REVIEW

In line 1, what does the second witch mean by saying, "By the pricking of my thumbs"?

• that she has jabbed her thumb with a needle

• that she has a strange feeling

• that her thumbs transmit messages

• that she is putting thumbs in the cauldron

When Macbeth calls the witches "midnight hags" (line 5), what does it suggest about witches and their activities?

• that witches are nocturnal and sleep during

  the day

• that witches avoid the sunlight and thrive at night

• that witches' activities need to be hidden in the dark

• that witches have trouble getting to sleep

Think about the effect lines 5–7 have on the mood of the scene. How can that mood be described in one word?

• playful

• serious

• eerie

• formal

Lines 10–19 indicate that Macbeth wants the witches to answer his questions

• despite knowing they are evil

• after they raise the winds and waves

• before they cause destruction in the world

• and then topple churches, castles, and pyramids

Lines 46–50 show that Macbeth

• knows that Macduff is a serious threat

• thinks that Macduff is not dangerous

• is not sure if he should fear Macduff

• wants Macduff to be afraid of him

In line 56, what does the third apparition mean by saying, "Be lion–mettled"?

• Wear coats of lion's fur

• Be strong like a big cat

• Roar loudly

• Act like a king

Lines 72–73 indicate that Macbeth

• fears the witches and their apparitions

• thinks he can issue orders to the witches

• is as powerful as the witches

• plans to put the witches in jail

Reread line 81: "Thy crown does sear mine eyeballs." What tone does this image impart to the scene?

• horror

• wonder

• curiosity

• fear

The three apparitions speak to Macbeth but do not answer any questions he has. What does this suggest about the culture's point of view regarding supernatural elements?

• that supernatural elements guide human activities

• that supernatural elements do their best to protect people

• that people are tormented by supernatural elements

• that people cannot exert control over supernatural elements

The language used by the three apparitions can best be described as

• meant to reassure or comfort.

• meant to deceive or confuse

• meant to cause fearfulness

• meant to inspire courage