Scene 1
What fear Banquo reveal in the opening solilquy of this scene?
Macbeth fears this character because he is suspicious of him AND has a male heir.
Banquo
What are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth holding to celebrate his coronation?
A feast, with lords in attendance.
What does Macbeth's guilty conscience cause him to do at the banquet?
See and talk to Banquo's Ghost.
Why is Hecate angry?
The other witches have meddled in Macbeth's affairs without telling her.
What does Banquo do before the feast, and who does he bring with him?
He goes horseback riding with his son, Fleance.
Lady Macbeth says to Macbeth, "Tis better to be that which we destroy than to dwell in doubtful joy." What is she saying? What does she mean?
It's better to rest in peace, dead, like King Duncan, than to live in constant doubt and fear.
What news do the murderers have for Macbeth when they return to the castle?
They killed Banquo, but Fleance escaped.
What does Lady Macbeth say to explain her husband's behavior?
She tells the others that Macbeth has an illness that will go away eventually.
Where will the witches meet Hecate in the morning?
The Pit of Acheron (pit of hell) (river of hell)
Why is Macbeth worried about Banquo?
The witches predicted his son would be king and he is afraid Banquo might turn on him.
What does Macbeth mean when he says to Lady Macbeth, "Be innocent of his knowledge, dearest chuck (bird)" until the deed is done?
It is better for her if she doesn't know about about the murders of Banquo and Fleance.
How does Macbeth react when he hears Fleance escaped?
With anxiety and fear; he becomes more paranoid.
Which character has missed the banquet by choice, adding to Macbeth's fear/paranoia?
Macduff
What does Hecate plan to do to Macbeth?
Make him see spirits and play tricks on him.
What does Macbeth do to ensure the crown goes to his future sons?
He hires murderers to go after Banquo and Fleance.
What does Lady MacBeth means when she says "Thing without remedy should be without regard, whats done is done"?
There is nothing he can do about the murder so he shouldn't keep brooding about it/dwelling on it.
How does Macbeth start to behave at the banquet?
Paranoid; panicked; terrified; he is experiencing a mental breakdown.
Why doesn't Macbeth join the other lords/nobles at the table?
Banquo's Ghost is sitting in his place.
Why did Macduff go to England?
to speak with Prince Malcolm and get help/forces/an army to overthrow Macbeth.
How does Macbeth convince the murderers to kill Banquo?
He tells them Banquo is to blame for all their troubles in life.
In his soliloquy, Macbeth says, "Come seeling night/scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day" (III. ii. 46-7).
What does he mean?
Nighttime, hide the murders of Banquo and Fleance from anyone's sight (possible in daylight).
Macbeth says to Lady Macbeth, "We've scotched (scorched) the snake, not killed it. She'll close and heal herself while our poor malice remains in danger of her former tooth" (15-17).
What does he mean?
They've rid themselves of only half the problem by killing Banquo. Fleance will return to kill him/will get his revenge. Fleance is the snake's former tooth (child).
At the end of scene 4, Macbeth says, "I will tomorrow-- to the word sisters. More shall they speak, for now I am bent to know/By the worst means, the worst" (133-5).
What is he going to do?
Go back to the witches and learn the 'worst' prophecies for his future.
Based on letter correspondence between Macbeth and Macduff, does Macbeth know Macduff is planning to overthrow him?
Yes. He is preparing for war.