Macbeth

“Macbeth”

Act I Review Questions

Scene i

1. What purpose do the witches serve in this scene?

2. When do they agree to meet again?

3. What will be the purpose of their next meeting?

Scene ii

1. What does the reader learn about Macbeth in this scene?

2. What traitor is helping the Norweyans in their battle against Scotland?

3. After the defeat of Norway, what must the king (of Norway) do as compensation?

4. Whose death does the Duncan order in this scene? What is Macbeth’s reward?

Scene iii

1. What do lines 24 and 25 suggest about the power of the witches?

2. How can a day be both “foul and fair?”

3. What makes Macbeth believe that witches may not be women?

4. What predictions do the witches offer for Macbeth? For Banquo?

5. What role does Ross assume in the play thus far?

6. What warning does Banquo offer Macbeth (lines 124-127)?

7. What misgivings does Macbeth have about the news from Ross?

Scene iv

1. What is meant by lines 11-13?

2. Who is named heir to Duncan’s throne? What title is he given?

3. What is Macbeth’s reaction to the king’s choice of an heir?

4. Interpret the following quote: “Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and

deep desires.”

5. How is it that Duncan ends up going to Macbeth’s home?

Scene v

1. What is Lady Macbeth doing when we first meet her?

2. What does L. Macbeth think of her husband? How do you know?

3. What is L. Macbeth asking for in lines 38-52.

4. What is L. Macbeth’s plan?

Scene vii

1. What internal struggle is evident in Macbeth’s soliloquy in lines 1-28? Give specific

evidence of this (use line numbers/quotes for support).

2. What comments does L. Macbeth make about her husband’s manhood?

3. What, specifically, does L. Macbeth plan for herself and her husband? Be specific.

4. How are L. Macbeth and Macbeth different?

5. Explain the following quote: “Away, and mock the time with fairest show;...