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AP Lit > Macbeth Act 1 and Act 2(scene 1 and 2) > Flashcards

Macbeth Act 1 and Act 2(scene 1 and 2) Flashcards

1
Q

Why does the play begin with “thunder and lightning”?

A

To give a dark tone, and an ominous/foreboding feeling.

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2
Q

​When, where, and why will the Three Witches meet again?

A

Before sunset after the battle’s lost and won, on the heath(hill), to meet Macbeth

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3
Q

​How is the line “when the battle’s lost and won” an example of a paradox?

A

The statement is contradicting itself by saying the battle has been lost but also won. The battle is won by Scotland, but soldiers are lost.

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4
Q

​Who are Graymalkin and Paddock?

A

Graymalkin is the “familiar” of the first witch. Paddock is the “familiar” of the second witch.

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5
Q

​What motif do the witches set up in this brief first scene?

A

Fair is foul, and foul is fair.

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6
Q

Historically, why might Shakespeare have begun Macbeth with a scene involving witches? (Think of the three reasons we discussed in class why Shakespeare wrote Macbeth…)

A

Wanted to pay homage to King James. King James was interested in supernatural beings. Theater superstition.

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7
Q

​Who is the battle between?

A

Scotland and rebel Scotland. Scotland and Norway.

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8
Q

What does the Captain report to King Duncan about Macbeth?

A

He reports that brave Macbeth, with fortune against him, took his sword and killed everyone(to the point his sword was steaming) until he met Macdonwald and unseamed him from the nave to his chin.

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9
Q

​Characterize Macbeth based on the Captain and King Duncan’s descriptions of him.

A

Merciless man that fears no one. Kind of scary. Questionable background. If he can do this, what else is he capable of doing?

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10
Q

​Who is Macdonwald? What happens to him?

A

The rebel leader. He is murdered by Macbeth.

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11
Q

​Who is the Thane of Cawdor? What is going to happen to him

A

A traitor that helped Norway in the war. He’s going to be executed.

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12
Q

​Who wins the battle/war? Explain in detail; who specifically helped their side to win?

A

Scotland wins both wars. Brave Macbeth, against fortune, kills Macdonwald rather ruthlessly to win the Civil War. Macbeth and Banquo led the army against Norway. The Thane of Cawdor helped the Norwegians. Macbeth defeated the King of Norway in battle.

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13
Q

Why does King Duncan send the Thane of Ross to find Macbeth (“what he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won,” 1.3.77).

A

So he can be told of his new title, Thane of Cawdor.

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14
Q

What revenge does the First Witch describe getting on the Sailor’s Wife who wouldn’t share chestnuts with her?

A

Curses her husband with insomnia for 567 days.

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15
Q

​How does Banquo describe the Three Witches when he first sees them?

A

Old/worn out and unhuman like. Women with beards

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16
Q

​What prophecies do the Witches greet Macbeth with?

A

Witch 1: “Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis”
Witch 2: “Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor”(dramatic irony)
Witch 3: “that shalt be king hereafter”

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17
Q

​How does Banquo respond to hearing Macbeth’s prophecies?

A

He asks if there are any prophecies for him.

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18
Q

​What seems to be the difference between Banquo and Macbeth?

A

Macbeth is sort of higher regarded.

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19
Q

What prophecies do the Witches foretell for Banquo?

A

Witch 1: “Lesser than Macbeth and greater”
Witch 2: “Not so happy, yet much happier”
Witch 3: “ Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none”

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20
Q

What is Macbeth confused about based on the prophecies and what does he ask the Witches for?

A

He doesn’t know how he’ll become Thane of Cawdor when the title of Thane of Cawdor is held by someone else. He asks them to speak more and to explain where they got their prophecies from.

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21
Q

How does Banquo try to justify what they just saw and heard after the witches disappear?

A

The plant that causes insanity. Hallucinations.

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22
Q

​Explain Banquo’s line: “What, can the devil speak true?” (1.3.113)

A

He’s referring to the witches as devils(satans) and it’s his reaction to their prophecy coming true.

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23
Q

What warning does Banquo give to Macbeth after Ross and Angus arrive to announce Macbeth’s new title?

A

He says it’s too good to be true and this may be caused by an instrument of evil.

