The witches' influence in Act 1, Scene 3 | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

When 'Macbeth' was first performed, who was the monarch of England?

• Elizabeth I

• Banquo

• Macbeth

• James I

Answer explanation

James I was King of England from 1603 to 1625. 'Macbeth' was first performed around 1606.

Which of the following help to illustrate the witches' power in Act 1 of 'Macbeth'?

• They first appear in a storm.

• They have the support of familiars (demons).

• They call each other sister.

• They meet Macbeth and Banquo at the same time.

• They appear genderless.

Answer explanation

The witches conform to many common beliefs that Jacobeans held (having familiars, or control of the weather) but Shakespeare also presents them as genderless, at points, rather than women (a more common presentation).

Match the words to their definitions.

• femininity

• Qualities seen as characteristic to women and girls.

• subversive

• Someone who does not accept rules or standards.

• outsider

• A character who is not accepted by society.

• conform

• Someone who accepts rules or standards.

Answer explanation

These words are all important in the context of 'Macbeth'. The witches don't conform to societal standards and are therefore seen as subversive. In this way, they are treated as outsiders.

In 'Macbeth', which of the following are examples of disorder in the natural world?

• Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost.

• Lady Macbeth asks 'spirits' to 'unsex' her.

• Macbeth and Banquo's friendship breaks down.

• Macbeth is promoted to the Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan.

• Malcolm flees to England.

Answer explanation

The witches are not the only unnatural occurrences. Banquo's ghost is supernatural and Lady Macbeth is presented as a subversive character who rejects what is expected of her as a Jacobean woman.

In James I's book 'Daemonology', he outlines why it is more likely that women will be witches. What reason does he give for this?

• The devil prefers working with women.

• Women are naturally more evil than men.

• Women are weaker than men so they are easier prey for the devil.

• Men are incapable of practising magic.

Answer explanation

In his book, James I writes of why there are more women witches: "The reason is easie, for as that sexe is frailer then man is, so is it easier to be intrapped in these grosse snares of the Devill.”

In 'Macbeth', do the Macbeths have any children?

• Yes, but they don't appear in the play.

• Yes, and Macbeth kills them.

• No, but there are suggestions that they had in the past.

• No, no references are ever made to the Macbeths having children.

Answer explanation

In Act 1, Scene 7, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth 'I have given suck, and know. How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me' suggesting she has borne a child and breastfed it.