Act 1
What are the three witches discussing in the opening lines?
When they will meet Macbeth
Why does Lady Macbeth tell her husband leave all of the plans to her?
She's going to do it because he won't be able to fake his way through it.
Why does Macbeth not tell his wife about his plans to kill Banquo?
Because killing is not the business of women.
How does Macduff characterise Macbeth?
Worst of all demons in hell.
When Lady Macbeth first enters Act 5, scene 1, what is she saying and doing?
"Out damned spot". She is cursing the spot of blood on her hand because it won't come out.
How does Macdonwald behave in battle?
As an enemy, a traitor and a rebel.
What does Macbeth mean when he says Duncan is " here in double trust?"
He trusts me because I am his servant and because he is also a guest in my house.
How many times does Banquo's ghost appear to Macbeth?
Twice.
How does Malcolm characterise himself initially in Act 4, scene 3?
Worse than Macbeth without quality of king.
What does the doctor do for Lady Macbeth?
Nothing. There is nothing he can do.
How do the three witches greet Macbeth?
"All Hail Thane of Glamis, All Hail Thane of Cawdor, All Hail King here after"
Why does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth that they will not follow through with their plans?
Duncan does not deserve this; he's been very good to Macbeth.
How does Macbeth greet the witches?
"Secret black and midnight hags"
Why does Lady Macduff tell her son that his father is dead?
He is acting like a traitor and traitors are hanged.
What does Malcolm command the soldiers do with the trees in Birman Wood?
Cut down branches and hide behind them so they can't see how many we are.
What does Banquo mean when he says "What can the devil speak true"?
If it's possible the devil could speak the truth, do these witches really know something?
Why doesn't Lady Macbeth simply kill Duncan while she is in the room?
He looks like her father.
Why did Shakespeare decide to haunt Macbeth with the ghost of Banquo rather than the ghost of Duncan?
Because Banquo promised he would attend the banquet - and he did.
What was Shakespeare's purpose for Macduff's son having such spirited defence against the murderers?
To remind audiences of the spirit of honour and courage that must ultimately prevail.
How does the play end?
Malcolm is going to be crowned king at Scone.
Why is Lady Macbeth greeting the king so important that the event gets its own scene?
Hospitality, custom and respect for rank are cornerstones of the social system. This single scene makes the betrayal that follow even more despicable.
What do we learn from the discussion between Banquo and Fleance before Duncan is killed?
It is a very, very dark scene; the moonlight is eerie.
What is the significance of the long list of ingredients going into the witches' cauldron?
This listing underlines just how sinister the witches are as it leads to speculation about how they obtained these rancid and poisonous substances. It also underlines how nothing that comes out of this cauldron for Macbeth could possibly be good for him.
Why does Shakespeare give so much time to a scene in which the qualities of good and evil and discussed?
The Divine Right of Kings
What does Malcolm call Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the final scene?
"This dead butcher and his fiend-like queen".