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24
Q

​What fear does Macbeth address in his aside? (1.3.147-155)

A

If he has to kill Duncan to become king.

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25
Q

What is Macbeth’s feeling regarding the prophecy that has yet to come true?

A

He’s unsure if it’s bad or good.

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26
Q

What do Banquo and Macbeth agree upon at the end of this scene?

A

To talk about it later

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27
Q

What does Prince Malcolm report to King Duncan regarding the Thane of Cawdor’s execution?

A

He confessed his treasons and asked for forgiveness and repented. He ended up dying.

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28
Q

​Explain Malcolm’s line, “Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it.” (1.4.8-9)

A

He’ll only be remembered for being executed.

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29
Q

Explain the irony in Duncan’s line, “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face,” (1.4.13-14).

A

He said there was no way to read minds and then Macbeth who was plotting to kill him walks in

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30
Q

How does King Duncan greet Macbeth and Banquo? What does he regret he cannot give them?

A

With great gratitude. He regrets he can’t pay them what they deserve

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31
Q

What formal declaration does Duncan make before all the Thanes?

A

Malcolm to be Prince of Cumberland

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32
Q

What request does Duncan make of Macbeth?

A

To celebrate at his castle

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33
Q

Macbeth’s aside reveals two very important lines: Explain each line. “The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies.” “Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires.”

A

He sees Malcolm as a threat to his kingship.
Let this be hidden from everyone.

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34
Q

​Again, explain the irony of Duncan’s final lines in this scene

A

He praises Macbeth even though he’s plotting to kill him

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35
Q

​What does Macbeth reveal to his wife in the letter he sends her

A

The arrival of the king and the prophecy of the witch

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36
Q

How does Macbeth refer to his wife? Why is this important?

A

“My dearest partner of greatness”. It shows how Macbeth saw his wife as equal to him rather than lesser.(not common in these times)

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37
Q

What is Lady Macbeth’s first thought about the prophecies? What does she fear?

A

She’s excited and surprised, but fears that Macbeth doesn’t have the ability to kill Duncan.

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38
Q

According to Lady Macbeth, what does Macbeth have and what does he lack?

A

She says Macbeth is very nice, but lacks ruthlessness and ambition

39
Q

​Why does Lady Macbeth want her husband to return home quickly?

A

So she can basically just make him her puppet faster.

40
Q

​What two forces does Lady Macbeth feel they have on their side?

A

Fate and supernatural abilities

41
Q

What news does the messenger bring Lady Macbeth?

A

The king is coming with Macbeth.

42
Q

Explain the symbolism in the line, “The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements.” (1.5.45-46).

A

The raven is a symbol for death. Usually ravens are around when there is a dead body or about to be

43
Q

Why does Lady Macbeth ask to be “unsexed”?

A

She wants to be a man so she can do the killing

44
Q

Why does Lady Macbeth wish the night to be dark and foggy?

A

So that no one can see Duncan’s death

45
Q

Describe the first interaction between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth; what does it reveal about their relationship?

A

Lady Macbeth is very assertive.

46
Q

​How long is King Duncan planning to stay at Macbeth’s castle?

A

Just one night

47
Q

What advice does Lady Macbeth have for her husband? List the different ways she describes he do so (quotes and line numbers)

A

To deceive others by acting like he doesn’t know anything. “To beguile the time, look like the time” “ “Look like th’ innocent flower, but be the serpent under ‘t.” Seem like you are innocent when really you are evil.

48
Q

​How is Duncan’s first line in this scene an example of dramatic irony?

A

Walking into his castle, he feels safe and comfortable. Not knowing that there’s a plot of his death.

49
Q

How does Lady Macbeth prove to be the “innocent flower” while greeting King Duncan?

A

Gives a warm welcome to the king and is very formal. Acts very innocent around him.

50
Q

Explain Macbeth’s line: “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly.” (1.7.1-2).

A

If I had to do it, I’d do it quick to have no guilt

51
Q

What is the importance of Macbeth using the word “assassination” to describe the plan?

A

He’s showing that it’s much bigger than just any other murder

52
Q

“But in these cases we still have judgment here, that we but teach bloody instructions, which, being taught, return to plague th’ inventor.” (1.7.7-10). What consequences to murder does Macbeth reveal in these lines? What two reasons does Macbeth give for why he should not kill Duncan?

