| What predictions do the witches make about Macbeth’s future? | Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, will be the Thane of Cawdor, and also the king |
| What happens to the Thane of Cawdor after the battle in Act I? | He is executed as a traitor |
| How does Macbeth react to the predictions of the three witches–does he believe them? | He is fearful and desires more details, but he does believe them, and quickly his thoughts turn dark |
| How would you describe the atmosphere of scene 1? | Uneasiness and gloom. |
| What predictions do the witches make about Banquo’s future? | Banquo’s descendants will be kings |
| Why do you think Shakespeare included the scenes in Act I where the witches appear? | They help create an atmosphere of evil, and could symbolize the dark impulses of Macbeth |
| Macbeth’s actions on the battlefield lead one to think that he is loyal to the king and capable of great violence, but is he a superstitious man at that point? | No, he seems to be a brave and solid officer of the king, and the appearance of the witches seems to unnerve him |
| What do the witches predict in Act 1, Scene 3 for Macbeth? For Banquo? | Macbeth will be the Thane of Cawdor, and king; Banquo is lesser than Macbeth yet greater–he won’t be king but his sons will |
| Why is the king contemptuous of the Thane of Cawdor? | The Thane of Cawdor has been disloyal and traitorous |
| What news does Ross bring Macbeth? | The battle is over and Duncan has bestowed on him the title of the Thane of Cawdor in addition to being the Thane of Glamis |
| What does Banquo say about the “instrument of darkness”? | Tell us truth to win us over, and give us little victories/rewards to lead us to greater destruction |
| What is causing Macbeth fearfulness and nervousness in this act? | His temptation to commit murder in order to become king |
| After Lady Macbeth reads his letter, what does she doubt about her husband, and how does she plan to “help” him? | That he does not have the strength of will to take control of what he wants; and she will talk him into it |
| What is Lady Macbeth’s prayer to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming? | For the spirits to take away her female gender, and make her as cruel and ruthless as a man, as she needs to be |
| Lady Macbeth would rather kill her own baby than…? | Go back on an oath |
| What are Macbeth’s reasons for why he should not kill Duncan? | There is a double trust: Duncan is Macbeth’s king and guest |
| What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder? | She questions Macbeth’s manhood: man or mouse? And there is no way they can fail |
| What is Lady Macbeth’s plan? | Frame the grooms by using their daggers for the crime, and smearing them with Duncan’s blood |
Macbeth: Study Guide Questions, Act I
August 19, 2019