1.4

Question 1

What happens in Act 1 Scene 4?

Answer 1

King Duncan receives Macbeth and Banquo with gratitude for their achievements, then announces that his son Malcolm will succeed him on the throne of Scotland.

Question 2

“My liege”
“Your highness”
“A deep repentance”
“As twere a careless trifle.”

Answer 2

Respectful tone but distant language
Remorse/guilt with religious connotations
Simile- careless

Question 3

“There’s no art to find the minds construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.”

Answer 3

Metaphor for false face
Duncan is easily deceived/highlights his gullibility

Question 4

“O worthiest cousin.”
“Ingratitude”
“Safe toward your love and honour”

Answer 4

Flattering Macbeth
Abstract nouns that show loyalty

Question 5

“Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter The Prince of Cumberland.”

Answer 5

Names Malcolm as heir to the throne- primogeniture did not exist in medieval Scotland, kings CHOSE the heir: Macbeth was expected to get it so this angers him- he’s jealous

Question 6

“[Aside] The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step on which I must fall down, or else overlap, for in my way it lies.”

Answer 6

In secret = aside
: means anger or surprise
First instance of Macbeths harmartia: ambition
Inner thoughts, treacherous

Question 7

“Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires.”

Answer 7

Metaphor for secrecy
First instance of macbeths ambition

Question 8

“True, worthy Banquo, he is full so valiant.”

Answer 8

‘Valiant’ is a repeated word throughout emphasising the dramatic irony as Duncan compliments Macbeth, when Macbeth is scheming against him