Macbeth Act 1 Quiz

What mood is established in the opening of Scene 1 of Macbeth?

A dark, creepy, and sinister mood, established by a stormy setting.

What does the witches' line 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair' suggest?

It indicates that appearances may be deceptive and that things will be turned upside-down in the play.

What significant battle occurs at the beginning of Macbeth?

A battle between Scottish and Irish troops, where Macbeth defeats Macdonwald and the Norwegians.

How is Macbeth described by the Captain in Scene 2?

He is described as 'brave' and 'valiant,' earning him the reputation of a war hero.

What amount do the Scots demand from the Norwegians for burial access?

$10,000.

What decision does King Duncan make about the Thane of Cawdor?

Duncan orders the execution of the Thane of Cawdor for being a disloyal traitor.

What does the First Witch plan to do to the sailor's husband?

She plans to cast a spell that will prevent him from sleeping and drain his life.

What is significant about Macbeth's first line, 'So foul and fair a day I have not seen'?

It echoes the witches' spell and reflects the contradictions in Macbeth's character.

What prophecy do the witches give regarding Banquo?

They say that Banquo will be the father of kings.

How does Macbeth react to the witches' prophecy about becoming Thane of Cawdor?

He is shocked and reflects on the implications of the prophecy.

What horrid thought first enters Macbeth's mind?

The thought of murdering King Duncan.

What does King Duncan mean by 'There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face'?

It means it's impossible to know a person's true thoughts just by looking at them.

What announcement does Duncan make about Malcolm?

Malcolm is named the Prince of Cumberland, making him next in line for the throne.

What does Lady Macbeth do upon reading Macbeth's letter about the witches?

She immediately believes the prophecy and plans to assist Macbeth in achieving it.

What does Lady Macbeth pray for before Macbeth arrives home?

She prays for the strength to help Macbeth fulfill the prophecy.

Where is Macbeth headed at the end of Act 1, Scene 4?

He is on his way home to Inverness to prepare for King Duncan's arrival.

What does Macbeth mean by 'Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires'?

He wishes to conceal his dark ambitions and sinful thoughts from the world.

What does Lady Macbeth wish to replace in herself before committing murder?

She prays that her womanly kindness and weakness will be replaced with strength and resolute purpose.

What does Lady Macbeth believe about Macbeth's ability to murder Duncan?

She believes he is too kind or weak to commit the murder on his own.

What advice does Lady Macbeth give to Macbeth when he arrives?

She advises him to control his face and appear welcoming to Duncan while hiding his inner turmoil.

How long does King Duncan plan to stay at Macbeth's castle?

Just one night.

What is the double meaning in Lady Macbeth's line about Duncan needing to be 'provided for'?

She means they need to entertain him and also plan to murder him.

What natural elements do Duncan and his entourage notice at Macbeth's castle?

They notice the sweet air and a bird building a nest, which they interpret as signs of a welcoming household.

Who greets King Duncan first, and why is this significant?

Lady Macbeth greets him first, signifying her powerful role and duplicity.

What is Macbeth's opinion of King Duncan's rule?

He believes Duncan has been a good king, stating that Duncan's virtues will plead against his murder.

What analogy does Lady Macbeth use to emphasize her commitment to keeping promises?

She says she would have dashed the brains out of their own suckling infant if she had promised Macbeth.

What is Lady Macbeth's plan for killing Duncan?

She will get the guards drunk, take their daggers, and use them to kill Duncan, then frame the guards.

How does Macbeth feel about Lady Macbeth's plan?

He agrees to participate and is impressed by her strength.

Inversion

Reversal in position, order, direction, or relationship.

Foul

Evil

Fair

Good

Mood of Scene 1

Dark, ominous, foreboding, insidious, malevolent

Supernatural influences

Elements found throughout the play, represented by witches as metaphors for evil.

Weird

A form of old English 'wyrd' meaning fate or destiny.

Adversaries in Scene 2

Traitor, Macdonwald, King of Norway and his army.

Kerns and gallowglasses

Foot soldiers and horsemen.

Macbeth's description

Brave and Merciless.

Two Functions of Scene 2

Establish political situation and show Macbeth as a noble character necessary for the tragic hero.

Macbeth's quote

So foul and fair a day I have not seen.

Death and bloodshed in the battle

Represented as foul.

Victory in the battle

Represented as fair.

Witches' address to Macbeth

Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King hereafter.

Banquo's warning

Witches tell only part of the truth to tempt you.

Macbeth's internal conflict

Struggle between yielding to the witches' temptation and resisting.

First two agents of temptation

Rising Political Fortunes and Supernatural Prophecies of Witches.

Duncan's trust

Duncan thought he could trust the Thane of Cawdor.

Hereditary right of kings

Duncan declares Malcolm, his eldest son, as heir to the throne.

Dangerous ambition

Growing ambition seen in Macbeth when Duncan declares Malcolm as heir.

Soliloquy

A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character who is alone onstage, speaking to himself or herself or to the audience.

Macbeth's flaws according to Lady Macbeth

He is too kind, and he is not strong enough to do what it takes.

Inversion example on p. 30

During the Medieval Time, a wife's job was to instill virtue in her husband.

Lady Macbeth's role

She is taking on the 'male' role.

Lady Macbeth's intention with Duncan's visit

She wants to take advantage of Duncan's visit, so they can kill him.

Raven symbolism

'Raven' is an omen about evil that will come.

Lady Macbeth's request to spirits

Asks spirits to make her like a man—take away motherly instincts.

Foul is fair example on p. 34

'Look like th' innocent flower, But be the serpent under 't.'

Dramatic Irony

The audience knows something the characters do not.

Duncan's quote about the castle

'This castle hath a pleasant seat.'

Why doesn't Macbeth want to kill Duncan?

Consequences of his actions, Violence breeds violence, I am his kinsman, his subject, and his host.

Macbeth's only motivation

'vaulting ambition.'

Lady Macbeth's response to Macbeth's change of mind

Comments on his cowardice and a craven attitude.

Lady Macbeth's extreme statement

She is saying that she would rather kill her own baby than go against her word.

Lady Macbeth's plan for Duncan's murder

Get his guards drunk, Kill Duncan, Cover the guards with Duncan's blood and blame them.

Agents of temptation for Macbeth

1. Witches' prophecies, 2. MB's rising political fortunes, 3. MB's ambitions, 4. LM.

Loss of a child theme

Loss of a child haunts the play.

Issues of Succession

Issues of Succession are huge in this type of hierarchy.

Witches' prophecy about Banquo

His descendants will gain the crown.