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 |
Macbeth Act 1 Scene 1-7
August 28, 2019