QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Who do the witches want to meet in Act 1, Scene 1? Based on this scene alone, do you trust
them? - ANS Macbeth.
What information does the Sergeant inform King Duncan? How does Macbeth behave in battle?
- ANS He reports Macbeth fought bravely and defeated the enemy.
What has the thane of Cawdor done in this battle? What will happen to him? Who will receive
his title? - ANS He betrayed his country. He was executed. Macbeth.
Describe what the witches look like based on Banquo's description (do not rely on the movie's
perspective). - ANS The witches are very manly looking. They have beards, ugly fingers, and
tiny lips.
What do the witches tell Macbeth and Banquo? - ANS Macbeth - Macbeth will be made
Thane of Cawdor
Banquo - Banquo will not be king, but his sons will.
What does Ross tell Macbeth, and how does Macbeth react or respond? Why? - ANS Ross
tells Macbeth that the king has made him Thane of Cawdor.
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, How does Banquo react to the witches' prediction? How does this reaction indirectly
characterize him? What does he advise Macbeth about "instruments of darkness"? - ANS He
doesn't believe the prophecy of the witches until Ross comes and confirms the prophecy.
Why does Shakespeare include information about what the former thane of Cawdor has
committed and the consequences of those actions? What may this information foreshadow?
What is King Duncan's reply? - ANS He betrayed his country. He was executed. This
foreshadows Macbeth will have the same fate. There's no art to find the mind's construction in
the face.
Macbeth says, "Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires." What does
Macbeth desire? - ANS He now desires to be the king.
What is Lady Macbeth's opinion of her husband? Why? How and why does she want to help
him? - ANS Lady MacBeth loves her husband very much, but she belittles him by saying he's
a coward and she questions his manhood. She thinks that he is a pushover and can easily be
manipulated. She says that he has ambition but doesn't have the will to cheat to get the power
he wants.
What does Lady Macbeth's pray to the spirits for, and how does this monologue indirectly
characterize her? - ANS Lady Macbeth prays for the evil spirits to help her kill King Duncan.
What strategy does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth? - ANS Macbeth should stop dwelling on
the murder and try to enjoy their success.
What specific reasons does Macbeth list for why he shouldn't kill King Duncan? - ANS He
owed the King respect as the beneficiary of honors and titles; and as cousin, host, and subject.
Killing the King disrespected Duncan's position as benefactor, cousin, guest, and king.
Additionally, the King was beloved and respected by the people of Scotland. Finally, Macbeth
had managed to gain the esteem of important people who wouldn't be impressed with king-
killing.
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