The Tragedy of Macbeth

What major conflict is introduced in Act I?

• Macbeth's internal struggle between his ambition and his conscience

• The struggle between the individual's personal ambition and his or her duties to the greater community

• Lady Macbeth's internal struggle between her ambition and her conscience

• The conflict between individual ambitions and universal laws against crimes such as murder

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What theme is suggested when the witches say, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair"?

• Nothing can be believed

• All good people are really bad people

• Appearances can be deceiving

• Opposites mean the same thing

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What scene in Act I foreshadows Macbeth's ambitions and future rise in station?

• Scene 3, when the witches hail him as Thane of Cawdor

• Scene 2, when we learn that Macbeth and Banquo are great warriors

• Scene 4, when King Duncan rewards Macbeth

• Scene 6, when King Duncan and Banquo admire Macbeth's castle

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In Act, Scene 3, Macbeth says to Banquo, "Do you not hope your children shall be kings,/When those that gave Thane of Cawdor to me/ Promised no less to them?" What does this reveal about Macbeth's character?

• He is ambitious, and he expects others to be ambitious as well.

• He is suspicious, and expects others to feel the same way.

• He is generous by nature.

• He has hopes for others as well as for himself.

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When Macbeth says, "If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well/it were done quickly...." you can infer that ____

• Macbeth feels he should wait and plan carefully to be sure the plan succeeds.

• Macbeth feels he should act fast, before doubt can overcome him.

• Macbeth believes his opportunity for success is only in the long term.

• Macbeth wants to wait until he has his wife's help before he acts.

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What factor will lead to Macbeth's downfall in the tragedy?

• A flaw in Lady Macbeth

• An external event

• A circumstance that is beyond his control

• A flaw in himself

At the end of scene 2, Macbeth asks, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood/Clean from my hand?" As a tool of tragedy, this is an example of ___

• paradox

• irony

• foreshadowing

• soliloquy

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At the end of Act II, Macduff decides not to see Macbeth crowned King of Scotland. A good question to ask about this passage is___.

• Does Macduff suspect Lady Macbeth?

• Does Macduff distrust the king's sons?

• Is Macduff afraid for Macbeth's safety?

• Does Macduff suspect Macbeth at this point?

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The murder of Macduff's young son on stage in scene 2 is one of the most horrific scenes in all of Shakespearean tragedies. In this play it emphasizes ___

• the escalating brutality of the tragic hero

• the general violence of the tragedy's time period

• the horror of usurping the throne of a rightful king

• Macbeth's tragic inability to overcome fate

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Why do Malcom and Donalbain flee to England and Ireland at the end of Act II?

• They are guilty of killing the king and must escape.

• They already distrust everyone and fear for their lives.

• They distrust Macduff and Banquo.

• They are accused of murdering the king.

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