Act 1
Who is sentenced to death?
Thane of Cawdor
Why do suppose Banquo is having trouble sleeping?
the thought of being in royalty is on his mind.
How many men does Macbeth first employ for Banquo's murder?
2
Witch 2 says, "By the pricking of my thumb, Something wicked this way comes." Who
arrives?
Macbeth arrives.
What is Macbeth's reaction to Lady Macbeth's death?
He takes it very calmly, saying she would have died sooner or later, anyway
Macbeth says "Stars hide your fires/ Let light see my black desires" what desires is he talking about?
his desire to take over, be king, and get more power
Why does Macbeth lie to Banquo and tell him that he has not thought of the weird sisters?
So that Macbeth will claim the throne. And he will confuse Banquo that it was just a dream and never happened.
Why can Banquo be considered a threat to Macbeth?
The witches said Banquo's sons will be king, but Macbeth wants his sons and himself to be king.
What is Macbeth's attitude towards the witches this time?
He is demanding, trying to take charge.
Who first fights Macbeth? What happens?
Young Siward fights Macbeth and is slain.
What does Banquo say about the "instrument of darkness"?
tell us truth to win us over, and give us little victories/rewards to lead us to greater destruction.
In his soliloquy after Banquo leaves, what does Macbeth tell the audience he sees? In what ways does he explain the sight?
a dagger: he can see it but not touch it: it is a hallucination.
Whom else besides Banquo does Macbeth want to be killed?
Fleance (Banquo's son)
Where is Macduff? Why isn't he with his family?
He is in England helping Malcolm.
Macbeth says to Macduff, "But get thee back, my soul is too much charged With blood of
thine already." To what is he referring?
Macbeth doesn't want to fight Macduff; he has already killed Macduff's family.
What is the point of the first scene in reference to the whole play?
It sets an evil over the whole play; they are going to bring about Macbeth's destruction.
What does the ringing of the bell indicate to Macbeth? How does he say the ringing relates to Duncan? What kind of poetic form end the scene?
Means it is time to kill Duncan. Forshadowing: dramatic irony.
Is Macbeth still consulting Lady Macbeth concerning the murder? Why or why not?
No, because he wants to keep her in ignorance and out of the murder.
Why does Macbeth have Macduff's family and servants killed?
Macduff is not loyal to Macbeth, and Macbeth is angry.
What does Macbeth want the doctor to do for his wife?
He wants the doctor to ease her suffering, to give her something to make her oblivious to
her weighty troubles.
What do the witches predict in Act 1, Scene 3 for Macbeth? For Banquo?
Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor, and king. Banquo is lesser than Macbeth yet greater, he won't be king but his sons will.
Why does Lady Macbeth not commit the murder when she is in the room?
She thinks the guards have awakened. Duncan reminds her of her father.
How is Lady Macbeth's character changing?
She is calm and isn't as concerned about the murders. She expresses regret about the murders.
Why is Malcolm in England?
Malcolm flees to England because after his father, King Duncan, is murdered, he is afraid that he's next. He wants to get out of where he lives to be safe.
What do the doctor and gentlewoman see Lady Macbeth doing? What do they decide to do?
She is sleepwalking and talking about the murders. The doctor decides his best move is to not mention that he heard anything, and he tells the woman to keep an eye on Lady Macbeth.