Act 1 Flashcards
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Why is Macbeth first introduced through the witches? How does this affect how the audience sees Macbeth?
Macbeth is introduced through the witches to give a sense of fate to the story. This creates a sense of superstition and darkness to the story.
What does the statement “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” mean?
This statement means that what some people see as good other people see as bad. What the witches perceive as bad can seem good to others and vice versa. Macbeth says, “So fair and foul a day I have not seen. (Shakespeare 17)” This tells us that there will definitely be some moral confusion.
Summarize the Captain’s description of the battle and Macbeth’s role in winning it.
The captain describes Macbeth to be a brave and powerful soldier who split the rival Macdonwald and beheaded him. He says that when the enemies struck them, they struck back Macbeth and Banquo struck with double the force (Shakespeare 9-11).
What do you learn about Macbeth from this description? What traits of Macbeth stand out to the Captain and Duncan?
Macbeth is a strong and powerful military force who did not bat an eye against Macdonwald. He knew his purpose and had no hesitation. The Captain and Duncan describe him to be brave, worthy, and explosive (in might). He was praised for these qualities and titled Thane of Cawdor.
Since Macbeth was first mentioned by the witches, and the phrase “fair is foul, foul is fair” was used, plus Duncan was tricked by the Thane of Cawdor, how much do you trust the idea of Macbeth being brave and noble?
The quote could be referring to Macbeth’s character and how he might not be a brave and ambitious soldier after all. I don’t really believe that Macbeth is a brave soldier because not only was Duncan easily fooled, but because Macbeth was mentioned by the eerie witches at first kind of makes us doubt the honest intentions of Macbeth.
Read the witches’ discussion about getting revenge on the sailor’s wife. What does this tell you about the witches’ powers and limits?
Instead of targeting the sailor’s wife, she went after the sailor. With the help of her witch friends, she changed the direction of the wind so that the sailor wouldn’t be able to reach the port and wouldn’t get any sleep. “I’ll drain him dry as hay. Hang upon his penthouse lid. Weary sev’nnights, nine times nine, Shall he dwindle, peak, and pine. Though his bark cannot be lost, Yet it shall be tempest-tossed.(Shakespeare 15)” The witch also shows the finger of a dead sailor to show how evil she is. Whatever common men consider to be bad the witches consider good so the other witch is excited to see this. This event reveals how the harm the witches cause is not physical, but rather have to do with fate.
Macbeth’s first words are “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” What does he mean by this?
The word fair refers to good and foul refers to bad. The day is “fair” because he was recently victorious in battle and it is “foul” because of the eerie surroundings and weather. The ominoisity only increases when the witches arrive.
How do Macbeth’s first words affect how we see him?
Macbeth says on page 17, “So fair and foul a day I have not seen.” This quote connects Macbeth to the witches him, which connects him to the supernatural. This is referring to his indecisive morals.
how does Banquo react to the witches’ prophecy about Macbeth? What does Banquo suggest about Macbeth’s reaction?
Banquo is skeptical and worried that these prophecies will lead him towards evil and wickedness.
What does Banquo’s challenge to the witches reveal about his character?
Unlike Macbeth, Banquo keeps control of himself and asks the witches for proof of their abilities. He is suspicious that Macbeth will go to great lengths to become king because Duncan will have to die for him to become king. These details contrast Banquo with Macbeth because Banquo is able to keep control even with these prophecies.
How does Banquo react to the news of Macbeth’s new title?
Macbeth was excited for the kingship that would follow; however, Banquo believes that the witches are tricking him into evil.l. The only way he could become king is if the current king was killed. He says, “The greatest is behind.” Behind in this context means next and he is looking forward to it. Banquo says, That trusted home Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange:And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,The instruments of darkness tell us truths,Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s In deepest consequence. This is Banquo’s reaction within the story.
What does the metaphor “Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?” mean? Why is the clothing metaphor used in the play?
Borrowed robes refers to someone else’s robes. What Macbeth was basically asking is why he is being granted a title that belongs to someone else. The title or “clothes” doesn’t belong to him.
Why does Banquo warn Macbeth about how he reacts to the prophecies? What does this tell you about how Banquo sees Macbeth’s character and ambitions?
He warns Macbeth because he doesn’t want Macbeth to be driven down a path of wickedness. He doesn’t consider the witches’ prophecies to be a source that isn’t ill. Knowing how Macbeth has strong ambition, he might take drastic measures to fulfill the prophecy.
