Macbeth study questions (for act 1)

List the three titles the witches give to Macbeth. (scene 3)

1. Thane of Glamis 2. Thane of Cawdor 3. King of Scotland

What does Macbeth blame for his desires?

Ambition to be king.

Quote the lines in which Lady Macbeth says that she fears her husband will not want to do what it takes for him to become king?(scene 5)

"To full of the milk of human kindness."

What are the first words spoken by Macbeth in this scene? Why are they so familiar and what could they mean?

"foul and fair a day I have not seen" Could mean the weather, day of victory for one side but not the other. The witches implied this in the first scene.

What are the witches prophecies for Banquo? How are the prophecies paradoxical?

1. Lesser than Macbeth but greater 2. Not so happy yet much happier 3. Thou shalt get kings but be none. These prophecies are paradoxical, because they are filled with double meaning to them.

What does Banquo say that might suggest he isn't totally confident in the witches?

"I fear thou play'dst most fouly for it" he's weirded out by it he thinks that it's something good but something bad will come out of it.

Quote the ending couplet. What does it mean?

"Mock the time with fairest show." This means just to hide how you really feel inside.

In what way does Lady Macbeth's advice to Macbeth relate to the "fair is foul" theme?(scene 5)

-Be a flower on the outside, but deep inside be a snake under it all. -She tells Macbeth to look innocent. To look welcoming but then turn around and stab him.

What reasons can you think of as to why the play is first introduced to us through witches? (scene 1)

-The witches will play a big part to the play -gives the beginning a creepy -the mood and atmosphere are set for the play here.

Explain the meaning of "fair is foul and foul is fair." Explain an example from your life for both of these. (scene 1)

-how situations appear to be good when in reality they are evil (or vice versa). -All people have the capability of being good and appearing evil as well as being evil and appearing good.

After saying if the deed is to be done, it must be done quickly, what arguments does Macbeth raise for not doing it? There are three. (scene 7)

1. Honorable guy. 2 Angels will be upset. 3. That's his relation: they are close.

Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to not alter his appearance at the end of the scene. Why does she do this? (scene 5)

Don't act differently; don't be too nice. So people don't get onto you.

What do you think Lady Macbeth means when she states to the king, "All our service/In every point twice done, and then done double"?

Everything we're doing for you, even if it were doubled and then doubled again, is nothing compared to the honors you have brought to our family.

What is Macbeth's former title and present title?(scene 2)

Former title --Thane of Glamis Present title-- Thane of Cawdor

Explain Macbeth's statement as he questions the witches' prophecies: "This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good." Plus, explain this paradox by using examples for both sides. (scene 3)

Going back and forth with it. How can something good feel bad. Macbeth does not believe that the prophecies speak the truth and he finds them unreliable.

When Macbeth says, "Speak, I charge you," what does this suggest about his character? (scene 3)

Greedy, has a big head.

When the king tells Macbeth that "more is thy due than more than all can pay," what is he saying about Macbeth's achievements? (scene 4)

He can never repay him for all that he has done for King Duncan. Macbeth is an amazing guy.

Discuss Banquo's reaction to the witches prophecies for Macbeth. (scene 3)

He is jealous and envious of him. He's happy for him but wants a prophecy for himself too.

What is Macbeth's response to this, and how are the witches partially responsible for this attitude? (scene 4)

He wants to get rid of him. The witches influenced him and he believes now he has to be king.

How confident is Macbeth at this point?

He's not that incredibly confidet in it about a 2.5 on the whole thing.

When Lady Macbeth says, "Hie thee hither," what does she plan to do, and how is she much like the witches at this point? (scene 5)

Her plan is to use her women charms on him. Better chance of affecting him.

Considering the paradox "fair is foul and foul is fair," to what extent are you ready to accept the assessment of Macbeth's behavior? (scene 2)

KIlling people can make you king or get you promoted.

"Stars, hide your fires,/Let not light see my black and deep desires." Explain this famous quote from Macbeth. (scene 4)

Keep his dark desires underneath. And not let anyone see his true intentions.

Describe Macbeth's attitude by the end of the scene. Why does Macbeth say the following to Banquo: "Let us speak/Our free hearts each to other"? (scene 3)

Lets just be honest and speak about the weirdness going on.

What does Macbeth decide before he speaks to Lady Macbeth?

Macbeth decides that if he is going to do it he needs to do it now. It's now or never.

What action has occurred off stage but is reported in this scene by the wounded Captain?(scene 2)

Macbeth has killed Macdonwald and is very happy

Who was appointed successor to Duncan? (scene 4)(takes over when someone gives up a position or title )

Malcolm

When are the three witches to meet again and for what purpose? (scene 1)

Meet after the battle, upon the heath (opening of a field). They're going to meet up with Macbeth.

After the disappearance of the witches, Ross and Angus bring news that we, as the audience, already know. This is called dramatic irony. What is this information they bring? (scene 3)

New Thane of Cawdor

What does Lady Macbeth mean when she states, "He that's coming/Must be provided for, and you shall put/This night's great business into my dispatch"?(scene 5)

Prepare for King Duncan's coming and she will handle all the preparations and everything.

What does Lady say in attempt to goad her husband into murder?

She really questions his manhood, "Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting "I dare not" wait upon "I would, " Like the poor cat i' th' adage?" She also wants him to prove his love to her by killing the king.

Explain the following metaphor used by Macbeth: "Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?" (scene 3)

Somebody already has the title that is all and well.

Explain the irony of Duncan's description of Macbeth's castle in the beginning of the scene. (scene 6)

The castle is really nice to him.

Explain Malcolm's response about the Thane of Cawdor's death: "Nothing in his life/Became him like the leaving it." (scene 4)

The death was the best thing that ever happened in his life.

Explain the following line from the king: "The love that follows us sometime is our trouble." (scene 6)

This quote means the love that follows you can be the root to all your problems and our love ones can somehow cause our trouble.

Carefully read the conversation of the witches' attempt to take revenge on the sailor's wife. What does this episode suggest about the extent and limits of their powers? (scene 3)

not powerful enough, can only influence things to a certain extent, but not directly murder people.

What does the nature of Macdonwalds death portray about Macbeth as a character? (scene 2)

prutual, inhumane, brave.

Why does Macbeth write to Lady Macbeth?(scene 5)

to let her know Duncan is coming.

What is the King's reaction to the news of Macdonwald's slaying? (scene 2)

very happy and pleased by it

Why does Lady Macbeth want to be "unsexed"? What will this allow her to accomplish, and why is this necessary for her to get what she wants? (scene 5)

when your female or male you have feelings with being unsexed you're a spiritual being and have no feelings. She prays to be unfeminine (tough), so she will be able to kill the king.