Macbeth Flashcards
What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald?
He calls him “valiant Cousin! Worthy gentleman!” This is ironic, being said to the man who will be his murderer
Who is sentenced to death?
The Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death.
What do the witches predict in I.iii for Macbeth? For Banquo?
They predict Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and eventually the king. They predict that
Banquo will be “lesser than Macbeth, and greater, Not so happy, and yet happier” and that
his descendants will be kings although he will not be one.
What news does Ross bring Macbeth?
Ross tells Macbeth that Macbeth now holds the title of the Thane of Cawdor.
Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth’s new title. He is,
however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the “instruments of darkness”?
He says they often tell of good things which may happen without telling the bad
consequences.
Malcolm describes Cawdor’s last moments before execution. What is Duncan’s reply?
You can’t tell what is in a person’s heart by looking at his face.
Macbeth says, “Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires.” What are
He now desires to be the king, and he realizes that something will have to be done with the
Macbeth's desires? He now desires to be the king, and he realizes that something will have to be done with the present king (and his sons) before his desires can become reality.
After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how
does she plan to help him?
In short, Lady Macbeth thinks Macbeth could be a good king, but he lacks the hard heartedness
which would allow him to get to the position. She’ll talk him into it.
What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming”?
She wants to be filled with cruelty, given a hard heart and the thick blood necessary to do
what has to be done in order to make Macbeth king.
What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
She tells him he must learn to look innocent even when his heart is full of evil. He has to
learn to hide his true feelings.
What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan?
Macbeth is Duncan’s kinsman and his subject. Duncan is a good king and virtuous man; he
has done no particular evil. Duncan is a popular king, and his death would bring sorrow
and unrest upon Scotland.
What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder?
She tells him not to be a coward, not to say later that he “could have been” when he could
“be” king. She tells him to be a man and go get what he wants. She says if she had madethe promise to do this, that she would have killed her own baby to carry forth with her
promise.
What is Lady Macbeth’s plan?
She will drug the kings grooms (guards). Macbeth will then go into the king’s room and
murder him in his sleep.
What is Macbeth’s lie to Banquo about the witches’ predictions?
He says he doesn’t even think about them.
What is the signal Lady Macbeth is to give Macbeth to let him know that she has taken care of the guards (grooms)?
She will ring a bell.
