Macbeth Act 1

What good news occurs near the beginning of the play?

• The king of Norway has been killed in battle.

• Macbeth has been victorious against the King of Norway

• Macbeth has been named king

• The Thane of Cawdor has proven his loyalty.

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What future do the Three Witches predict for Macbeth?

• He will never be killed in battle.

• He will be happier than Banquo in the future.

• His children will become kings, though he will not.

• He will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.

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What does Lady Macbeth want Macbeth to do?

• Kill King Duncan to become king

• Return all their property to King Duncan

• Ask King Duncan to make Macbeth heir to the throne

• Order Banquo to kill King Duncan

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In Act 1 of Macbeth, the witches introduce a paradox by stating "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." How is this contradiction shown to be true throughout the act?

• Macbeth is seen as a brave hero by King Duncan, but he harbors dark, ambitious thoughts.

• The weather during the battle is consistently clear and fair.

• King Duncan demotes Macbeth for his disloyalty.

• The witches predict only good fortunes for Macbeth without any consequences.

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How is Macbeth's internal conflict intensified in Act 1, Scene 4 of Macbeth, and which lines from his aside best illustrate this conflict?

• Macbeth feels reassured about his future kingship, saying, "The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap."

• Macbeth is troubled by Malcolm's appointment as heir, reflecting, "Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires."

• Macbeth dismisses the witches' prophecies, proclaiming, "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me."

• Macbeth resolves to abandon his dark thoughts, stating, "We will proceed no further in this business."

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What does Lady Macbeth's response to the Witches' prophecy reveal about her character in Act 1 of Macbeth, and which line best supports this inference?

• It shows her fear and hesitation as she says, "Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o' the milk of human kindness."

• It reveals her disbelief and skepticism, evident when she questions, "Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be What thou art promised?"

• It demonstrates her ruthless ambition and manipulation, as indicated by, "Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here."

• It reflects her loyalty to King Duncan, highlighted in her words, "He that's coming Must be provided for."

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In Act 1 of Macbeth, images of darkness and night are repeatedly used. How do these references relate to the plot events, and which line best supports this relationship?

• They symbolize peace and serenity, aligning with the peaceful state of Scotland, as seen in the line, "This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet, does approve."

• They highlight the unsettling atmosphere surrounding the witches, emphasized in, "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"

• They underline themes of ambition and secrecy, associated with Macbeth's thoughts of murder, as highlighted by, "Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires."

• They illustrate joy and celebration, corresponding with the victory over Norway, expressed through, "Victory fell on us."

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How does Banquo's reaction to the witches' prophecies differ from Macbeth's in Act 1 of Macbeth, and which line best illustrates this difference?

• Banquo is skeptical and cautious, asking, "Have we eaten on the insane root That takes the reason prisoner?"

• Banquo immediately plans to act on the prophecies, stating, "To the best o' the season: I will, if I can."

• Both Banquo and Macbeth are equally excited, with Banquo saying, "What, can the devil speak true?"

• Both show disbelief and scorn towards the witches, with Banquo remarking, "The earth hath bubbles, as the water has."

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What role do the witches play in Macbeth's decision to murder King Duncan in Act 1?

• They directly instruct Macbeth to kill King Duncan.

• They manipulate Macbeth by predicting his kingship, thus sparking his ambition.

• They warn Macbeth against the act, foreseeing doom.

• They remain neutral, only observing Macbeth's actions without influencing them.

Which character expresses doubt about the witches' prophecies being favorable for Macbeth, and what line supports this?

• Macbeth shows doubt, saying, "This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good."

• Lady Macbeth expresses skepticism, stating, "What's promised thee, without my stir?"

• Banquo questions their truth, remarking, "And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths."

• Duncan dismisses the prophecies, mentioning, "No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive."

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