Act 1
Macbeth and Banquo meet them along the road on "the day of success."
Who are the three witches?
What does Macbeth do to the supposed murderers and why?
He kills them in fury (rage). He claims that in his great sadness and outrage over Duncan he killed them without thinking.
Whose ghost appears at Macbeth's big feast? Who's the only one who can see it and how does this character react to it?
Banquo's ghost appears. Only Macbeth can see him and he freaks out - he shouts at it, threatens it, and is obviously (and loudly) afraid of it.
How do the witches greet Macbeth after battle? (Exact quote, please... but if you're close, you'll get points)
"Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis."
"Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor."
"Hail to thee, that shalt be king hereafter."
He is a kind, virtuous, and much-loved king.
Who is Duncan?
Why can't Lady Macbeth murder Duncan herself? What does this reveal about her character?
Duncan "resembled (her) father as he slept." She isn't as strong or ruthless as she thinks. She can feel guilt and remorse.
Banquo's son that escapes death?
Who is Fleance?
Who says tells Macbeth to "Look the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't." What does she mean by this?
What plot device does Shakespeare use to begin the conflict in the play? How does he use this device?
He uses the witches' prophecies to stir up the conflict, putting evil thoughts into Macbeth's head and giving Banquo prophecies that are a problem for Macbeth later on.
The two enemies Macbeth and Banquo are fighting against as the play begins.
Who are the Scottish rebels and the Norwegian army?
Also acceptable are the names of at least TWO enemy leaders (Macdonwald, the Thane of Cawdor, and King Sweno).
What do the voices he hears tell Macbeth AFTER he murders Duncan? What are these voices and what might feelings/emotions do they represent?
"Macbeth does murder sleep."
"Macbeth shall sleep no more!"
They are auditory hallucinations that symbolize great guilt and remorse in Macbeth for what he's done.
Who are Duncan's sons? Where are they as Act 3 begins? What are they doing there?
Who says, "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none"? Who is referred to in the statement?
1.) The witches.
2.) They refer to Banquo.
Lady Macbeth says to her husband, "My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white." Explain this statement and the symbolism of 'red' and 'white.'
Lady Macbeth returns from smearing the guards with Duncan's blood, saying her hands are as red and bloody as Macbeth's are. She accuses him of being a coward and not being able to accept the murder, as she does.
Who is named "Prince of Cumberland" by his father? Why is this a problem for Macbeth?
Malcolm is so named. It's a problem for Macbeth because now Malcolm will become King for certain after Duncan dies. Malcolm is a "step upon which (Macbeth) must fall, or else o'erleap."
Who is the ONE thane that does NOT attend Macbeth's coronation (his "becoming king" ceremony)? Where does this thane go instead? What does this tell us about this thane?
Macduff. He goes to his home in Fife. It reveals that he is strong-willed, suspicious of Macbeth, and still loyal to Duncan and the princes.
Who does Macbeth fear most in Act 3? What are at least THREE reasons for this fear?
Banquo.
1.) Banquo is very brave, but also wise and intelligent.
2.) Banquo KNOWS Macbeth's prophecies.
3.) Macbeth KNOWS Banquo's prophecies (i.e. that Banquo's sons will become kings).
What is the "dagger of the mind" that appears to Macbeth? What does it represent?
It's a hallucination. It represents the fear and guilt that Macbeth is already beginning to feel even before he murders Duncan.
What does the theme of 'Darkness' symbolize in Macbeth? Give two examples of it in the play.
Darkness symbolizes evil desires and unnatural acts.
1.) Lady Macbeth prays to the "forces of darkness" for the power to murder Duncan.
2.) The night of Duncan's murder is VERY dark (no stars or moon are visible).
3.) Macbeth hopes for darkness to "hide his dark and deep desires."
4.) The days after Duncan's murder are as dark as night.
Who designs the murder plot? What are the 4 steps involved?
Lady Macbeth designs the plot.
1.) Get the door guards pass-out drunk.
2.) Use the guards daggers to murder Duncan.
3.) Put the bloody daggers back on the guards and smear them with Duncan's blood.
4.) Act shocked, sad, and outraged when Duncan's dead body is discovered.
Four of the strange, awful things that are happening around Scotland on the night of Duncan's murder and in the days following it.
What are:
1.) "The earth was feverous and did shake." (Earthquakes)
2.) The day is as dark as the night.
3.) "Strange screams of death heard in the air."
4.) Windstorms (so strong they blow down chimneys).
5.) Little owls attack big falcons.
6.) Duncan's horses attack people and eat each other.
What is Macbeth's lesson about the dangers of ambition?
That ambition can lead us to act immorally and to desire things that should not belong to us. Macbeth also teaches us that achieving our ambitions comes with 'unintended consequences' (i.e. that getting what we want might NOT be a very good thing for us).
What is the "Divine Right of Kings"? How does it relate to the theme of 'Supernatural Influences' in the play?
This is the idea that God has decided WHO shall be king and that His blessing is ONLY for that person. The witches influence Macbeth to murder Duncan, who God has appointed king, and thus supernatural forces have convinced Macbeth to challenge God and the natural order by murdering Duncan.