| 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 |
Macbeth study guide questions
July 21, 2019