Macbeth Study Guide 2024 Questions and Answers with complete solution

Macbeth Study Guide 2024 Questions and Answers with complete solution What is the point of the first scene (literally) and in reference to the whole play? - Answer ️️ - Literally, the witches are deciding when they shall meet again. As the beginning of the EXPOSITION, this scene sets the mood for the entire play, and introduces several major motifs: the witches (supernatural influences in the play), the idea of fair being foul, and the stormy fate of Scotland. The main character, Macbeth is also introduced by name, linking him to the witches What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald? - Answer ️️ -"Valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!" Who is sentenced to death in act I? - Answer ️️ -The Thane of Cawdor because he was a traitor What do the witches predict in Act I, Scene 3 for Macbeth? For Banquo? - Answer ️️ - Macbeth- Macbeth will be the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the king Banquo- will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater, not so happy, and yet happier" and his children will be kings What news does Ross bring Macbeth in Act I? - Answer ️️ -Macbeth now holds the title of the Thane of Cawdor Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth's new title. He is, however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the "instruments of darkness"? - Answer ️️ -They often tell of good things, which may happen without telling the bad consequences Malcolm describes Cawdor's last moments before execution. What is Duncan's reply? - Answer ️️ -You can't tell what is in a person's heart by looking at his face. (Things are not what they seem!) Macbeth says, "Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires." What are his desires? - Answer ️️ -He now desires to be king, and he realizes that something will have to be done with the present king (and his sons) before his desires can become reality After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him? - Answer ️️ -She thinks he could be a good king but lacks the hardheartedness and plans to talk him into it What is Lady Macbeth's "prayer" to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing? - Answer ️️ -She wants to be filled with cruelty, given a hard heart and the thick blood necessary to do what has to be done in order to make Macbeth king What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home? - Answer ️️ -He must learn to look innocent even when his heart is full of evil. He has to learn to hide his true feelings. What are Macbeth's Arguments to himself against killing Duncan? - Answer ️️ -If Macbeth kills Duncan, then he is setting a precedent that subjects can kill kings and be rewarded with the kingship (around 8-10). Macbeth is Duncan's kinsman and his subject, as well as his host. (12-16). Duncan is a good king and virtuous man; he has done no particular evil. Duncan is a popular king, and his death would bring sorrow and unrest upon Scotland (16-20 and to end). What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder? - Answer ️️ -She tells him not to be a coward, not to say later that he "could have been" when he could now "be" king. She tells him to be a man and go get what he wants. She says if she had made the promise to do so, that she would have killed her own baby to carry out that promise. What is Lady Macbeth's plan? - Answer ️️ -She will drug the kings grooms (guards) with a drink. Macbeth will then go into the king's room and murder him in his sleep. They will plant weapons to make the guards appe