Macbeth Act 1 and Act 2 Revision

Vocabulary study cards covering the plot points, themes, key quotes, literary techniques, and analyses for Act 1 and Act 2 of Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Act 1 Themes (Macbeth)

Ambition, power, and the supernatural.

Act 2 Themes (Macbeth)

Murder, guilt, and consequences.

Thane of Cawdor

The noble title bestowed upon Macbeth by King Duncan in Act 1, Scene 2 after Duncan receives word of Macbeth's bravery in battle.

"fair is foul, and foul is fair"

A paradox spoken by the witches in Act 1, Scene 1 suggesting that good and evil will become confused throughout the play, illustrating that appearances can be deceptive and evil can disguise itself as good.

"for brave macbeth - well he deserves that name"

A line spoken by the Captain using a positive adjective to present Macbeth as heroic, respected, and brave before his transformation.

"all hail, macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter"

A prophecy spoken by the second witch in Act 1, Scene 3 that plants the idea of becoming king, sparks Macbeth's ambition, and introduces Shakespeare's exploration of fate versus personal control over choices.

"stars hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires"

A quote spoken by Macbeth in Act 1 employing light and dark imagery to show his desire to conceal his evil ambitions from the world, conveying the message that ambition can corrupt people.

"look like th' innocent flower, but be the serpent under't"

A simile spoken by Lady Macbeth encouraging Macbeth to look innocent while hiding his evil intent; the serpent references Satan and temptation, demonstrating that appearance can be deceptive.

"unsex me here"

An imperative spoken by Lady Macbeth pleading to have her feminine qualities stripped away because she views them as weakness, reflecting Jacobean attitudes towards gender.

"when you durst do it, then you were a man"

A line spoken by Lady Macbeth that questions Macbeth's manhood to manipulate him into murdering Duncan, demonstrating how concepts of masculinity can be weaponized to control others.

"is this a dagger which i see before me"

A rhetorical question and hallucination spoken by Macbeth in Act 2, Scene 1 showing his disturbed mental state before the murder and demonstrating how ambition begins destroying his mind.

"me thought i heard a voice cry sleep no more macbeth does murder sleep"

A line spoken by Macbeth using personification where sleep symbolizes peace and innocence; Macbeth realizes he has ruined his capacity to rest peacefully, highlighting guilt as a direct consequence of evil actions.

"will all great neptune's ocean wash their blood clean from my hand"

A hyperbole spoken by Macbeth in Act 2, Scene 2 where blood symbolizes guilt, demonstrating his belief that his guilt cannot be washed away and that evil actions have lasting consequences.

"i'm afraid to think what i have done"

Words spoken by Macbeth immediately after murdering Duncan, revealing his instant fear, regret, and discomfort with his violent actions.

"a little water clear us of thud deed"

A quote spoken by Lady Macbeth using symbolism to suggest guilt can easily be washed away with blood, initially presenting her as far more ruthless than Macbeth.

"my hands are of your colour, but i shame to wear a heart so white"

A quote spoken by Lady Macbeth utilizing color symbolism and contrast (red blood of murder versus white fear and cowardice) to criticize Macbeth for being frightened and challenge traditional expectations of masculinity.

Act 2, Scene 1

The scene in which Banquo and Fleance walk through the castle, and Macbeth experiences a hallucination of a floating dagger.

Act 2, Scene 2

The scene in which Macbeth murders King Duncan and Lady Macbeth assists in covering up the crime.

Act 2, Scene 3

The scene where Macduff discovers Duncan's murdered body and Macbeth kills the guards.

Act 2, Scene 4

The scene in which strange events unfold across Scotland, Macbeth is crowned king, and Malcolm and Donalbain flee the country.