Act I
What do the witches predict for Macbeth? For Banquo?
Macbeth- That he will be Thane of Glam, Thane of Quarter, and King.
Banquo- Less than Macbeth and greater, not so happy yet happier. His sons will be king
What is the signal Lady Macbeth will give Macbeth to let him know that she has taken care of the guards?
She will ring a bell
Why does Macbeth want Banquo and Fleance dead?
Because the witches fortune could come true for Banquo (his sons to become kings) and Macbeth doesn't want them to have power because it is a threat to Macbeth's power (he doesn't want rivals.)
What four things did the witches show Macbeth? What does each show/say?
They showed him an armed head, a bloody child, a crowned child with a tree in its hand,
and, finally, eight kings followed by Banquo's ghost. Respectively, they showed/told
Macbeth to beware of Macduff, that he would not be harmed by anyone "born of woman,"
that he would not be vanquished until Birnam Wood would come to Dunsinane, and that
Banquo's descendants would be kings.
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.
Banquo, like Macbeth is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth's new title. He is, however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the "instruments of darkness?"
He says they often tell of good things which may happen without telling the bad consequences.
After Macbeth kills Duncan, he goes to Lady Macbeth and is concerned about not being able to say "Amen." What is her advice to him?
She tells him not to think about it so much, or it will make him crazy.
What is Macbeth's plan for killing Banquo and Fleance? Does this plan work?
He hires two murderers to ambush them on the way back home from the journey
No, they kill Banquo but Fleance escapes
What is Lady Macduff's attitude at the moment about her husband Macduff?
Lady Macduff is furious at her husband's abandonment-she calls him a traitor and a coward. She tells her son it is left up to the mother to protect her young now, and that his father is dead.
What is Macbeth's reaction to Lady Macbeth's death?
He takes it very calmly, saying she would have died sooner or later, anyway.
What are Macbeth's arguments to himself against killing Duncan?
If Macbeth kills Duncan, the he is setting a precedent that the subjects can kill kings and be rewarded with the kingship. Macbeth is Duncans kinsmen and his subject as well as his host. Duncan is a good king and a virtuous man; he has done no particular evil. Duncan is a popular king and his death would bring sorrow and unrest upon Scotland.
How does Lennox describe the night and what is Macbeth's response?
Lennox goes through a great description of the terrible night, saying it predicted terrible, confusing times ahead. Macbeth brushes it off by saying it was a rough night.
Who or what does Macbeth see at the banquet table that upsets him?
Why does Malcolm test Macduff?
Malcolm tests Macduff because he's afraid that Macbeth sent Macduff to get Malcolm and trick him to return home. He wants to assure that Macduff is actually truthful in saying that he doesn't like Macbeth.
Who first fights Macbeth? What happens?
Macbeth slays Young Siward. Young Siward had wounds on his front side, representing he was fighting bravely and with confidence.
What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit murder?
She tells him not to be a coward, not to say later that he "could have been" when he could now "be" king. She tells him to be a man and go get what he wants. She says if she made the promise to do so, that she would have killed her own baby to carry out that promise.
What excuse or explanation did Macbeth give for killing the guards? What is his real reason?
He did it out of pain and rage, but he actually wanted to be rid of any possible witnesses to the murder.
Who else is missing from the banquet, besides Banquo? Where has this person gone?
Macduff
Went to England to find Malcolm
What news does Ross bring to Macduff? How does Macduff react? What does Malcolm tell Macduff to do?
Ross brings news of Macduff's family's murders.
He is grief stricken and feels guilty and responsible since he left them.
Malcolm advises him to turn his grief into rage and use it to defeat Macbeth.
When does Macbeth know he is in trouble?
When he sees the Birnam Wood moving towards the castle.
What is Lady Macbeth's plan?
She will drug the king's grooms (guards) with their drink. Macbeth will then go into the king's room and murder him in his sleep. They will plant the weapons on the guards to make them appear guilty.
Why does Ross not believe Malcolm and Donalbain were responsible for Duncans murder?
He says it is against nature; both their personal natures and nature as the ruling force of the universe.
What does Lennox think about Macbeth at the end of Act III?
He is suspicious of Macbeth- refers to him as a "tyrant."
What does Malcolm resolve to do by the end of Act 4?
Malcolm decides that he will go and overthrow Macbeth.
Who will be the new king of Scotland?
Malcolm will be king of Scotland