Macbeth Reading Comprehension Quiz

How did Duncan honor Macbeth for killing the traitor Macdonwald? Duncan named Macbeth Thane of Cawdor.
How did the witches greet Macbeth? The first witch called him “Thane of Glamis”; the second witch called him “Thane of Cawdor”; the third witch said he would be king (I.iii.50-52).
What did Macbeth and Lady Macbeth do when they learned that Ducan planned to visit their castle at Inverness? Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plotted Duncan’s murder.
In Act II, what did Lady Macbeth fear about her husband? She feared he was too kind-hearted to go through with their murderous plan.
Why was Macbeth conflicted about murdering Duncan? Macbeth believed that, as Duncan’s host and kinsman, he should honor and protect Duncan.
How did Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plan to get away with Duncan’s murder? Macbeth and Lady Macbeth framed Duncan’s chamberlains for the crime.
What did Macbeth think he heard a voice say after he killed Duncan? Macbeth thought he heard a voice say, “Macbeth does murder sleep… Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor Shall sleep no more” (II.ii.47-55).
Why did people begin to suspect Malcolm and Donalbain as accomplices to Duncan’s murder? Malcolm fled to England and Donalbain fled to Ireland, which made them appear guilty.
Why did Macbeth begin to hate Banquo in Act III? Macbeth was upset about the prophesy that Banquo’s, and not Macbeth’s, sons would one day rule Scotland.
What did Macbeth summon to help him go through with his plan to murder Banquo? Macbeth summoned darkness to hide his evil deeds and shield guilty conscience.
Why did Macbeth call Banquo’s son, Fleance, “the worm that’s fled” (III.iv.32)? Because Fleance escaped, he could still fulfill the prophesy of being king.
Why didn’t Macbeth believe he could stop all the killing? Macbeth believed violence only led to more violence. He said, “I am in blood stepped so far” (III.iv.143) that there was no way of turning back.
To whom was the second apparition referring when it said, “For none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” (IV.i.88-89)? The second apparition was referring to Macduff, who was born via Cesarean section.
To whom was the third apparition referring when it said, “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him” (IV.i.102-104)? The third apparition was referring to Malcolm, whose army advanced behind a camoflage of trees from Birnam Wood to Dunsinane.
How did Malcolm test Macduff’s loyalty? Malcolm pretended he was not worthy of the throne because he had even more corrupt vices than Macbeth.
What good news did Ross bring to Malcolm and Macduff? Ross told Macduff that other people had tired of Macbeth and began to rebel.
What bad news did Ross bring to Malcolm and Macduff? After hearing Macduff had turned against him, Macbeth had Macduff’s wife and children murdered.
Why was Macbeth so confident that he would be victorious? He did not see how it was possible for Birnam Wood to advance upon Dunsinane: “That will never be; who can impress the forest, bid the tree, unfix his earth-bound root?”
Upon learning of Lady Macbeth’s death, what metaphor did Macbeth use to represent the futility of life? “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more” (V.v.26-28).
Why did Lady Macbeth kill herself? Lady Macbeth was unable to cope with the guilt of all the bloodshed she’d caused as Macbeth’s partner in crime.
What was Macbeth’s tragic flaw? Macbeth’s tragic flaw was his ambition. “I have no spur to trick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition” (I.vii.25-27).