Macbeth Acts I-IV Study guide

Who is Macbeth?

a respected Scottish general

Who is King of Scotland in act 1?

Duncan

What do the 3 witches tell Macbeth and Banquo in act 1?

Macbeth will one day become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king, and Banquo’s sons will be kings

How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth being named Thane of Cawdor?

She pushes him to act and see if the prophecy is real

What does Macbeth do when King Duncan visits their castle?

He murders him and frames his guards. Macbeth feels guilt and paranoia.

What happens after King Duncans death?

His sons flee Scotland, rising suspicion, allowing Macbeth to become king

How does Macbeth feel being king?

He is obsessed with staying in power.

Who does Macbeth fear after becoming king? What does he plan to do to them?

Banquo’s sons, he plans to kill Banquo and his son Fleance

Who does Macbeth kill out of fear?

Banquo, not Fleance because he escaped

What happens at the royal banquet Macbeth attends?

Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost and publicly loses control, alarming the nobles. Lady Macbeth tries to cover for him.

Who does Macbeth meet up with after the royal banquet?

The three witches

Who does the three witches tell Macbeth to be aware do? (Which apparition?)

Macduff, apparition 1

Who do the witches say can’t harm Macbeth? (Which apparition?)

Any man born from a woman, apparition 2

What is apparition 3?

Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.

How does Macbeth feel after being told the three apparitions?

Threatened and invincible

What does Macbeth do after learning Macduff has fled to England?

He orders the murder of his wife and children

What two people meet in England?

Malcolm and Macduff

What does Malcolm do to test Macduff’s loyalty?

He pretends to be unfit to rule

What does Malcolm reveal after he confirms Macduff’s loyalty?

He wants to reclaim the throne

What do Macduff and Malcolm plan to do after finding out Macduff’s family was murdered?

They seek out revenge