Act 1
What did the Witches prophesise?
Macbeth would be Thane of Glamis, Cawdor andf King. Banquo's descendants would one day be king.
After the murder, Macbeth says he will “sleep no more,” what does he mean by this?
That he will not feel peace or rest anymore after killing Duncan.
This character suspects Macbeth of wrongdoing but does not openly accuse him.
Banquo
Define the Great Chain of Being
The Great Chain of Being is a hierarchical model of the universe that ranks all existence from the lowest forms of matter to God, reflecting a divinely ordered and continuous structure.
Duncan appears to be a kind and generous King; however, he can be seen as having at least one major shortcoming. What is it?
Naive, too trusting of the men around him.
Macbeth sees this floating object leading him toward Duncan’s chamber before the murder. What is it?
A dagger.
Who does Macbeth hire to kill Banquo and are they successful in their whole mission?
The murders. Only successful in killing Banquo- Fleance escapes.
Define the Divine Right of Kings
The divine right of kings is the belief that monarchs derive their authority directly from God and are accountable only to Him.
Who says this quote?
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.”
Lady Macbeth
Why does Lady Macbeth not kill Duncan herself?
By the end of Act 3, Macbeth decides to visit these figures again to gain more knowledge about his future. Who are they?
The witches.
What themes are present in Macbeth?
Ambition, supernatural, betrayal, guilt, violence & disorder, fate vs free will.
n Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth calls on spirits to remove this quality so she can commit cruel acts. What is this quality?
Her femininity (unsex me here)
Why do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee after Duncan’s death, and where do they go?
Malcolm flees to England and Donalbain to Ireland. They flee fearing for their safety and lives
How does Macbeth describe feeling troubled after killing Duncan?
Macbeth describes his mind as full of “scorpions”
Who has the first speaking line in the play?
First Witch
Macbeth offers numerous reasons why it would be wrong to kill Duncan. List these reasons.
He is Duncan's kinsmen and guest, fear of consequences, Duncan is a good king, he has no other motive other than ambition.
What does the disruption of natural order after King Duncan's death symbolise?
This natural disturbance described in Act 2 (such as strange weather and animals behaving unnaturally) reflects the disorder caused by Duncan’s murder. A disruption to the Great Chain of Being.
What is the point where Macbeth feels fully committed to a path of violence and tyranny?
Macbeth says he is “in blood stepped in so far” to show that he believes there is no turning back from this course of action. (Act 3, Scene 4)
Which goddess is invoked by the witches?
Hectate