act 1 scene 3 events and quotes

Question 1

What is the first thing that Macbeth says to the witches?

Answer 1

So foul and fair a day, I have not seen

Question 2

Why is what Macbeth says to the witches important and ironic?

Answer 2

Macbeth uses the same words that the witches used- foul and fair and it shows how the witches and Macbeth are linked

Question 3

What is Banquos initial reaction to the witches prophecies?

Answer 3

He is very positive about the prophecies

Question 4

What is the quote that shows Banquo is positive about the witches prophecies?

Answer 4

Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear?
Are ye fantastical?

Question 5

What does the quote “which outwardly ye show” mean?

Answer 5

Banquo and Macbeth are confused about the witches as they have beards, but they look like women which makes them realise that they are witches which is very supernatural and unnatural

Question 6

What does Banquo say that shows he wants to know his fate/prophecies?

Answer 6

“Speak then to me”

Question 7

What kind of outlook does Banquo have about the witches prophecies?

Answer 7

fantastical and supernatural

Question 8

What quote shows that Banquo is happy without having the direct burden of being King?

Answer 8

“Not so happy, yet so much happier”

Question 9

What reaction does Macbeth have to the witches prophecies?

Answer 9

he is curious, suspicious and also quite negative

Question 10

Macbeth having a negative reaction to the witches prophecies foreshadows what?

Answer 10

his later negativity in the play

Question 11

What quote shows that Macbeth is curious about the witches prophecies?

Answer 11

“Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more”

Question 12

What does Macbeth say that shows he demands to know the witches prophecies?

Answer 12

“Speak, I charge you”

Question 13

What two quotes show Banquo and Macbeth’s contrasting views on the prophecies?

Answer 13

“Whither are they vanish’d”- Banquo
“Would they had stay’d”-Macbeth

Question 14

What does Ross say showing the dramatic irony of Macbeth being promoted to Thane?

Answer 14

“His wonders and his praises do contend”
“Thy praises in his kingdom’s great defence”

Question 15

What does Banquo say that shows he thinks the prophecies will betray him?

Answer 15

“tis strange”
“to win us to our harm”
“the instruments of darkness”
“betrays”

Question 15

What does Ross say when he promotes Macbeth to Thane Of Cawdor?

Answer 15

“And, for an earnest of a greater honour, He bade me, from him, call him thee thane of Cawdor, In which addition, hail, most worthy thane!”

Question 16

What does Macbeth say that shows the prophecies are good for him?

Answer 16

“As happy prologues to the swelling act”

Question 17

What do the words “happy” and “swelling” show when Macbeth is talking about his prophecies?

Answer 17

“happy”- killing King Duncan is a good thing for him as then he will become King, which is what his ultimate aim/ambition is
“swelling”- the desire to kill King Duncan is swelling- its prevalent and overmastering

Question 18

What literary device does Shakespeare use to convey Macbeths feelings of the prophecies and what does this do for the audience?

Answer 18

soliloquy- presents his inner conflict and the thoughts and feelings he is experiencing (exposes his flaws- his tragic hero status and his hubris)
-creates fear and shock for the audience and they would be deeply concerned as the protagonist of the play is thinking about committing regicide!

Question 19

What quote highlights Macbeths inner conflict and dilemma he is facing?

Answer 19

“Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor”

Question 20

What do the contrasting words “good” and “ill” show?

Answer 20

Becoming king is complex and confusing and the juxtaposing words highlight Macbeths weakness and confusion around becoming King

Question 21

Becoming Thane of Cawdor is good or bad for Macbeth?

Answer 21

A good thing, however Macbeth feels wary/apprehensive of the situation as he thinks it cannot be 100% good, if it is also “ill”

Question 22

What quote shows Macbeth is still sceptical of the witches prophecies?

Answer 22

“Commencing in a truth?”

Question 23

What does the quote “Commencing in a truth?” convey?

Answer 23

Macbeth believes the prophecies cannot be true and he questions himself- his uncertainty

Question 24

What quote highlights Macbeth’s indecisiveness to kill the king?

Answer 24

“Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature? Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings.”

Question 25

The quote “against the use of nature” highlights Macbeths indecisiveness, how?

Answer 25

Macbeth knows that committing regicide is wrong- he understands and acknowledges it is an inversion of the natural order

Question 26

What literary device within the soliloquy does Shakespeare use to highlight Macbeth’s inner monologue?

Answer 26

Rhetorical questions

Question 27

Macbeth’s indecisiveness links to what?

Answer 27

His tragic hero status- the constant attempts of trying to redeem himself from his fatal flaw

Question 28

What is Macbeth excited about the witches prophecies?

Answer 28

How Banquo cannot be king- only his sons can and he is also excited by the prospect of being the Thane of Cawdor