A

f there weren’t consequences, Macbeth reveals that he would commit the murder right now. But, because there’s consequences like: going to hell because the immortal soul is tarnished and can no longer go to heaven, if caught he may be killed himself, major judgment in this life, guilt will be too much to bear like self-poison. Self poison and Macbeth is Duncan’s subject and host- should not be murdering him.

53
Q

​What two reasons does Macbeth give for why he should not kill Duncan?

A

He’s a good king that’s loved by even angels and he’s his kinsman

54
Q

According to Macbeth, how will the angels/Heaven react to Duncan’s death? How will Scotland react?

A

Scotland is sort of fond of his virtues because he has exercised his power virtuously and kindly. Heavens will be angry and a mess.

55
Q

Explain Macbeth’s line: “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other…”

A

Has the ambition and desire to go through with the murder but needs the final push for him to actually go through with it.

56
Q

What has Macbeth decided when his wife enters the scene? Why?

A

We will proceed no further in this murder. Duncan honored him and Macbeth honestly liked the guy.

57
Q

How does Lady Macbeth belittle and degrade her husband? What are some words/phrases she uses?

A

She calls him a coward, unmanly, and untrustworthy because he can’t keep his word. “Art thou afeard to be the same in thine own act and valor as thou art in desire?” “Coward” “And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man.”

58
Q

What is Macbeth’s defense of himself when he says, “I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares do more is none.” (1.7.51-52). How does his wife respond to this statement?

A

He says he does all things necessary to be a man(kills men and stuff), and that it would be unmanly to kill the king. His wife then asks what beast brought him to change his mind

59
Q

Why does Lady Macbeth give the image that she would rip a baby from her breast and smash it’s head on the floor? What is the comparison?

A

Trying to show that she would do anything for her husband including killing their own baby. Saying he wouldn’t do the same for her.

60
Q

What does Macbeth reveal to be his biggest fear regarding the murder plan?

A

Macbeth is concerned about failing the murder, if they don’t succeed

61
Q

Describe Lady Macbeth’s plan as to how they will kill Duncan

A

When Duncan is asleep she will get the two guards outside his room drunk and when they’re passed out they will steal their daggers and use their daggers on the unguarded Duncan. They will then plant the bloody daggers next to the guards to pin the murder on them.

62
Q

Why does Macbeth declare to his wife, “Bring forth men children-only.”

A

He believes that she is so masculine that she cannot bear any female children.

63
Q

Macbeth’s final line of the scene, “False fact must hide what false heart doth know,” reveals he feels which way about the murder?

A

He must put on a poker face to hide what he truly knows about the murder of Duncan. It shows that he is on board with the plan and has to act deceptive.

64
Q

Who is Fleance?

A

Banquo’s son

65
Q

What comments does Banquo make about the night?

A

Banquo comments about how dark and late it is. He says that the night is the best time for something bad to happen

66
Q

How did Duncan feel about his visit at Macbeth’s castle? What did he give Banquo to pass on to Lady Macbeth?

A

Duncan felt “unusual pleasure” he was so happy and started giving out big tips to his offices. Best party he’d ever been to. He gave his wife a diamond

67
Q

How did Macbeth feel he could have improved Duncan’s visit?

A

He wishes he had more time to prepare for Duncan

68
Q

What lie does Macbeth say to Banquo?

A

He says he hasn’t thought about the witches at all

69
Q

Explain Macbeth’s line, “If you shall cleave to my consent, when ‘tis, it shall make honor for you.” What is Banquo’s reaction to this statement?

A

He means to tell Banquo to stick with him and that he’ll make it worth his while. Banquo says as long as he isn’t in any trouble.

70
Q

What instructions does Macbeth give his servant?

A

To tell Lady Macbeth to ring the bell when she has the drinks ready

71
Q

Describe Macbeth’s hallucination. How does it progress? What are his thoughts throughout? How does he try to explain why he sees what he sees?

A

Macbeth thinks there’s a dagger in front of him. The pressure and guilt of killing Duncan is haunting. Since the handle points towards him, he has the ambition to do it, the task should be so easy, yet it is not because he doesn’t want to kill. Draws his own dagger and claims if he can hold this one, then the murder technically hasn’t happened yet, and he still has a choice whether or not to kill Duncan

72
Q

What is the importance of the fake dagger’s handle facing Macbeth and pointing in the direction of Duncan’s chamber?

