Macbeth Unit Test 1

Comp questions act 1-2

Describe the mood and atmosphere in the first scene. Why does Shakespeare attempt to make the audience uneasy?

Dark, stormy, chaotic — the witches create tension so the audience expects evil.

What main character is mentioned? What future event is mentioned?

Macbeth is mentioned; the witches plan to meet him after the battle.

you were the director, how would you cast the witches? What would they wear, look like, and how would they speak?

I’d cast them as eerie, pale figures in ragged clothing, whispery voices, creepy and unnatural.

List the qualities that reveal Macbeth as a hero.

Brave, loyal, noble, worthy, defends Scotland, kills traitors.

Why are King Duncan and Malcolm not in battle?

As king and prince, they are too important to risk in combat.

What kind of king does Duncan seem to be? How is he treated by those around him?

Kind, trusting, generous; everyone respects him.

How do Macbeth and Banquo appear? Why has Macbeth not appeared yet?

They appear heroic; Macbeth is withheld to build suspense and let others praise him first.

Who are the primary traitors to Duncan? What does Macbeth do to them? What is foreshadowed?

Macdonwald and the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth kills Macdonwald brutally—foreshadows future violence.

What title is given to Macbeth at the end of the scene? Why?

Thane of Cawdor—for loyalty and bravery.

What phrases reveal the witches’ evil, vengefulness, and supernatural powers? What limits do they have?

“Killing swine,” curses, controlling winds. They cannot kill or fully control fate.

What are the three prophecies given to Macbeth and Banquo? How do they react?

Macbeth: Glamis, Cawdor, future king.

Banquo: lesser but greater, father of kings.
Macbeth is tempted; Banquo is cautious.

After Ross informs Macbeth of his new title, what lines reveal Macbeth’s ambition? What decision does he make?

He speaks of “o’erleaping” obstacles and imagines murder. He decides he may act to become king.

What warning does Banquo give Macbeth about the witches?

They tell small truths to lead to destruction.

What are the two clothing images? What is their function?

Borrowed robes, titles not fitting him. Shows Macbeth isn’t comfortable with honors yet.

Identify a speech by Macbeth that sounds false.

He claims he hasn’t thought of the witches—obviously lying.

Trace Macbeth’s inner conflict revealed in his asides.

He is tempted by the crown but horrified by murder.

Why juxtapose Duncan’s comment on Cawdor with Macbeth and Banquo’s arrival?

Shows Duncan misjudges people again, hinting Macbeth will betray him too.

Why is Macbeth upset about Malcolm becoming Prince of Cumberland?

Malcolm is named heir — an obstacle to Macbeth’s ambition.

Who seems more sincere: Macbeth or Banquo? Why?

Banquo — Macbeth hides ambition behind polite words.

Describe Lady Macbeth’s character. How does she view her role?

Ambitious, ruthless, dominant. She sees herself as the driving force.

What images appear in her soliloquy? What mood do they create?

Darkness, spirits, unsexing. Creates evil, violent mood

According to Lady Macbeth, what is Macbeth’s “problem”?

He’s too kind and moral.

What does Lady Macbeth foreshadow?

Duncans Murder

What is Macbeth’s reaction to her plan to kill Duncan that night?

Fear and shock, but he becomes persuaded by lady Macbeth threatning his man hood

How does Duncan’s opening speech heighten tension?

He praises the castle’s peace while murder is planned—dramatic irony.

How does Lady Macbeth give an example of her earlier advice to Macbeth?

She acts overly sweet and welcoming while plotting evil.

What reasons does Macbeth give for not killing Duncan? What images show guilt and fear? What is one reason he gives for killing him?

Reasons: Duncan is his king, guest, cousin; good ruler.
Images: blood, angels, heaven.
Reason for murder: ambition.

How does Lady Macbeth argue? Why is Macbeth convinced?

She insults his manhood, calls him a coward, questions his love, gives a plan. He gives in.

How does Macbeth “echo” Lady Macbeth? What does this show about him?

He repeats her words about bravery—shows she now controls him.

Identify phrases that suggest darkness.

“The moon is down,” “heaven is dark,” “night’s black agents.”

What is bothering Banquo?

Dreams of the witches and fear of their influence.

What lesson does Macbeth seem to have learned in his first three-line speech?

That gifts require loyalty—ironic because he plans murder.

Why is Banquo careful replying to Macbeth’s “honour” line?

He refuses anything dishonorable.

Identify Macbeth’s expressions of fear and determination in his soliloquy. What images suggest murder?

The floating dagger, blood, the “wolf,” darkness. Creates horror and tension.

What details create unbearable tension at the opening?

Whispers, sudden noises, darkness, Macbeth panicking, unseen murder.

What shows Lady Macbeth isn’t as strong as she wants to be?

She says she couldn’t kill Duncan because he looked like her father.

What line shows Macbeth is fearful?

“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?

What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to Macbeth’s weakness?

She calls him weak and tries to take control.

What effect is achieved with the pounding at the gate?

Panic, judgment, rising suspense.

What makes Macbeth’s closing lines powerful?

He believes nothing can cleanse his guilt.

What dramatic purposes does the Porter’s speech serve?

Comic relief and the idea of Macbeth’s castle becoming “hell.”

What key word repeats? How does it relate to theme? What is the fate of those discussed?

“Hell.” Theme of damnation. All the people he jokes about end up in “hell.”

Identify an example of pathetic fallacy.

Stormy night and unnatural events after Duncan’s murder.

What speeches show Macbeth and Lady Macbeth aren’t in control?

Macbeth rambling about killing the guards; Lady Macbeth fainting.

Is Lady Macbeth’s faint real or fake? Why?

Likely fake — distraction.

Why do Duncan’s sons flee? How does this help Macbeth? Why to two countries?

hey fear being next. Their escape makes them look guilty. Two countries = safety.

What theme is commented on in the closing speeches?

Appearance vs. reality; disorder in Scotland.

Identify uses of irony. Which is most intense?

Macbeth pretending to grieve; claiming he killed guards out of love. Most intense is Macbeth praising Duncan while having murdered him.

Why do we need the Old Man’s account?

Explains unnatural events showing the country is out of order.

Identify examples of pathetic fallacy.

Dark day, strange animal behavior.

What purpose does Macduff serve?

Shows suspicion and sets him up as Macbeth’s future enemy.

What phrases suggest Macduff is suspicious?

He refuses to see Macbeth crowned; hints the sons may not be guilty.

Explain the clothing imagery.

Macbeth wearing honors that “don’t fit.”

To what extent has Macbeth’s plan worked?

He is king, but suspicion already surrounds him.