Macbeth Study Guide, Act 1

What is the central theme of Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth? Betrayal
The Tragedy of Macbeth and other Elizabethan plays represented a radical shift in English drama because they were what? Not about religious themes.
Based upon the information in Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth, what appears to be Macbeth’s character flaw? A desire for power.
During the Elizabethan period, theater companies began to do what? Use permanent performance spaces.
What important role do the witches play in Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth? They foreshadow events.
Based upon the information in Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth, what can you infer about King Duncan? He places a high value on bravery and loyalty.
What of the following best describes Macbeth’s feelings about the possible assassination of King Duncan in Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth? Tortured ambivalence (FYI: The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.)
In Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth, why does Lady Macbeth think Macbeth has a poor chance of achieving power? He is not ruthless enough.
What do stage directions give the reader? Information about what is taking place on the stage.
Throughout Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth’s plans and actions seem to be motivated most of all by what? His wife’s encouragement.
What is an example of a stage direction? [Thunder and lightning. Enter THREE WITCHES.]
Elizabethan tragedies were modeled on plays from where? Ancient Greece and Rome.
The annotations in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 1, are a helpful aid for doing what? Clarifying unfamiliar language.
In The Tragedy of Macbeth, in what way is Lady Macbeth stronger than her husband? She stands firm when Macbeth begins to waver in his deadly purpose.
What would be true if you were watching a play at the Globe Theater back in Shakespeare’s day? The illusions of time and space would come from the words of the play.
What is the general setting of Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth? Medieval Scotland
Why do the stage directions in Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth make no detailed references to lighting and sets? In Shakespeare’s day, plays did not have artificial lighting or elaborate sets.
How does Macbeth come to be the Thane of Cawdor? After the previous Thane of Cawdor is found guilty of treason Duncan bequeaths his title on Macbeth in gratitude for Macbeth’s courage in battle.
In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 1, what action most clearly is an act of valor? Macbeth’s courage in battle before the opening of the play.
What is the character flaw that most seems to motivate Lady Macbeth to plan Duncan’s murder in Act 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth? Excessive ambition for her husband.
What is the “double trust” (The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 1, scene 7, line 12) that Macbeth would be breaking if he kills Duncan? Macbeth is Duncan’s subject and kinsman, and so owes the king his loyalty. In addition, he is Duncan’s host, and it is against all laws of hospitality of fail to protect a guest and especially to allow a guest to come to harm at the host’s own hands.
What quality does Lady Macbeth have more of compared to her husband in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 1? She is more decisive than her husband.
Valor Courage, bravery
Treasons Betrayal
Imperial Of an empire
Liege Lord or king
Sovereign Supreme in power
September 8, 2019