Act 1
What famous quote from the witches comes from Act 1 Scene 1?
Fair is foul, and foul is fair.
What does Lady Macbeth do that persuades Macbeth to kill the Big Dunc?
She questions his manhood.
How does Macduff feel after finding out about the death of his family?
He initially is in disbelief that they are actually dead then becomes enraged at himself that he is the reason they are dead because he left them alone.
What does the hallucination of the dagger symbolize?
The floating dagger symbolizes Macbeth’s temptation to kill King Duncan as he feels attracted by it and feels that he should kill Duncan. However, he also feels guilt from the dagger because he should not become King from killing Duncan.
What title did Macbeth originally have at the start of the play?
What is Thane of Glamis?
In Act I, what vision does Macbeth have before killing King Duncan?
A vision of him holding a bloody dagger after killing Duncan.
In Act 2, why can’t Lady Macbeth kill King Duncan herself?
Duncan resembles her father.
What is the role did the 3 Apparitions play?
Each apparition plays a different role in warning Macbeth about his downfall. The 1st Apparition warns Macbeth about the Thane of Fife, Macduff. The 2nd Apparition warns Macbeth that he would be killed by a person not born from a woman. The 3rd Apparition warns Macbeth that he would be defeated when the Birnam Wood marches toward him.
“Why do so many key events happen at night or in darkness? What does this suggest about the nature of evil in the play?”
It symbolizes the secrecy, moral corruption, and the supernatural nature of evil.
Why was Hecate upset at the three witches?
The witches gave Macbeth prophecies on his future without her permission.
What is the significance of the witches?
The witches tell Macbeth of his future through charms, spells, and prophecies, which prompts Macbeth to commit actions like murdering King Duncan.
Who is the first person in the play to find out about King Duncan’s murder?
Macduff is the first one to check on King Duncan on the morning after his murder.
What is the significance of the downfall of Lady Macbeth in Act 5 Scene 1?
Lady Macbeth’s downfall and spiral into insanity in Act 5 shows that she has had a psychological breakdown due to her guilt.
What does sleep symbolize to Macbeeth?
It represents the inner torment and guilt he feels from killing big Dunc.
"Macbeth shall never be vanquished be until Great _____ to high _____ shall come against him." - fill in the blank.
What is Birnam Wood and Dunsinane Hill?
What two noble titles did the witches prophesize Macbeth would have?
Thane of Cawdor and King.
What happened to King Duncan after he was murdered by Macbeth?
His body was discovered by Macduff and he was later buried in Colmekill with his ancestors.
What kind of character is Lady Macbeth? Static or dynamic, and flat or round?
She is dynamic because she goes from being ambitious and fierce, to remorseful and guilty. She is round because she does not embody the sames traits throughout the story.
What does blood symbolize throughout Macbeth?
Blood symbolizes the extreme guilt that becomes a permanent stain in Macbeth’s mind, driving him and his wife mad by the end of the play.
Why did Lady Macbeth commit suicide?
Psychological trouble and guilt of murdering Duncan.
What is the meaning of the word weird as it is used in Act 1?
Weird means “Destiny Serving” showing that the witches give Macbeth his future.
What is the significance of Macbeth’s long speech at the beginning of Act 2?
Macbeth had just been convinced to murder King Duncan as he was convinced by Lady Macbeth, who questioned his manhood. In the speech, Macbeth is debating on whether he should murder King Duncan or not. He starts hallucinating and goes crazy by seeing a floating dagger that tempts him to kill King Duncan.
What were the reasons for Macbeth’s ruthless determination to become king no matter the cost? What led up to Macbeth deciding to kill King Duncan?
Macbeth’s determination to become king rose from a combination of things. He was sparked by the witch’s prophecy, his wife’s pressuring and manipulative attitude toward killing the king, and King Duncan’s son standing in his way. All of these things together pushed him to murder King Duncan when he came to stay at their castle.
What does King Duncan sleeping when he dies say about him?
It shows his innocence as he did nothing wrong yet was killed for MacBeth’s greed and desire for the throne.
What formal titles was Fleance promised?
What is none?