Witches & Prophecies
What does the opening scene of Macbeth reveal about the rest of the play
Everything that seems good is bad and everything that seems bad is going to be good
What vision does Macbeth see before killing Duncan, and how does it foreshadow what’s coming?
He sees a bloody dagger floating in the air, showing his guilt and future murder.
How does Lady Macbeth comfort and criticize Macbeth after Duncan’s murder?
She tells him to stop acting guilty or they’ll get caught.
How is Banquo’s reaction to the witches different from Macbeth’s?
Banquo is cautious and doesn’t trust them. Macbeth is excited.
How does the weather in Act I reflect the mood and themes of the play?
It’s dark and stormy, showing evil and chaos.
What is the meaning of the witches’ paradox to Banquo: “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater”?
Banquo won’t be king, but his children will. He is more moral than Macbeth.
How does Macbeth react when he sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet?
He freaks out and talks to the ghost in front of everyone.
Why does Lady Macbeth say she didn’t kill Duncan herself, even though she planned the murder?
She didn’t want to get caught, so she used Macbeth to do it.
Why is Fleance’s escape from the murderers significant?
It means Banquo’s family could still become kings.
What is the dramatic function of the porter scene after Duncan’s murder?
It gives comic relief and makes the murder seem like hell’s gates opening.
Where do the witches plan to meet Macbeth, and what is their goal?
They plan to meet him in the woods to mess with his mind and guide him toward evil.
What does Macbeth’s “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…” mean? What does this soliloquy reveal about his mindset?
He feels life is meaningless and empty.
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says “Nought’s had, all’s spent…”?
They got what they wanted, but they’re still not happy.
How do Lady Macduff and Lady Macbeth differ in their support of their husbands?
Lady Macbeth pushes Macbeth to act. Lady Macduff doesn’t support Macduff leaving.
Why does Shakespeare show Duncan’s murder offstage, but Banquo’s murder onstage?
To focus on Macbeth’s guilt first, then show how he’s changing into a killer.
How are the three prophecies given to Macbeth by the apparitions fulfilled in Act V?
Macduff kills Macbeth (not born naturally), soldiers use trees as cover, and Macduff is the threat.
What offer does Macbeth make to Banquo in Act II, Scene 1, and how does Banquo respond?
Macbeth offers him rewards if he stays loyal. Banquo says he’ll do what’s right.
What if Lady Macbeth revealed everything that Macbeth did?
Thanes would grow concerned for their safety, would help everyone gather against Macbeth
Where is Macduff during Act III, and what does this reveal about his character?
He went to England to help stop Macbeth, showing he’s brave and loyal.
At the end of the play, is order truly restored in Scotland? Why or why not?
Order is restored, but there are hints that more trouble could come.