Macbeth Study Guide
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Macbeth | Act I Study Questions
1. What atmosphere or mood is established at the very beginning of Macbeth—in Scene 1? What sets this mood?
2. How does Banquo describe the Witches when he first sees them upon the heath?
3. Macbeth is reported to be a valiant soldier in Act I. The line, “Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’chops And fixed his head upon our battlements”, paints a picture of Macbeth. What can you infer from that line?
4. In Scene 1 the Witches say, “Foul is fair and fair is foul.” What are they referring to? Which characters do you consider fair or foul?
5. Why do you think Shakespeare opened Scene 3 with the Witches discussing an evil deed they have committed?
6. What prophesies do the Witches make for Macbeth and Banquo?
7. What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says of Macbeth, “Yet do I fear thy nature. It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way”?
8. Macbeth is having second thoughts about killing Duncan. What are the reasons he gives? Based on these reasons what does he decide?
9. What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “Was hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now to look so green and pale”?
10. What decision does Macbeth make at the end of Act I? What has Lady Macbeth said to influence his decision?
MACBETH – ACT I SUMMARY
• Three witches open the Act and mention battle Scotland is having with Norway.
• Witches prepare to meet Macbeth.
• Captain tells King Duncan of Macbeth's bravery in battle, thereby saving Scotland.
•
Macbeth | Act I Study Questions
1. What atmosphere or mood is established at the very beginning of Macbeth—in Scene 1? What sets this mood?
2. How does Banquo describe the Witches when he first sees them upon the heath?
3. Macbeth is reported to be a valiant soldier in Act I. The line, “Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’chops And fixed his head upon our battlements”, paints a picture of Macbeth. What can you infer from that line?
4. In Scene 1 the Witches say, “Foul is fair and fair is foul.” What are they referring to? Which characters do you consider fair or foul?
5. Why do you think Shakespeare opened Scene 3 with the Witches discussing an evil deed they have committed?
6. What prophesies do the Witches make for Macbeth and Banquo?
7. What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says of Macbeth, “Yet do I fear thy nature. It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way”?
8. Macbeth is having second thoughts about killing Duncan. What are the reasons he gives? Based on these reasons what does he decide?
9. What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “Was hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now to look so green and pale”?
10. What decision does Macbeth make at the end of Act I? What has Lady Macbeth said to influence his decision?
MACBETH – ACT I SUMMARY
• Three witches open the Act and mention battle Scotland is having with Norway.
• Witches prepare to meet Macbeth.
• Captain tells King Duncan of Macbeth's bravery in battle, thereby saving Scotland.
•