Macbeth Act 1 Flashcards
What is Macbeth linked with in act 1 scene 1?
Evil
Macbeth is linked with evil
What do the witches say in act 1 scene 1?
Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Hover through the fog and filthy air = sense of chaos and things not being what they seem
What do Duncan and other characters think of Macbeth in act 1 scene 2?
Honourable
They smack of honour both - both Banquo and Macbeth are full of honour
What do the witches predict for Macbeth in act 1 scene 3?
He will be king
All hail Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King hereafter - telling the future/hinting he will be king
What is Macbeth starting to fear?
Macbeth is starting to fear things that sound fair.
Example sentence: Why do you start and seem to fear things that do sound so fair - wondering why is Macbeth so scared and confused
What is Banquo saying about himself in relation to the witches?
Banquo is saying he neither begs nor fears, regardless of the witches’ favors or hate.
Example sentence: Who neither beg nor fear. Your favours nor your hate - I don’t care, I don’t fear or believe Banquo is saying about the witches
How is Banquo described in comparison to Macbeth by the witches?
Banquo is described as lesser than Macbeth and greater.
Example sentence: Lesser than Macbeth and greater - which is describing Banquo, it’s contradictory
What does Banquo learn about his descendants from the witches?
Banquo learns that his descendants will become kings, even though he will not.
Example sentence: Thou shalt get kings though thou be none - Banquo won’t be a king but his descendants will
Why is Macbeth questioning being called the Thane of Cawdor?
Macbeth questions being called the Thane of Cawdor because he is not the true Thane.
Example sentence: The thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me In borrowed robe? - Why do you call me by a title that is not mine
What does Macbeth believe is yet to come for him?
Macbeth believes that the best is yet to come for him, as he will become King.
Example sentence: Glamis and thane of Cawdor. The greatest is behind - the best is yet to come, he will be King
Why is Banquo cautious of the witches’ truths?
Banquo is suspicious and cautious of the witches’ truths because he believes they may lead to harm.
Example sentence: Oftentimes to win us to our harm. The instruments of darkness tell us truths. In deepest consequence - Banquo is suspicious and cautious of the witches’ intentions
What does Macbeth hope will happen if he is meant to be king?
Macbeth hopes that if he is meant to be king, fate will crown him without him having to take any action.
Example sentence: If chance will have me king why chance may crown me. without my stir - he hopes he will become king without having to do anything (kill Duncan), leave it to fate
Who is linked with evil straight away in Act 1, Scene 1 of Macbeth?
Macbeth
Macbeth is linked with evil straight away in Act 1, Scene 1.
What is the sense conveyed by ‘fair is foul, and foul is fair’ in Act 1, Scene 1 of Macbeth?
Sense of chaos and things not being what they seem
This line conveys a sense of chaos and things not being what they seem.
Who is unseamed by the Sergeant in Act 1, Scene 2 of Macbeth?
Macbeth
The Sergeant unseamed Macbeth from the nave to the chaps.
Who is impressed with Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 2 of Macbeth?
Duncan
Duncan is really impressed with Macbeth.
What do Banquo and Macbeth both smack of in Act 1, Scene 2 of Macbeth?
Honour
Both Banquo and Macbeth are full of honour.
What do the witches hint at when they hail Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3 of Macbeth?
Telling the future/ hinting he will be king
The witches hint at Macbeth becoming king in the future when they hail him.
Who was a gentleman on whom absolute trust was placed?
Duncan
Duncan was a bad judge of character
Who does Macbeth see as an obstacle to his ambition to be king?
Malcolm
Macbeth is preparing to commit a crime but does not want to have to contemplate it
Who is Lady Macbeth referring to when she says ‘my dearest partner of greatness’?
Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is talking about Macbeth as his equal, whom he has confided in
What does Lady Macbeth fear about Macbeth’s nature?
That it is too full of the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way
Lady Macbeth thinks Macbeth is too kind to take the necessary actions
What does Lady Macbeth want to pour into Macbeth’s ear?
Her spirits
Lady Macbeth will talk Macbeth into doing something
Who does Lady Macbeth call upon to fill her with direst cruelty?
Evil spirits
Lady Macbeth is preparing herself to be cruel and is calling upon evil spirits
What is the risk Macbeth mentions when considering killing Duncan?
Risk of going to hell, risk of being caught and executed.
Example sentence: Macbeth says, “We’d jump the life to come - risk of going to hell, risk of being caught and executed.”
What reasons does Macbeth give for not wanting to kill Duncan?
Loyalty to his family and King, and the fact that Duncan is a good man and king.
Example sentence: Macbeth mentions his loyalty to his family and King, and praises Duncan’s character as a good man and king.
What is Macbeth’s main motivation for considering killing Duncan?
Vaulting ambition.
Example sentence: Macbeth’s ambition is the only thing motivating him to kill Duncan.
What does Macbeth decide to do before talking to lady Macbeth regarding killing Duncan?
Settled not to kill Duncan.
Example sentence: Macbeth says, “We will proceed no further in this business - settled not to kill Duncan.”
What does Lady Macbeth suggest to Macbeth in order to succeed?
To screw up courage and not fail.
Example sentence: Lady Macbeth advises, “We fail but screw your courage to the sticking place and we will not fail.”
What does Macbeth admire in Lady Macbeth?
Her uncaunted mettle - he’s impressed with her pain and bravery.
Macbeth quotes
What does Macbeth say about his own determination?
I am settled and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feats - he has made up his mind he will kill him.
Macbeth
