Macbeth Flashcards
How does the first scene set the tone for the rest of the act?
The first scene introduces themes of ambiguity and foreboding that permeate the act.
How does Macbeth distinguish himself?
Macbeth distinguishes himself through his bravery and valor in battle.
What predictions do the witches make regarding Macbeth and Banquo?
The witches predict that Macbeth will become king and that Banquo’s descendants will be kings. The prophecy about Macbeth becoming king is fulfilled in this scene.
Contrast Macbeth’s attitude toward the witches with Banquo’s attitude toward them.
Macbeth is intrigued and ambitious regarding the witches’ prophecies, while Banquo is skeptical and cautious.
What is Duncan’s attitude toward Macbeth?
Duncan holds Macbeth in high regard and trusts him completely.
What is Macbeth’s attitude toward Duncan?
Macbeth feels a mix of loyalty and ambition toward Duncan.
Whom does Duncan name as his successor?
Duncan names his son Malcolm as his successor.
What is Lady Macbeth’s response to her husband’s letter?
Lady Macbeth is excited and immediately begins to plot Duncan’s murder.
Explain Macbeth’s twofold responsibility of protecting Duncan while he is at Macbeth’s castle.
Macbeth must protect Duncan as a loyal subject while also grappling with his ambition to kill him.
What is Macbeth’s motive for wanting to kill Duncan?
Macbeth’s motive is his ambition to become king.
What would Macbeth be willing to risk if he could get away with this assassination?
Macbeth would be willing to risk his honor and soul.
When Macbeth changes his mind, what does Lady Macbeth do?
Lady Macbeth challenges his resolve and devises a plan to ensure Duncan’s murder.
Identify the speaker and the significance of the line ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair.’
The witches speak this line, highlighting the theme of appearance versus reality.
Identify the speaker and the significance of the line ‘Look like th’ innocent flower, But be the serpent under’t.’
Lady Macbeth speaks this line, emphasizing the need for deception.
Identify the speaker and the significance of the line ‘Screw your courage to the sticking-place.’
Lady Macbeth speaks this line, urging Macbeth to commit the murder.
Identify the speaker and the significance of the line ‘False face must hide what the false heart doth know.’
Macbeth speaks this line, indicating the necessity of concealing his true intentions.
