The natural disturbances that continue all night–including the screaming and murderous owl, chimneys being blown down, and Duncan’s horse turning wild–symbolize what? | The evil of Macbeth’s deeds |
Why does King Duncan decide to make Macbeth Thane of Cawdor? | Because he has defeated the Thane of Cawdor who was an enemy of the king |
How does Banquo react when Macbeth receive his new title? | He is shocked |
After reading the letter from her husband, Lady Macbeth calls upon the spirits to “Make thick my blood,/Stop up th’ access and passage to remorse.” What is she asking? | To be made insensitive to the cruelty she is planning |
Near the end of Act I, why does Macbeth express doubt about murdering the king? | Macbeth is the king’s subject and host |
In the play’s first act, what is Duncan’s attitude toward Macbeth? | respectful and kind |
Before Macbeth makes his first appearance, what do we learn about him? | He’s brave |
Lady Macbeth’s remark that her husband is “too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness” What does she mean? | She thinks he is too nice to go after the crown |
What is Macbeth’s tragic flaw? | His lust for power |
Why are the witches important? | They foreshadow events |
Why is King Duncan so grateful to Macbeth? | Macbeth save King Duncan’s kingdom from rebels and the Norwegian king |
What is Macbeth’s character flaw? | his ambition |
What does Macbeth think about killing King Duncan? | He isn’t sure if it’s the right thing to do |
Where does King Duncan come to spend the night? | Macbeth’s castle |
The numbered side notes in The Tragedy of Macbeth help readers understand which aspect of the play? | Unfamiliar language |
What does Lady Macbeth think Macbeth has little chance of becoming king? | He isn’t ruthless enough |
What is important about the dagger that Macbeth sees in his Scene 1 soliloquy? | it is part of a hallucination |
When Macbeth talks agitatedly about the murders, what does Lady Macbeth urge him? | Try not to dwell on it |
As soon as the murder becomes known, why do Malcolm and Donalbain flee Scotland? | They fear for their lives |
When Macbeth is alone, he imagines he sees what? | A dagger |
In Scene 4, how does Macduff emphasize his opposition to Macbeth? | Refusing to go to scone to see Macbeth crowned |
Why does Lady Macbeth drug the servants in Scene ii? | So they will sleep through Duncan’s murder |
Why does Lady Macbeth choose not to kill King Duncan herself? | She says the king looks too much like her father |
What does Macbeth mean when he says he will “sleep no more”? | His conscience will never let him rest |
What does Macbeth mean when he says the blood on his hands will redden all the seas? | It is a comment of his profound guilt |
Why do Ross and Macduff think King Duncan’s sons have killed their father? | They flee the kingdom |
When Macbeth hears that Fleance has escaped the murderers, how does he react? | He gets anxious |
When Macbeth begins talking to Banquo’s ghost, how does Lady Macbeth react? | She tells the others that Macbeth has an illness |
Why does Macbeth want Banquo dead? | He knows that he suspects him of foul play |
In the extended banquet scene, Macbeth chastises Banquo for being absent. What makes that speech ironic? | Banquo is dead, but he is there in spirit |
At the banquet, what does Macbeth’s tortured conscience cause? | Challenging Banquo’s ghost |
At the beginning of Act III, Macbeth learns that Banquo will not be returning to the castle until after dark. Why is this good news for him? | It would be easier to have Banquo murdered to uncover darkness |
During the banquet, Macbeth becomes unhappy and distracted. Lady Macbeth says to him, “Gentle my lord, sleek o’er your rugged looks; / Be bright and jovial among your guests tonight.” What does she mean? | Don’t look so gloomy, be cheerful with your guests |
Why does Macbeth begin to act so oddly at the banquet? | He sees Banquo’s ghost |
How has Macbeth changed between the beginning of Act I and the end of Act III? | He is now quick to use treachery to suit his ends |
At the end of Act III, Macbeth plans to visit the witches once more. What does he want to learn? | He wants to know if he can continue being king and about his future and his reign |
Macbeth Acts I-III
August 31, 2019