Act 1 Questions Flashcards
(36 cards)
In Act One Scene One, what have the witches been planning in the opening scenes of the play
They plan to meet Macbeth and Banquo upon thy heath after the battle is over
Who gives King Duncan the news of Macbeth and Banquo’s victory over the rebel forces?
A wounded captain
What reward does King Duncan decide to give Macbeth for this victory over the Irish and Norwegian army? And why?
He grants Macbeth Thane of Cawdor as the former Thane of Cawdor has committed treason
Who lead the Irish army in the battle against the Scots?
Macdonald
How did Macbeth defeat Macdonald?
He split him up from his naval to his chops (jawbone)
In Act One Scene One, what does the significance of the chant, “Fair is foul and foul is fair” by the witches have?
The alliteration used here gives us a peek into the theme of Appearance vs Reality
Where is Act One, Scene Two set?
In King Duncan’s headquarters
Who informs Macbeth of this news after the witches’ prophecy?
Ross and Angus
Why is the story of the lady with chestnuts relevant in Scene 3 Act 1 and what does it show?
This reference shows us how malicious the witches are, other people’s perceptions of them and the extent to which they would go to get what they want
In Act One, Scene 3, what do the witches prophesize to Macbeth and Banquo?
They prophesize that Macbeth will become Thane of Glamis, Cawdor and then King whereas Banquo won’t become King, but his sons will
Who is Banquo’s son?
Fleance
In Act One, Scene 3, what paradox is given to Banquo and what does it mean?
The paradox, “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater” and “not so happy, yet much happier” it means that Bauquo’s family line is greater than Macbeth, but Macbeth will become king
What does Macbeth refer to the witches as after their prophecy in Act One Scene 3? And what does it mean?
He refers to them as imperfect speakers and inhabitants not from Earth. He also says that all this talk stands not within the prospect of belief. It means that Macbeth says that it’s impossible for him to become Thane of Cawdor
How does Macbeth respond to the news from Ross and Angus?
He is astonished and wonders whether the title will be simply given to him or whether he must do a dark deed.
How are the reactions of Macbeth and Banquo different when hearing about the news from Angus and Ross?
Macbeth is bamboozled and takes it to heart whereas Banquo is sceptical. He refers to the witches as “instruments of darkness”
What do the references to robes and clothing symbolize?
They symbolize the titles that Macbeth will acquire
Where is Scene 4 in Act One set?
It’s set in King Duncan’s palace with Malcolm informing him of Cawdor’s honorable death
How does King Duncan refer to this treachery? And what theme does this refer to?
He says he did not expect such a betrayal. He refers to it as “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face”. This emphasizes the theme of Appearance vs Reality
In Act 1 Scene 4, how does King Duncan thank Banquo and Macbeth? What does this say about the King’s character?
He thanks them for their diligence and says,” I have begun to plant thee, and will labor to make thee full of growing”. This tells us that the king is nurturing, intelligent and wants to invest in them and see them prosper
How does Macbeth react when King Duncan announces that Malcolm will be the heir to his throne in Act 1 Scene 4?
Macbeth is jovial, but then suddenly realizes that Malcolm lies between him and the throne. He then invites them all over for dinner and leaves to inform his wife
Where is Act 1 Scene 5 set?
It is set in Inverness in Macbeth’s castle
In Act One, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth reads the letter from her husband about his arrival as well as the king’s. What does she say in response to reading about Macbeth’s new title? What does it mean?
She murmurs that he is aspiring and ambitious l, but “he is too full of the milk of human kindness” to become king. This means that she thinks he is too sympathetic and compassionate to become king. The milk of human kindness refers to feminism and the characteristics of nurturing mothers in this era
What does Lady Macbeth say after hearing about the King’s arrival? What does this mean?
She says, “the raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan, under my battlements”. This foreshadows Duncan’s death and the violence to come
What significance does the raven have in this quote?
Death and evil are represented by the raven as it is menacing, dark, and threatening. It is also a messenger bird and signifies the attendant who informed Lady Macbeth of their arrival.
