Macbeth: Act 1 Flashcards
In Scene i, where/when do the witches plan to meet again, and why?
The witches plan to meet again after the battle on a hill with Macbeth so they can discuss and talk to Macbeth
What statements do the witches and Macbeth make about “foul and fair”?
“Fair is foul and foul is fair” also refers to Macbeth’s quest to be king. In order to be “fair” to Macbeth’s talents and potential, he must have the opportunity to become king, at least according to Lady Macbeth and, later, Macbeth. However, the murderous methods employed are a “foul” means to this goal. In addition, the battle takes place in Dunsinane is “foul” as is all violence; however, in order to bring justice (“fair”), a battle must ensue to strip Macbeth of his tyrannical, murderous reign.
What news about Macbeth does the bloody captain bring to the king, in scene ii?
k
What does the king determine to do for Macbeth? Why?
d
What do the witches tell Macbeth in Scene iii?
d
What do the witches tell Banquo in Scene iii?
d
In what lines do you discover Lady Macbeth’s plans for Duncan when he visits the castle?
d
How do the witches’ prophecy of Macbeth’s coming to greatness act as a temptation for him?
The witches
How does Banquo’s reaction to the witches differ from Macbeth’s?
d
What conflict rages in Macbeth after he hears the witches’ prophecy?
d
What is Lady Macbeth’s opinion of her husband’s character?
Lady Macbeth thinks that her husband is sensitive and gives away his feelings with his facial expresions
How does she use her knowledge of his character to convince him to kill Duncan?
d
What resolution to this conflict does Macbeth express in his aside, in Scene iv, lines 48-53?
d
In his soliloquy at the beginning of Scene vii, what arguments against killing the king does Macbeth express?
d
Which of these reasons seems to influence him the most? Why?
d
