| When will the three witches meet again? | When the battle’s lost and won (paradox) |
| Whom will they meet | Macbeth |
| Explain the paradox spoken by all the witches. What imagery is used in the paradox | Fair is foul, and foul is fair/ good is bad, bad is good; fog and filthy air |
| What does the captain report about the outcome of the battle | He reports that Macbeth has fought bravely and has defeated the enemy; sliced Macdonwald from his navel to his jaw |
| What does he say about Macbeth’s actions? What does this reveal about Macbeth’s character | King: “Worthy gentleman”; Skilled, brave, loyal, strength, able to kill physically and mentally |
| What did the Norwegian king do when he saw the situation | Sent in new and fresh soldiers |
| Who is a traitor working with the king of Norway | Thane of Cawdor |
| Who wins the battle | Macbeth |
| What punishment is to be given to the Thane of Cawdor? What will become of his title | Execution; title given to Macbeth as a reward/honor |
| What will the first witch do to the man whose wife has offended her | Curse the sailor (her husband) |
| . The sisters refer to themselves as the “weird sisters.” To what Old English term is “weird” connected? What does this word mean? | Wyrd from English Saxon which means fate |
| What paradox does Macbeth state that connects to the witches’ previous statement in scene 1? | So foul and fair a day I have not seen |
| How does Banquo describe the witches’ appearances? | They look like women but they don’t look like women because of their beards |
| What three positions do the witches speak of Macbeth having? List them in order. | 1. Thane of Glamis (his current title from father) 2. Thane of Cawdor (king will give him that title) 3. He will be king |
| What is Macbeth’s reaction (as described by Banquo)? Why do you think Macbeth reacts this way? | He is startled and afraid |
| What paradoxes are stated by the witches regarding Banquo’s destiny? What, ultimately, do they say will happen to Banquo? | 1. Lesser than Macbeth and Greater (paradox) 2. Not so happy yet much happier (paradox) 3. His children will be kings though he won’t be king ; his children will be kings, but not him |
| 18. What happens when Macbeth questions the witches further about their statements? | The witches vanish |
| 19. What do Banquo’s words on lines 79-80 suggest? How does this contribute to the mood of the scene? | Uncertainty, mystery, tension |
| 20. How do Macbeth’s and Banquo’s reactions to the witches’ words reflect the men’s different characters? | They are uncertain of what the witches said; think they are insane; yet still have hope |
| 21. What does Ross say about how the king feels about Macbeth? | Praises him for his success |
| 22. What news do Ross and Angus bring that causes Macbeth and Banquo to be surprised? | Macbeth is Thane of Cawdor |
| 23. Note Macbeth’s clothing metaphor in lines 108-109. What is he saying? | Why are they giving him a title that is not his |
| Contrast Banquo’s and Macbeth’s reactions to the Thane of Cawdor’s death. What does Banquo suggest about the witches’ predictions? | Sometimes the darkness tells the truth slightly to harm you or get you in trouble |
| What can we infer that Macbeth desires from lines 127-129? What is “that suggestion whose “horrid image” upsets him? | Maybe Macbeth becomes king by killing the current one |
| What does Macbeth decide when he says, “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,/ Without my stir” (lines 143-144)? | That he doesn’t have to make it happen |
| What does Banquo mean by his clothing metaphor in lines 144-146? | Macbeth has to get used to the new title |
| How did the Thane of Cawdor behave at his execution? | He begged for a pardon and his life to be spared. |
| What does King Duncan mean when he says, “There’s no art/ To find the mind’s construction in the face” (lines 11-12)? | One cannot tell a traitor/liar by their face or acts. |
| What does the king’s trust in Cawdor (lines 13-14) say about Duncan’s character? | King Duncan is a very trusting person. |
| When King Duncan expresses his gratitude toward Macbeth, what might Macbeth be thinking (lines 20-21)? | Macbeth is thinking that if the king has made him Thane of Cawdor/Prince of Cumberland, then maybe he will become king. |
| What does the king say he’s decided to do that breaks the laws of succession and tanistry? | He breaks the laws of succession and tanistry by making his son his successor. |
| Describe the conflicting imagery used by Duncan and Macbeth when they consider nobility and hidden desires. What is Macbeth considering? | Macbeth is considering the possibility of being king. Maybe killing Duncan? |
| What does the king think about Macbeth when he departs? How does this reflect dramatic irony? | The king believes Macbeth is a valuable soldier. This reflects irony because the king is too trusting and Macbeth may already be planning the kings death. |
| What changes in the language in this scene as Lady Macbeth reads the letter? (Hint: see page 456.) | It’s in PROSE |
| From his letter to his wife, what can be understood about how Macbeth feels about her ? | They are very close and looks her as a partner rather just controlling |
| 37. What does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband’s nature? What does she feel he won’t do? How will she handle this? | She is afraid of his nature and how nice he is; He won’t cheat to get being king; She’s to manipulate him with her words |
| Who is coming to Macbeth’s home tonight? | The King |
| What does Lady Macbeth want to happen in her character? What images does she use to express this? | She wants her kindness and caring traits to go away; she wants thicker blood |
| When will the visitor leave (line 58)? Do you think Macbeth is still innocent at this point, or is he already plotting? | Never; he is plotting |
| What does Lady Macbeth advise about her husband’s face? | How does this match the witches’ statement from scene 1? He looks guilty; |
| What do the king and Banquo say about Macbeth’s castle? How does this contrast Lady Macbeth’s previous statement about a raven (scene 5, line 36)? | He says it is pleasant and nice; He is in a lot of danger here even though the marlet means safe and church |
| How do the king’s greetings to Lady Macbeth show dramatic irony? | … |
| What does Macbeth believe he is risking if he murders Duncan? | His eternal soul |
| What two things does Macbeth say cause Duncan to trust him? What kind of king is Duncan? What is the only cause for Macbeth to kill him? | 1. They are related and he is his subject 2. He is his host; Duncan is a good and humble king; his ambition |
| What does Macbeth tell his wife he has decided? Why? | They will not kill him because he does not want to throw away all the good things he has gained |
| Of what does Lady Macbeth accuse her husband when he says this? What does she say makes a man? | She thinks he is drunk; If he kills Duncan and becomes king |
| What particular detail displays Lady Macbeth’s willingness for cruelty? | She says she would kill a baby because she said she would no matter how much she loves it |
| What is Lady Macbeth’s plan in murdering King Duncan? | Wait until goes to sleep then get the chamberlings drunk and then blame them |
| What is Macbeth’s reaction to this? How do his words on line 82 match the recurring theme? | She is behaving like a man |
Macbeth Act 1
August 22, 2019