A

Fake dagger’s handle faces Macbeth and points to Duncan’s room to signify that Macbeth will go through with the plan. The blood on the dagger shows the decision was made and Duncan is going to be killed

73
Q

Why does Macbeth draw his actual dagger?

A

He hallucinates a bloody dagger in front of him. He realizes that he sees it, but he can’t feel it. He questions its reality and realizes that it’s just a symbol of his guilt for what he’s about to do. He realizes that the dagger is pointing at him and at Duncan. He looks at the dagger 4 times. The first is when he first notices, the second is when he realizes it’s not real, the third is when he sees blood, the fourth it’s gone.

74
Q

What other things are going on in the night, according to Macbeth?

A

Nature seems dead, it’s the time that the witches do witchcraft, wolves move like ghosts

75
Q

​How does Macbeth personify murder? Describe this image.

A

He personifies murder by saying it is summoned by the wolF

76
Q

​What does Macbeth ask the earth to do for him? (1.7.69-73)

A

He asks the earth to deafen his steps

77
Q

Explain Macbeth’s lines, “Whiles I threat, he lives. Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.)

A

The more Macbeth talks about this murder the more he doubts himself and the plan in general

78
Q

How/what is the ringing of the bell symbolic of?

A

It’s symbolic of reality. Right now Macbeth is lost in thought and his wife always somehow brings him back on course/reality.

79
Q

Why does Macbeth hope Duncan does not hear the bell

A

​So he doesn’t wake up.

80
Q

​How does Lady Macbeth feel, having had a drink herself?

A

She gets the boost she wants. She feels bold now

81
Q

What is the owl’s hoot symbolic of?

A

It’s associated with death and night time darkness

82
Q

​Why does Lady Macbeth say she could not participate in Duncan’s actual murder?

A

Because he looks like her dad(an excuse- she doesn’t want to do it)

83
Q

​How does Macbeth act/seem in the beginning of this scene?

A

Anxious/paranoid

84
Q

​Who was sleeping in the room next to Duncan?

A

Donalbain(Duncan’s second son)-along with Malcolm

85
Q

​What does Macbeth describe that he heard before the murder?

A

A laugh and someone saying “Murder!” Then someone saying “God bless us”, following by “Amen”

86
Q

Why couldn’t Macbeth say “Amen”?

A

Too much guilt

87
Q

Explain the various interpretations of Macbeth’s line “Methought I heard a voice cry, Sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep”

A

-foreshadowed earlier-1. Macbeth hears a voice/warning. 2. Macbeth murders sleep, therefore, he can’t sleep anymore.

88
Q

What mistake has Macbeth made after murdering Duncan?

A

He didn’t plant the daggers on the servants

89
Q

​Why does Lady Macbeth go back to the scene of the crime?

A

To plant the daggers

90
Q

Explain Lady Macbeth’s line, “The sleeping and the dead are but as pictures,” (2.2.69-70)

A

The sleeping and dead look so alike one could confuse them.
Demasculating Macbeth. comparing him to a child who is immaturely scared of the dark and demons. “Duncan is dead there’s nothing he can do about you going back into the room”

91
Q

​How does Macbeth display guilt over killing Duncan? What image does he give?

A

Macbeth displays his guilt through his paranoia/anxiousness(every noise appalls him). He gives the image of plucking his eyes out just as Oedipus did, and that not even Neptune can wash the blood from his hand, in fact, the ocean would turn red.

92
Q

How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s feelings differ on the murder?

A

Give quotes.
Macbeth is shameful while Lady Macbeth isn’t and is more worried about the dagger situation. “I am afraid to think what I have done.” “My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white”

93
Q

​What does Lady Macbeth say they must now do?

A

Go back to their room, put on their nightgown and pretend as if they don’t know anything.

94
Q

​Explain Macbeth’s line, “Wake Duncan with thy knocking. I would thou couldst.”
(2.2.94-95). How does it compare with the last line of Act 2, Scene 1?

A

He wishes Duncan was still alive and that the knocking would wake him. The last line of Act 2, Scene 1 is comparable to this because it talks about how he is about to die, here he is already dead, but Macbeth wishes he was alive

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