| Describe the action in the first scene of Act 1 | The witches are trying to put their plan into action. They are going to wait until the battle is won. |
| The sergeant describes a battle in the war between who? | Scotland and Norway |
| Who were the heroes in the battle? | Macbeth and Banquo |
| The Thane of Cawdor was a Traitor. King Duncan sentenced him to death and gave his title to who? | Macbeth |
| What do we learn about Macbeth’s character in act one scene two? | That he is fearless, loyal and noble |
| What do the witches predict for Macbeth in scene 3 of act 1? | 1) Thane of Cawdor2) He’ll become king |
| What do the witches predict for Banquo? | He will be the father of kings, but not a king himself. |
| Explain the dramatic irony in the witches first prediction | He is the Thane of Cawdor, but doesn’t know it. |
| When the prediction comes true immeadiately, what does Macbeth think about the other predictions? | He thinks that they will come true and that he could kill the king. |
| What does Macbeth plan to do about the possibility of becoming king? | He thought about killing he king but decides to let it happen when it happens. |
| To whom does king Duncan give the title Prince of Cumberland? | Malcom, his oldest son. |
| What does Macbeth think about this? | He wants the king to die and for him to become king |
| Lady Macbeth reads a letter. Who sent it to her? | Her husband, Macbeth |
| Lady Macbeth says of Macbeth: “Yet do I fear thy nature. It is too full O’ the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” What does she mean by this? | She fears that he will not kill the king, so she calls on evil spirits |
| What message does the servant give Lady Macbeth in Act one Scene 5? | The king is coming |
| Explain Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 5 | Wants to be filled with evil to help kill the king |
| What advice does Lady Macbeth give her husband? | Be the perfect host, let me handle the rest. |
| Act 1 Scene 6: Explain the dramatic irony in this scene | She is pretending to be a good hostess, while planning to kill him |
| List four reasons Macbeth finds to talk himself out of committing murder | 1. Macbeth is the host2. Backfire3. Duncan is a great king4. King trusts and respects him |
| How does Lady Macbeth convince him to go through with the murder? | She says he is not a man if he doesn’t do it, she would kill a baby if he asked. |
| Banquo leaves and Macbeth is left with his thoughts. Explain Macbeth’s soliloquy and his feelings as he goes to commit murder | He knows he has to kill the king, she he goes crazy, sees the dagger in front of him and he is fearful of what will happen next |
| What does the ringing of the bell mean? | It is time to kill the king |
| After Macbeth murder’s King Duncan, he agonizes over something. What is it? | 1. Not being able to say “Amen”- servants said a prayer and Macbeth couldn’t say it.2. He thought neighbors heard the murder3. Someone is knocking |
| What mistake does Lady Macbeth scold Macbeth for? | Bringing the daggers back |
| Explain how comic relief is provided by the porter’s speech | He was drunk, so this added comedy to the death |
| What has Macbeth done when he says “O, yet I do repent me of my fury” | He repents to killing the servents |
| Who are Malcolm and Donalbain? | King Duncan’s sons |
| What do they decide to do after King Duncan is Murdered? Why? | They decide to flea the country because they fear their own lives. |
| Explain the dramatic irony when Malcolm says “O gentle lady! ‘Tis not for you to hear what I can speak” | She already knows Duncan is dead. |
| What does Banquo decide to do, and why do you think he does not accuse Macbeth of the murder? | He wants every to meet and discuss the murder. And because he does not believe his friend would do such a thing |
| What does Act Two Scene 4 Foreshadow? | Bad times ahead |
| The orderly scheme of nature is strangely affected by the murder. Shakespeare skillfully lets nature correspond to man’s acts. How is this revealed by the conversation in A2S4? | Storms, horses killing each other |
| Who is named to Successor to King Duncan? Why | Macbeth because the king’s sons fled |
| Where is the coronation to be held? | Scone |
| What does Banquo reveal to us in his opening speech? | He is suspicious of Macbeth, but hopeful of his own prediciton |
| Quote the lines that show that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have reversed roles in their relationship as compared to Act One when King Duncan’s murder was planned | Lines 44-55 |
| What do you think Macbeth means when he says “Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.”? | Doing one bad think needs another bad thing to cover it up and again, etc |
| What went wrong with Macbeth’s plot to have Banquo and Fleance murdered? | Fleance escapes |
| How does this relate to the witches’ prophecy? | Fleance is alive so he can still have the crown |
| What ironic event marks the climax of this play? | When Macbeth tries to toast Banquo’s ghost appears. |
| What two things does Macbeth now plan to do? (A3S4) | 1. Kill Macduff, because he didn’t show up2. Go to see the witches again. |
| How does A3S6 reaveal Macduff as the possible nemesis of Macbeth? | Because Macduff is recruiting people to Malcolm’s army |
| List four important events that happened in A3S4 | 1. Macbeth visits the witches (Their predicitions are- A) Beware of Macduff B) No one born from a woman will hurt him C) He’ll be king until the woods move to the forest D) Banquo’s sons will become kings2. Macbeth sends murders to kill Macduff’s family.3. Macduff and Malcolm join up to make an army.4. Macduff finds out his family was murdered, seeks revenge. |
| What visions plague Lady Macbeth? | She always sees blood on her hands |
| How does Lady Macbeth’s condition differ from Macbeth’s in A5S1? | Lady Macbeth has lost control, but Macbeth is still trying to maintain control. |
| Briefly explain the conversation of the Scottish noblemen, Menteith, Caitness, Angus, and Lennox | Macbeth’s men don’t respect him and they heard he’s going crazy |
| What does Macbeth’s opening speech reveal to us? | He is not afraid, because of the witches’ predicition |
| What does Macbeth’s speech to Seyton reveal to us? | He thinks that since he will win the battle, it will make him stronger |
| What does Macbeth resolve to do? Why? | He resolves to be fearless in order to win |
| What news does Seyton bring Macbeth? | His wife is dead |
| List the four things to Macbeth compares life | 1. A walking shadow2. An actor playing a part3. A tale told by an idiot4. A brief candle |
| How does Macbeth express the span of life? | 1. A candle’s flame2. It constantly repeats itself3. A setting sun |
| How does he express the futility of life? | You do what you think is right, but then it turns against you |
| What is happening in A5S6? | They’re at the castle ready to fight |
| Explain the action in the final scene and Malcolm’s speech at the end | Macbeth is killed by MacduffMalcolm promises peace in the future |
Macbeth English questions
August 12, 2019