Macbeth Act 1

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