Macbeth Act 1

What good news occurs near the beginning of the play?

• The king of Norway has been killed in battle.

• Macbeth has been victorious against the King of Norway

• Macbeth has been named king

• The Thane of Cawdor has proven his loyalty.

What future do the Three Witches predict for Macbeth?

• He will never be killed in battle.

• He will be happier than Banquo in the future.

• His children will become kings, though he will not.

• He will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.

What does Lady Macbeth want Macbeth to do?

• Kill King Duncan to become king

• Return all their property to King Duncan

• Ask King Duncan to make Macbeth heir to the throne

• Order Banquo to kill King Duncan

In Act 1 of Macbeth, the witches introduce a paradox by stating "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." How is this contradiction shown to be true throughout the act?

• Macbeth is seen as a brave hero by King Duncan, but he harbors dark, ambitious thoughts.

• The weather during the battle is consistently clear and fair.

• King Duncan demotes Macbeth for his disloyalty.

• The witches predict only good fortunes for Macbeth without any consequences.

How is Macbeth's internal conflict intensified in Act 1, Scene 4 of Macbeth, and which lines from his aside best illustrate this conflict?

• Macbeth feels reassured about his future kingship, saying, "The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap."

• Macbeth is troubled by Malcolm's appointment as heir, reflecting, "Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires."

• Macbeth dismisses the witches' prophecies, proclaiming, "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me."

• Macbeth resolves to abandon his dark thoughts, stating, "We will proceed no further in this business."

What does Lady Macbeth's response to the Witches' prophecy reveal about her character in Act 1 of Macbeth, and which line best supports this inference?

• It shows her fear and hesitation as she says, "Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o' the milk of human kindness."

• It reveals her disbelief and skepticism, evident when she questions, "Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be What thou art promised?"

• It demonstrates her ruthless ambition and manipulation, as indicated by, "Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here."

• It reflects her loyalty to King Duncan, highlighted in her words, "He that's coming Must be provided for."

In Act 1 of Macbeth, images of darkness and night are repeatedly used. How do these references relate to the plot events, and which line best supports this relationship?

• They symbolize peace and serenity, aligning with the peaceful state of Scotland, as seen in the line, "This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet, does approve."

• They highlight the unsettling atmosphere surrounding the witches, emphasized in, "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"

• They underline themes of ambition and secrecy, associated with Macbeth's thoughts of murder, as highlighted by, "Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires."

• They illustrate joy and celebration, corresponding with the victory over Norway, expressed through, "Victory fell on us."

How does Banquo's reaction to the witches' prophecies differ from Macbeth's in Act 1 of Macbeth, and which line best illustrates this difference?

• Banquo is skeptical and cautious, asking, "Have we eaten on the insane root That takes the reason prisoner?"

• Banquo immediately plans to act on the prophecies, stating, "To the best o' the season: I will, if I can."

• Both Banquo and Macbeth are equally excited, with Banquo saying, "What, can the devil speak true?"

• Both show disbelief and scorn towards the witches, with Banquo remarking, "The earth hath bubbles, as the water has."

What role do the witches play in Macbeth's decision to murder King Duncan in Act 1?

• They directly instruct Macbeth to kill King Duncan.

• They manipulate Macbeth by predicting his kingship, thus sparking his ambition.

• They warn Macbeth against the act, foreseeing doom.

• They remain neutral, only observing Macbeth's actions without influencing them.

Which character expresses doubt about the witches' prophecies being favorable for Macbeth, and what line supports this?

• Macbeth shows doubt, saying, "This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good."

• Lady Macbeth expresses skepticism, stating, "What's promised thee, without my stir?"

• Banquo questions their truth, remarking, "And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths."

• Duncan dismisses the prophecies, mentioning, "No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive."