” he means he has no male heir.
Which is the most likely reason Lady Macbeth makes excuses for her husband’s behavior at the banquet? All answers may be correct.
Which of the following is an attempt at comic relief? Macbeth complains that dead men used to stay dead.
By the end of Act III, how has Macbeth changed since the beginning of the play? He is now quick to use treachery to suit his ends.
Which of the following is an external conflict? Macbeth wants Banquo dead, so he hires men to murder him.
To protect Banquo, Macbeth is paying servants in everyone’s household to spy for him False
Macbeth fears Banquo’s ______ heart. A synonym is fearless. dauntless
Banquo’s allegiance to King Duncan was _____. A synonym for this word is permanent. indissoluble