Macbeth Acts 1-3

Who is the king when the play starts?

Duncan

Whom does Macbeth defeat in battle?

The armies of Norway and Ireland

What do the witches prophesy?

Macbeth will be king and Banquo's children will be kings.

What title, predicted by the witches, does Macbeth receive?

Thane of Cawdor

Who is made heir to Duncan's throne?

Duncan's son, Malcom

What does Lady Macbeth resolve to do?

Whatever necessary to help Macbeth become king

What does Lady Macbeth think Macbeth lacks?

The manliness to follow through on his ambitions

What do Lady Macbeth's words "unsex me here" mean?

She wants to set aside feminine sentiments that could hinder bloody ambitions.

What does Macbeth realize about the consequences of Duncan's murder?

Other than satisfying his own ambitions, it will make everything worse.

What is Lady Macbeth's plan for murdering Duncan?

Macbeth will stab him in his sleep and plant the bloody evidence on the servants.

Why is Banquo up late?

He had nightmares about the witches.

What eerie vision does Macbeth have before he kills Duncan?

He sees a bloody dagger floating in front of him.

What does Macbeth hear a voice saying?

That he murdered sleep

Why does Lady Macbeth say she didn't kill the king herself?

He looked like her father in his sleep.

How does Lady Macbeth feel about how Macbeth carried out the murder?

She is ashamed by how scared he acts throughout the ordeal.

What does the porter say that drinking causes?

A red nose, sleep, urination, and impotence

Who kills the servants who look guilty of the murder?

MacBeth

How does Lady Macbeth publicly react to the news of the murder?

She says it is horrible and pretends to faint.

Why do Malcom and Donalbain run away from the court?

They fear that they are next to be murdered.

Why is Macbeth named king instead of Duncan's son and heir, Malcom?

Because Malcom's flight makes him look guilty

What does Banquo wonder about the witches' prophecy?

If his descendants will really become kings

How does Macbeth feel about Banquo?

He fears that Banquo and his sons will cut short his reign.

What does Macbeth hire three men to do?

Kill Banquo and his son

Does Lady Macbeth think this murder of Banquo and his son are necessary?

No, but she'll help him if he does.

Do the assassins succeed in killing Banquo and Fleance?

They kill Banquo but Fleance escapes.

How does Macbeth feel about Fleance getting away unharmed?

It leaves him vulnerable.

What does Macbeth see when he enters the banquet?

The bloody ghost of Banquo

How does Lady Macbeth explain Macbeth's odd behavior?

She says not to worry because he's had strange visions since childhood.

What does Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, plan for Macbeth?

To show him visions that will falsely make him feel secure

Why does Macduff go to England?

To ask King Edward for aid in fighting Macbeth