"My beard is better than yours." Said one sister to the other.
What were the three prophecies that the witches gave to Macbeth?
Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King of Scotland
Why was Macbeth rewarded with Thane of Cawdor?
For his bravery and nobility in battle against Norway.
Lady Macbeth plans to blame this group for Duncan’s murder.
The guards
What was Banquo's prophecy given by the three witches?
He wouldn't be king, but his sons would. He would be lesser and greater, happier, and much less happier.
The play is set primarily in this country.
SCOTLAND
Do you believe the witches prophecies are lies? Or are they actually fated events? Provide evidence for your reasonings.
Answers will vary. Evidence needed.
What does the "dagger soliloquy" suggest about Macbeth's state of mind when he hasn't even committed the murder itself yet?
"Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?"
He is already nervous, unstable, and feels guilty! He is hallucinating!
Why does Lady Macbeth ask spirits to come and "unsex" her? What does this suggest about her thoughts on masculinity vs. femininity?
She wants her womanly qualities to be taken away, so she can be violent without remorse. This suggests that she feels manliness equates violence and murder.
How do we know that Banquo and Macbeth's relationship has started to detoriorate?
Their awkward conversation when they run into each other in the castle at night includes, lying to each other, brushing each other off, etc.
Reflect on Duncan's decision to name Malcolm as his successor. How does this decision impact Macbeth's perception of fate and his own ambitions for the throne?
Even though he seems to believe in the witches prophecies, he still is worried it won't come true. Therefore he takes it into his own hands and tries to make it happen sooner. Perhaps he believes in himself too much and fate basically says, "umm who are you?"
How does Macbeth feel about the witches prophesies vs. Banquo? What does this suggest about each of their character?
Macbeth feels hopeful and starts thinking about killing Duncan, but still nervous about it. Banquo is immediately skeptical and knows something is up.
To what extent do you believe Macbeth's actions are predetermined by fate, and to what extent are they influenced by his own choices? Provide evidence.
Answer will vary, but evidence is needed.
Discuss the role of Lady Macbeth in shaping Macbeth's actions. Does she manipulate him into fulfilling the prophecies, or does he make his own choices independent of her influence? Provide evidence.
Answers will vary, evidence needed
Consider the character of Banquo and his response to the witches' prophecies. How does his reaction contrast with Macbeth's, and what does it suggest about the role of free will in shaping one's destiny?
He is weary of what they say and thinks they aren't to be trusted, but Macbeth takes the prophecies very seriously. This could show how good choices and resignation to the universes matters leads to a better and more peaceful outcome.
In regards to Fate and Free Will, why might the killing of Duncan been so easy even though he was "chosen by God" to lead? Should more have stood in their way if Duncan was fated to lead? Provide evidence.
Answer may vary.
How do the witches' manipulations serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of surrendering to external influences and giving up control over one's own destiny? Provide evidence.
Answer will vary. Evidence needed.
If the witches gave Macbeth three titles and he has received 2 out of the 3 already, why doesn't Macbeth just trust that he will be king and instead go out of his way to become King? What does this suggest about Macbeth's views on Fate and Free Will?
Perhaps it suggests that he does not believe in fate, since he is making sure it happens. It could show his character flaw of too much ambition, or even just thinking to highly of himself that he can out play fate.
What does the following quote mean and who did Lady Macbeth say it to?
"Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t."
She said this to Macbeth because she wanted him to calm down and look innocent so they could get away with Duncan's murder
Give another scenario that COULD have happened where the prophecies came true, but no murder was involved. Could this have been possible, or does murder have to happen because fate is fate?
answers vary
Discuss the significance of the weird happenings after/during Duncan is killed. Why are weird things happening?
Divine Right of Kings!
How do their riddles and half-truths manipulate the characters' perceptions of fate and free will, leading them down a path of self-destruction? Provide Evidence.
Answers will vary. Evidence needed.
Reflect on the recurring motif of sleep in Act 1, particularly in Macbeth's soliloquies. How does Macbeth's preoccupation with sleeplessness and nightmares symbolize his growing awareness of the consequences of his actions and the limitations of free will?
Perhaps he is subconsciously realizing he cannot control everything and his messing with fate will have consequences.
Both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth immediately think about killing the king when hearing about the prophesies, so who is more at fault for going through with the murder?
Answer will vary
How does the knowledge of his descendants becoming kings impact Banquo's actions and decisions, and how does he navigate the tension between fate and free will? What do his actions suggest about his beliefs surrounding Fate and Free Will?
He doesn't do much about the prophecies other than think about them. It could suggest that he might believe the prophecies, but he will not do anything to try to change them. Perhaps he doesn't want to mess with fate.
Discuss the significance of the weird happenings after/during Duncan is killed. What do these happenings suggest about Fate and Free Will?
It suggests that there is a natural order to things, but it can be tampered with by Free Will. However, what isn't meant to be will feel wrong.