Macbeth Act One Study Question

Scene 1:

1) The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter. What does this tell us about the mood of the play? What do the witches symbolize beyond just superstition? Do you really believe that they are witches?
It sets the mood as evil and scary. They symbolize duplicity and evil, and I do think they are. 



2) What doe the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”? What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the play?

It is like the good and evil. It shows that there will be a war between good and evil sometime in this play whether it is internal or external. 


3) How can a battle be “Lost and won”? What foreshadow might this set-up? What is the real battle in this play?
You can win a battle, but really lose it because of what you lose in the war. This is a foreshadow that Macbeth might do something that to become king that is bad. The real battle is between good and evil. 



4) Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad). What does this suggest about the action of the play? What might they symbolize?

That the play is dark and evil. It sets up that the witches are setting but evil for Macbeth. They symbolize demons. 
Scene ii

1) What does the bloody man report?
He was reporting the news about the war between Norway and Scottland. He also told the king about Macbeth and Banquo and how they were war heroes. 


2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel?

He was a betrayer.  


3) What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to describe Macbeth and Banquo? What is significant about these descriptions?

He used birds. They are more valiant when compared to others. 




4) “Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another Golgotha.” What is the allusion? What is significant about the statement? What does it suggest? Please keep in mind the religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented.

The crucifixion if Christ. It wasn't a good place. 




5) Who was Scotland fighting?
Norway
Scene iii

1) Why do the witches talk in poetry?

It is supposed to be like a spell. 
2) What do the witches predict for Macbeth? What is the dramatic irony involved?
That he will become Thane of Cawdor and king. It is ironic because they predict the Thane part cause it already happened. 



3) What do they witches predict for Banquo? What irony is involved in this promise?


That his kids will become kings. They leave him out of the picture. 

4) What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii? What is your first impression of Banquo?
That he is a loyal and a war hero. Banquo is a side kick. 

5) How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions? What does this tell us about their characters?
Macbeth is curious and is excited, but Banquo doesn't buy it. That Banquo has a better grip on reality.  



6) What message does Ross bring?
That Macbeth was made Thane of Cawdor. 

7) “But ‘tis strange! And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence.” Who speaks the above quote? What is the significance or meaning of the quote?


Banquo says it and it means that people use information that they already use plus another peace of information go get what they want. 


Scene iv

1) What is Malcolm’s description of Cawdor’s execution?
It goes to the idea that he goes bravely to his death. He approaches death as something that just happens. Malcolm thought that although he went about it bravely, Cawdor still could not be trusted.


2) What is the King’s response to this description?



3) Who does the King name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this information?
His son Malcolm. No is not happy about it at all because there is another person in his way to become king.



4) “Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.” Who speaks this quote and what is the significance of it?


Macbeth speaks it and it means that he knows that what he is thinking is wrong and he doesn't want anyone, not even heaven to see his thoughts. His thought being betraying Duncan.

scenes v - vii



1. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him? 
He has the ambition to become king but he doesn't have the balls for the things that need to be done to become king. She helps him by bringing evil spirits into the house.

2. What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing? 
She wants all of her emotions gone to that duncan doesn't have a chance.



3. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home? 
She tells him to look like an innocent flower, but be the serpent underneath. This is so Duncan won't suspect anything so things go according to plan.



4. What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan ? 
Duncan is his uncle and Duncan is the guest of the house and he is supposed to protect him. Also Duncan is a great king so Macbeth fears that even the Heavens will be mad at him.


5. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder? 
She tells him that he will be less of a man or not a man at all if he doesn't go through with the murder. She said she would kill her own child to become queen. So she guilt trips him.


6. What is Lady Macbeth’s plan?
Drug the guards, then kill DUncan while he sleeps, and then blame the guards for the murder.