Macbeth Act 1 Summarised

Question 1

Which characters begin the play in act 1, scene 1. What might this foreshadow?

Answer 1

The story begins with the 3 witches, and this might foreshadow evil and the upcoming danger that is to come.

Question 2

What is the paradox that the witches speak?

Answer 2

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair”

Question 3

In Act 1, Scene 2, which countries are in the battle?

Answer 3

The Scots are fighting the Norwegians who are being led by Madonwald and are winning the battle

Question 4

What three prophesies do the witches tell Macbeth that he is to be?

Answer 4

’’ All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Gamis !’’
‘’ All hail, Macbeth hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!’’
‘’ All hail, Macbeth, that shawl be King thereafter !’’

Question 5

What three prophesies do the witches tell Banquo he is to become?

Answer 5

’’ Lesse than Macbeth, and greater ‘’
‘’ Not so happy, yet much happier’’
‘’ Thou shalt kings. though thou be none ‘’

Question 6

What are the differences between Macbeth and Banquo’s reaction to the witches?

Answer 6

Banquo continues to be skeptical. Macbeth is shocked by the images in his mind ( of murder ) , but thinks he might actually become king - possibly without murder?

Question 7

We suspect that Macbeth will also betray King Duncan through dramatic irony. What is the line that King Duncan says towards Macbeth and Banquo that foreshadows the King’s fate?

Answer 7

'’gentlemen on whom I built an absolute trust”

Question 8

When Lady Macbeth reads the letter from her husband in Act 1 Scene 5, how does she react?

Answer 8

She immediately plots to kill Duncan but worries Macbeth won’ t want to do this.

Question 9

Lady Macbeth thinks her husband is too gentle to commit the murder

Answer 9

'’Yet I do fear thy nature. It is too full oh the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way’’

Question 10

Lady Macbeth tells her husband to appear innocent as he secretly plans the murder

Answer 10

'’Looks like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it’’

Question 11

Macbeth hopes that no one will be able to see his true intentions

Answer 11

'’Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires’’

Question 12

What lines do the witches say that summarises the entire play of Macbeth?

Answer 12

’’ Fair is foul, and foul is fair ‘’