Macbeth Act 1 Scene 1-7

1.1 What effect is Shakespeare creating by beginning the play with this scene? – creates ominous suspense and archaic language-sets the scene-has hook and mood
1.1 What do you suppose is suggested by the line, “Fair is foul and foul is fair.” -It contributes to the overall theme-the line between good and evil is blurred based upon the other-someone who seems good isn’t always
1.1 what poetic device is used in this scene and to what effect? rhyming couplets, low morals, and alliteration
1.2 What is the purpose of this scene? The king is requesting an update on the on going battle. It sets the exposition- there are two battles (Scots vs Norway and Scot King vs traitors)
1.2 What image do we have of Macbeth’s bravery and ability as a warrior? -lets no one stand in his way-valiant soldier, bloody, bold-not easily challenged-lion to the hare, slaughters enemies-carves out passage through soldiers
1.2 What is Macbeth’s relationship to King Duncan Cousins and kinsmen- his family
1.2 Whom had Macbeth and Banquo been fighting Fighting the Norwegians and traitors to the King, rebellion against the King, and attempted invasion of Norway
1.2 What does King Duncan tell Ross to do? To pronounce that the current Thane of Cawdor is going to be executed and went to greet and give Macbeth a new title
1.3 What does the audience learn about the Weird Sisters from their conversation at the beginning of the scene? They are petty, vindictive, evil, and mischievous.
1.3 When Macbeth says, ” So foul and fair a day I have not seen,” to what is he referring? What could be the dramatic irony in this line? He is saying something the witches have previously said that refers to the weather and the victory. The three sisters are waiting for him and he doesn’t know it.
1.3 Describe the physical appearance of the Weird Sisters They are ugly, inhumane, unearthly, wild, and covered in hair
1.3 What prophecies do the Weird sisters make regarding Macbeth? How does he react? He is the Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and The KingHe is startled and frightened
1.3 What do the weird sisters see in the future for Banquo? His ancestors will be kings
1.3 How do Macbeth and Banquo react to the experience after the Weird Sisters vanish? They’re confused, unsure, and think that it might be a hallucination.
1.3 What terms does Ross indicate accompany the title Thane of Cawdor -the current title holder will be executed- this is a token+ will be greater in the future+ king- will be named as heir, ross and angus do not know
1.3 As the others talk, what does Macbeth’s aside reveal about his thinking -he is filled with conflict-desires to be king and believes witches-horrified about all of the death-he decides he wont do anything
1.3 How does Banquo’s comment support the “Fair is foul, foul is fair” theme What they said seemed nice now but would be bad later- half truths
1.3 What does Macbeth mean in his aside about two truths being prologue to the act of the imperial theme Glamis, Cawdor, then possibly kingthe first two are true so the third could be too
1.3 What dramatic conventions does Shakespeare use to establish character and begin to lay out his tragedy? character reaction, asides, foil, and dramatic irony
1.4 Why was the Thane of Cawdor executed he was a traitor and helping the rebels overthrow Duncan
1.4 what effect does Shakespeare create by having Macbeth and Banquo enter just as they are discussing the execution of the former Thane of Cawdor – dramatic and visual irony- he had contemplated Duncan’s death- cant see disloyalty until it is too late
1.4 What announcement does the King make to everyone present and what is Macbeth’s reaction? -Malcom is the heir to the throne-Macbeth feels cheated and thought the witches prediction would lead him to be the heir and overcome Malcom
1.4 In his last speech in this scene, what does Macbeth reveal? says he is entertaining evil thoughts and king has to die, then lets it go
1.5 what is the purpose of the letter to let her know what is happening, his new title, the witches, and a review of what has been happening.established a relationship between them
1.5 What do we learn about Macbeth from lady Macbeth’s reaction to the letter he isn’t the same in real life like he is on the battlefield, and doesn’t have enough ambition for evil
1.5 What do we learn about Lady Macbeth from her reaction to the letter she is more brutal and self-obsessed. She is energized and vows to kill Duncan and convince him
1.5 Does lady Macbeth fear Macbeth will not be king if he does not murder Duncan – she doesn’t second guess herself and will not let anything get in her way-she believes in the prophecy and the opportunity has presented itself
1.5 how does the news about King Duncan’s expected arrival affect her? what is she planning? great opportunity for murder
1.5 why does Lady Macbeth pray to be unsexed turn of feminine qualities and conscience, and that she is capable of murder
1.5 what does Shakespeare established in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s first exchange when Macbeth arrives home? how well they know each other and understanding
1.5 In what way does Lady Macbeth’s advice to Macbeth relate to the fair is foul theme the looks good but is bad. they look welcoming and happy to host while plotting his murder
1.6 what is the purpose of this scene to demonstrate dramatic irony and shows how welcoming and pleasing he thinks it is but he does not know about planned death
1.6 how does this scene contribute to the fair is foul theme? -the castle looks pleasant and full of life but is the place where he will die-she then is a hostess but is going to kill him
1.7 what arguments does Macbeth raise for not murdering Duncan? he is his family and subject and he is the kings host. it would upset the harmony, balance, and many people like Duncan. he would also be a new target for murder
1.7 what does he finally conclude killing Duncan is wrong and he wont let ambition overcome him and seems feeble
1.7 what consequences does Macbeth fear if he commits the murder he may get killed and is now physically vulnerable. he is also scared of failure. also a spiritual threat and giving his soul to hell
1.7 what does Lady Macbeth say in attempt to goad her husband into the murder? she calls him a fickle coward. husband and manliness is challenged his love and masculinity.
1.7 Macbeth’s response to her about what a man may dare is frequently quoted. what is his meaning. he does not cower, he goes to battle without hesitation. it is different than cold blooded murder. he says a man should question why and is it right
1.7 what is the point of lady Macbeths baby imagery? she is extensive with her commitment and she is strong and ruthless while a mother is gentle and nurturing. image of love and protection and shatters it. she is serious and is being unsexed
1.7 what exposition does Shakespeare give the audience in this scene? the plan that lady Macbeth has to murder the King and frame the guards