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Macbeth Act I

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 11mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Why is Scene I of "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare important in setting the overall tone of the play?

a)

It introduces the main conflict of the play.

b)

It sets a supernatural atmosphere.

c)

It reveals the outcome of the play.

d)

It introduces all the main characters.

2.

This quote from Act I, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" is an example of what literary device?

a)

Paradox

b)

Rhyme

c)

Irony

d)

Scop

3.

In the first act of the play, the Captain delivers a speech to the soldiers that tells us about Macbeth and the war. This speech is an example of what literary term?

a)

Soliloquy

b)

Dialogue

c)

Monologue

d)

Paradox

4.

What title does Duncan give to Macbeth for his bravery in defeating Macdonwald in Act I, Scene II?

a)

Thane of Cawdor

b)

Prince of Cumberland

c)

Duke of Edinburgh

d)

Earl of Gloucester

5.

Who is sentenced to death in Act I, Scene II, and what is his crime?

a)

Macbeth, for treason

b)

Banquo, for conspiracy

c)

The Thane of Cawdor, for treason

d)

Macdonwald, for desertion

6.

What do the witches predict for Macbeth and Banquo in Act I, Scene III?

a)

They will both become kings.

b)

Macbeth will be king and Banquo's descendants will be kings.

c)

Banquo will be king and Macbeth's descendants will be kings.

d)

They will both be betrayed by the king.

7.

What news does Ross bring to Macbeth in Act I, Scene III?

a)

He is to be executed.

b)

He has been named Thane of Cawdor.

c)

He is to be banished from Scotland.

d)

His wife has fallen ill.

8.

What is Banquo's reaction to the witches' predictions in Act I, Scene III?

a)

He is excited about the prophecy.

b)

He is indifferent and dismissive.

c)

He is skeptical and questions their motives.

d)

He immediately plans to make the prophecy come true.

9.

Who is the Prince of Cumberland, and how does this affect Macbeth's plot in Act I, Scene IV?

a)

Banquo; it makes him an ally to Macbeth.

b)

Malcolm; it presents an obstacle to Macbeth's ambition.

c)

Donalbain; it has no effect on Macbeth's plans.

d)

Macduff; it makes him a rival to Macbeth.

10.

Macbeth says, “Stars, hide your light so no one can see the terrible desires within me.” What are Macbeth’s desires?

a)

To become the King of Scotland

b)

To leave Scotland

c)

To support King Duncan's reign

d)

To kill the King

11.

After Lady Macbeth reads the letter from her husband, what does she tell us is her husband’s weakness, and how does she plan to help him?

a)

His lack of ambition; she plans to encourage him

b)

His bravery; she plans to temper it with caution

c)

His kindness; she plans to make him more ruthless

d)

His indecisiveness; she plans to make decisions for him

12.

While giving a speech alone on stage, Lady Macbeth shares her feelings in Act I, " But I worry about whether or not you have what it takes to seize the crown." Her speech is an example of what literary term?

a)

Monologue

b)

Soliloquy

c)

Aside

d)

Paradox

13.

What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns of Duncan’s arrival?

a)

For strength to help her husband seize the throne

b)

For peace and prosperity in the kingdom

c)

For guidance on how to be a good hostess

d)

For the spirits to take away her femininity

14.

What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?

a)

To act innocent and hide his true intentions

b)

To confess his ambitions to Duncan

c)

To strengthen his bond with Duncan

d)

To leave the castle and avoid Duncan

15.

What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan?

a)

Duncan is a kinsman and a guest in his home

b)

Duncan has named him as his successor

c)

Duncan is a weak and ineffective king

d)

Duncan has not rewarded Macbeth enough

16.

In Act I, Lady Macbeth tries to persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan. This is an example of

(a)  

17.

What argument does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder?

a)

She questions his love for her

b)

She threatens to kill him if he doesn't comply

c)

She questions his manhood

d)

She promises him wealth beyond measure

18.

What is Lady Macbeth’s plan? (Be specific)

a)

To poison Duncan during dinner

b)

To blame the murder on the guards

c)

To convince Duncan to give up the throne

d)

To flee Scotland with Macbeth

19.

Macbeth's struggle with his desire to become king, and the realization he must kill Duncan to reach his goal is an example of

(a)  

20.

What is the setting of the play?

a)

England

b)

Ireland

c)

Scotland

d)

Norway