Setting & Atmosphere
This type of weather creates the mood when the witches first appear in Scene 1.
What is stormy weather?
Lady Macbeth wants to "unsex" herself to remove these qualities so she can commit cruel acts.
What are her feminine attributes?
The witches predict Banquo will be this in relation to Macbeth, though he won't be king.
What is "lesser than Macbeth and greater"?
This is how one typically earns titles in Macbeth's world.
What is through the death of the current holder?
This figurative language term describes Lady Macbeth's comparison of Macbeth's face to a book.
What is a simile?
This literary device explains why it's important that the audience learns early that treason's punishment is death.
What is foreshadowing?
Lady Macbeth believes her husband is "too full" of this, making him too kindhearted to seize power.
What is "the milk of human kindness"?
Banquo will be this emotionally compared to Macbeth, according to the witches.
What is "not so happy, yet much happier"?
Duncan promotes Macbeth after battle, showing that this society values these types of people.
What are warriors who fight for their country and king?
Lady Macbeth asks spirits to "make thick my blood" to prevent this emotion from stopping her.
What is remorse?
The witches speak this famous paradox that sets the tone for the entire play.
What is "Fair is foul, Foul is fair"?
This is what Macbeth has done in battle that makes other characters view him as heroic.
What is fighting bravely for his country and saving the King?
This explains why Banquo will be "greater" than Macbeth despite not being king.
What is his sons will be kings/his family legacy will live on?
This title is given to Macbeth after the previous holder commits treason and is executed.
What is Thane of Cawdor?
This type of contradictory statement is exemplified by "Lesser than Macbeth and greater" and "Not so happy, yet much happier." y.
What is a paradox?
his phrase describes the contradictory nature of appearances versus reality throughout Act 1.
What is "Look like th' innocent flower, but be the serpent under't"?
These are two reasons Macbeth gives in his soliloquy for why he shouldn't kill Duncan.
What are: he's Duncan's subject, he's Duncan's host (responsible for protecting him), and Duncan is a good king?
This quote about the Thane of Cawdor is NOT a paradox, unlike the others in Act 1.
What is "[The Thane of Cawdor] bears that life / Which he deserves to lose"?
Duncan names this person as his heir to the throne, creating an obstacle for Macbeth's ambition.
Who is Malcolm?
The phrase "stop up th' access and passage to remorse" uses this type of imagery.
What is metaphorical/figurative language about blocking emotions?
The opening scene's supernatural elements and ominous weather foreshadow this central theme of the play.
What is the corruption of natural order/the battle between good and evil?
Lady Macbeth questions these three aspects of Macbeth's character when he refuses to kill Duncan.
What are his courage, honor, and masculinity?
The witches' prophecies create this type of dramatic situation where the audience knows more than some characters.
What is dramatic irony?
Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth by questioning this aspect of his identity when he hesitates to pursue the crown.
What is his masculinity/manhood?
Macbeth's internal conflict about killing Duncan is revealed through this dramatic technique where he speaks his thoughts aloud.
What is soliloquy?