MacBeth Act 1 Overview

Question 1

Act 1, Scene 1

Opens with the three witches

This is the first mention

The scene establishes

Answer 1

Opens with the three witches meeting, and they arrange to meet Macbeth.

This is the first mention of Macbeth in the play.

The scene establishes the witches as having power over the events of the play and the characters.

Question 2

Act 1, Scene 2

The Captain gives a report

We learn that Macbeth

Answer 2

The Captain gives a report on the battle to Duncan, he praises Macbeth.

We learn that Macbeth is to be given the Thane of Cawdor’s title.

Question 3

Act 1, Scene 3

3 points

The witches meet

Macbeth and Banquo arrive

Banquo is sceptical

Answer 3

The witches meet again on a heath,

Macbeth and Banquo arrive and meet the witches who give them both prophecies.

Banquo is sceptical, but Macbeth wants to learn more. Macbeth is told that he is now Thane of Cawdor by Ross and Angus.

Question 4

Act 1, Scene 4

Macbeth and Banquo

Meets King Duncan

Duncan announces

Answer 4

Macbeth and Banquo return to the palace

Meets King Duncan who thanks them for their heroism in the battle.

Duncan announces that he will make his son, Malcolm, the next heir to the throne.

Question 5

Act 1, Scene 5

Letter lm

Answer 5

Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth explaining the witches propheciesand she doubts that he is strong enough but is determined to help him.

When Macbeth arrives home they plan to kill Duncan.

Question 6

Act 1, Scene 6

Banquo and Duncan

Answer 6

Banquo and Duncan arrive at Macbeth’s castle, and describe it similarly to Eden. Lady Macbeth greets them.

Question 7

Act 1, Scene 7

Macbeth doesn’t want to kill

Answer 7

Macbeth doesn’t want to kill Duncan but Lady Macbeth persuades him to by insulting him and his masculinity