Scottish
Kings
Kings
Who was the Scottish king at the beginning of Shakespeare's Macbeth
King Ducan
Was Macbeth a real person or a completely fictional character?
He was a real historical king of Scotland.
What supernatural figures does Shakespeare introduce in Act 1 to influence Macbeth's future?
The three witches
What title does Macbeth receive after the current title holder is condemned for treason.
Thane of Cawdor
What do the witches predict will eventually happen to Macbeth?
He will become king of Scotland
What was the name of the real Scottish king who ruled before Macbeth took the throne in 1040
Duncan I
Approximately how long did Macbeth rule Scotland
Around 17 years
What does Shakespeare add to the story of Macbeth to introduce the idea that his future may already be determined.
The three witches and their prophecies.
Which character is the first to hear the witch's prophecy that Macbeth will become king?
Macbeth hears the prophecy, alongside Banquo
What do the witches predict about Banquo's descendants?
His descendants will become kings, even though Banquo himself will not be king.
Lady Macbeth
Both the historical Macbeth and Shakespeare's Macbeth held these military titles of nobility
Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis
How does Shakespeare make Macbeth seem loyal to King Ducan at the beginning of the play?
Macbeth fights bravely for Scotland and is rewarded by Duncan
In Act 1, what does Lady Macbeth fear about Macbeth's personality that might prevent him from taking the throne?
That he is too kind or too compassionate to pursue his ambitions ruthlessly
What conflict of Macbeth's is introduced when King Ducan announces his son as heir to the throne, rather than Macbeth?
Wanting power and maintaining his moral principles.
Who became king of Scotland after Macbeth's death in 1057?
Malcolm III
How did the historical Macbeth become king in 1040
He defeated and killed King Duncan I in battle.
Why might Shakespeare have changed the story of Macbeth to make him appear extremely loyal to King Duncan before considering taking the throne?
To show the change in his loyalties as he considered killing him for power and the throne.
At the end of Act 1, what does Macbeth begin to consider doing to make the witches' prophecy come true?
Murdering King Ducan
How does Lady Macbeth respond to the news that Macbeth may become king?
She becomes determined to help Macbeth gain the throne. Creates the plan to kill the king so Macbeth can ascend the throne.
In history, who took the throne briefly after Macbeth died in 1057?
Lulach, Macbeth's stepson.
What is the major difference between the way in which historical Macbeth and Shakespeare's Macbeth got their ascension to the throne.
Historically, Macbeth actually obtained the throne through a cultural and legitimate battle, while Shakespeare's Macbeth stabs the King in his sleep.
in Act 1, why is Macbeth troubled after hearing the witch's prophecy, even though becoming king is something he could want?
How does the contrast between Macbeth's public loyalty and his private thoughts create dramatic irony?
People on the outside trust Macbeth as a loyal subject, while the audience learns that Macbeth is considering betraying the king.
Does Act 1 prove that Macbeth is destined to become a murderer, or does it suggest that he still has a choice?
He still has a choice.