Act I – Macbeth

Why does shakespeare open the play by showing the witches? Bad omen
How does Duncan reward Macbeth for his bravery in defeating the rebels? naming him Thane of Cawdor
Macbeth calls the day of the battle “foul and fair”, what does he mean? They won, but it was difficult
When Macbeth is told of his new title how do he and Banquo react want to talk about it more
What does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband, after she reads her letter? he’s too nice
Lady Macbeth tells her husband to “look like the innocent flower/ but be the serpent under it” Explain what she means Look innocent, do what you need to do (be plotting)
Why, in Macbeth’s opinion, is the murder of Duncan so wrong he doesn’t deserve it, he is his cousin, Duncan is his guest
How does Lady Macbeth make sure her husband murders Duncan Questions his manhood, insults him
Who is sentenced to death? original Thane of Cawdor
What do the witches predict for Macbeth? for Banquo Macbeth- thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, King Banquo- Sons will be king, he will not be
What news does Ross bring to Macbeth New Thane of Cawdor
Malcolm describes Cawdor’s last moments before execution. What is Duncan’s reply. “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face” – you can’t judge a book by it’s cover
Macbeth says “stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires.” What are Macbeth’s desires? to be king
After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what is her opinion of Macbeth. and how does she plan to help him All he has to do is show up, she will plan everything.
What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming “unsex me here”
What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home act normal
What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan cousin, MAcbeth is loyal to Duncan- he is his King
What is Lady Macbeth’s plan 1. get the guards drunk, they will pass out2. Macbeth kills Duncan3. They will frame the guards for the murder of him
what is a soliloquy? when a main character makes a solo speech which reveals his innermost thoughts. no other people on stage
What is the second witches helper Paddock, a toad
Heath open field
First description of Macbeth Brave
other names for the witches the weird sisters, devil
What is aside when a character just wants the audience to hear them
What is Macbeth’s tragic flaw? Ambition
What is Malcolm’s new title The Prince of Cumberland
Lady Macbeth & Macbeth’s relationship trust, communication, honesty,
What does Lady Macbeth mean by “unsex me” think like a man. Be emotionally prepared for what is to come.
Theme of soliloquy #1 murder of Duncan, pros & cons of killing the King
“there’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face” King Duncan
“Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires” Macbeth
“Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way” Lady Macbeth