Macbeth study guide questions

What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play? The first scene is the witches scene and there is foreshadowing going on because they are going to meet up with Macbeth
What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears that Macbeth has defeated Macdonald? Why is this ironic? Calls his worthy gentlemen, Macbeth eventually kills Duncan
Who is sentenced to death? the thane of Cawdor
What do the witches predict for Macbeth? For Banquo? Three predictions for Macbeth:1) he is Thane of Glamis 2) hail to the thane of Cawdor 3) you will be king Three predictions for Banquo:1) Less than Macbeth but greater2) Not so happy but happier 3) You will be the father of kings
What news does Ross bring Macbeth? A title, he tells him that he has been declared the thane of Cawdor
Banquo is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth’s new title, he is however leery. What does he say about the motives of the instruments of darkness? They say good things only to trick you
Malcolm describes Cawdor’s last moments before the execution. What is Duncan’s reply? Malcolm said he died better than he lived, Duncan says he was a man on whom I placed an absolute trust
Macbeth says “stars, hid your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires” what are his desires ? To be king, and for that to happen he has to kill the current king
After lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us of her opinion of Macbeth and how does she plan to help him? That Macbeth is too soft. She is going to talk to him about it and suggest things
What advice does she give Macbeth when he arrives home? She tells him that Duncan is never going to see the light of day. She tells him to look innocent.
What are Macbeth’s arguments against the killing of Duncan? He is his cousin; he is a guest; the only reason is that Macbeth wants to be king; Duncan’s subject; well-loved king
What is Lady Macbeth’s plan? 1) drug the guards2) ring the bell3) Macbeth has to leave the dagger upstairs
What is Macbeth’s lie to Banquo about the witches predictions? he says he doesn’t think about the witches
What is the signal that lady Macbeth gives to let her husband know the guards are asleep? She will ring the bell
Why can’t Lady Macbeth kill the king herself? He looks too much like her father
What does Macbeth mean when he says ” Macbeth will never sleep” what does Lady Macbeth then tell him to do? Macbeth is going to have a guilty conscious and not be able to go to sleep. She tells him to forget about it
Why wont he take the daggers back to the scene of the crime He does not want to go back up there
Who was knocking at the gate? Macduff
What does Macduff discover? Duncan’s body
What excuse did Macbeth give for killing the guards? That he was really upset and killed them out of anger
Why do Malcolm and Donalbain leave? Where do they go? They do not feel safe. Malcolm goes to England, and Donalbain goes to Ireland
Why does Macbeth want Banquo and Fleance dead? Banquo is suspicious and Macbeth does not trust him; Fleance is Banquo’s son
What happens at the scene of the ambush of Banquo and Fleance? Fleance gets away alive, but Banquo is killed
Who does Macbeth see at the Banquet table? Banquo’s ghost
How does Lady Macbeth cover for her husband? She says Macbeth has a disease, and clears the room
Who does not show up for dinner? Macduff
What 3 things did the witches show Macbeth and what did they mean? (second set of predictions) 1) Beware Macduff2) No man of woman born shall harm Macbeth – (Macduff was born of sea section)3) Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Duninsane Hill (where his castle sits)
What do the witches do by twisting the words of the 2nd predictions? they create a false sense of security
Where does Macduff go? to see Malcolm in England
Why does Macbeth have Macduff’s family killed? out of revenge
Why does Malcolm lie to Macduff how terrible of a king he would make? If after all the bad things Macduff still wanted him king, he would know it is a trap. Though, Macduff says “you do not deserve to live”. It was a test of trust and loyalty.
Why does Ross hesitate to tell Macduff what happened? He was not sure how Macduff would handle it
What do the doctor and the gentlewoman see lady Macbeth doing? Sleeping walking/talking confessing the murders and talking about the blood on her hands; pretends to wash hands
What do they decide to do after seeing her sleep walk? Nothing, she is mentally sick he cannot do anything for her. Tells gentlewoman to keep all things Lady Macbeth could harm herself with out of reach.
What was the purpose of the doctor coming to see Lady Macbeth? As a witness
What is Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death? He says she should have lived longer
What is Macbeths reaction to the news that Birnam wood is moving? He wants his armor on. When he sees the trees he gets a little worried because the witches told him that this was going to happen
Why is Birnam wood moving? Malcolm tells the soldiers to each cut down a tree branch and hold it in front while they march toward the castle
Who 1st fights Macbeth? Young Siward
At what point does Macbeth know he is in trouble? Macduff is born of a c section. Macduff was not born of a woman so he can kill Macbeth.
How does Macbeth die? Macduff stabs him
Who will be the king of Scotland? Malcolm
July 21, 2019