Macbeth Act Questions
Macbeth Study Guide Questions
Act I, sc.i :
1) This scene is an effective and dramatic opening to the play, as we meet the three witches, also known as the Weird Sisters. We quickly point out that these witches possess powers meant only for evil and pain, as they are already placed in a meeting area in a setting that only screams evil, since it is raining with lightning bolts striking the ground nearby. But what truly makes the witches evil in the sense is that they chant together of meeting with the main character Macbeth, which we have only heard of being good, which means they may be planning to either kill or corrupt the hero. The witches also speak in iambic pentameter, this form of poetry is very well used as the witches speak in chants, giving the reader an even bigger sense of their evil.
Act I, sc.ii :
1) Macbeth is introduced to us through a injured captain from a very recent battle, who is explaining how the battle is currently going to King Duncan, and how Macbeth is leading the men with violent battle strategies and fighting skills. The captain continues to praise Macbeth by saying furthermore how he is the bravest man in the battle field, killing enemies with each step he takes, with no fear what so ever. Shakespeare does this so the reader can get an even better sense of Macbeth’s attributes, such as how strong, brave, and violent Macbeth is without even meeting the character yet.
2) “Doubtful it stood; as two spent swimmers, that do cling together and choke their art.”
This sentence (spoken by the wounded captain) uses imagery in order to describe whose favour the battle is currently going. The imagery translates into two drowning swimmers, clawing and drowning at each as they struggle to stay above water, and that death is equally likely for the other. In conclusion the captain felt that the battle was very close to going either way for each battling side.
“As whence the sun 'gins his reflection Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders
Act I, sc.i :
1) This scene is an effective and dramatic opening to the play, as we meet the three witches, also known as the Weird Sisters. We quickly point out that these witches possess powers meant only for evil and pain, as they are already placed in a meeting area in a setting that only screams evil, since it is raining with lightning bolts striking the ground nearby. But what truly makes the witches evil in the sense is that they chant together of meeting with the main character Macbeth, which we have only heard of being good, which means they may be planning to either kill or corrupt the hero. The witches also speak in iambic pentameter, this form of poetry is very well used as the witches speak in chants, giving the reader an even bigger sense of their evil.
Act I, sc.ii :
1) Macbeth is introduced to us through a injured captain from a very recent battle, who is explaining how the battle is currently going to King Duncan, and how Macbeth is leading the men with violent battle strategies and fighting skills. The captain continues to praise Macbeth by saying furthermore how he is the bravest man in the battle field, killing enemies with each step he takes, with no fear what so ever. Shakespeare does this so the reader can get an even better sense of Macbeth’s attributes, such as how strong, brave, and violent Macbeth is without even meeting the character yet.
2) “Doubtful it stood; as two spent swimmers, that do cling together and choke their art.”
This sentence (spoken by the wounded captain) uses imagery in order to describe whose favour the battle is currently going. The imagery translates into two drowning swimmers, clawing and drowning at each as they struggle to stay above water, and that death is equally likely for the other. In conclusion the captain felt that the battle was very close to going either way for each battling side.
“As whence the sun 'gins his reflection Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders