Macbeth Study Questions
ACT I

Scene 1:

1) The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter.  What does this tell us about the mood of the play?  What do the witches symbolize beyond just superstition?  Do you really believe that they are witches?
 *Its very dark and haunting. They know what is to come, and seem to be casting a spell. 



2) What does the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”?  What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the play?
 * There are no rules/ limits. Wrongs things will be right, right things will be wrong.



3) How can a battle be “Lost and won”?  What foreshadow might this set-up?  What is the real battle in this play?
 * It seems like both side in a sense would die so they would win and loose at the same time.





4) Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad).  What does this suggest about the action of the play?  What might they symbolize?
 * Its a battle between a cat and toad. The familiarity between them goes with the "Battle will be lost and won" symbol.

Scene ii

1) What does the bloody man report?
 * He reports the first victory and describes how Macbeth slew Macdonwald. 


2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel?
 * Because he was a merciless villain.



3) What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to describe Macbeth and Banquo?  What is significant about these descriptions?
 * Choke their art: defeat their own efforts, Villainies of nature: evil within nature, A rebel's whore: a treacherous prostitute,  Me'er shook hands: never parted from him.
Macbeth and Banquo were Eagles.


4)  “Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another Golgotha.”  What is the allusion?  What is significant about the statement?   What does it suggest?  Please keep in mind the religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented.
 *  The captain tells King Duncan that the army he has just encountered is as violent and cruel as the soldiers who put Christ to death. The statements significance is him saying the moments he just witnessed were like that of Christ crucifixion. 

5) Who was Scotland fighting?
 * Norway.



Scene iii

1) Why do the witches talk in poetry?
 * Because thats how their spells are cast. 

2) What do the witches predict for Macbeth?  What is the dramatic irony involved?
 * He will become king. There is already a king in place.



3) What do they witches predict for Banquo?  What irony is involved in this promise?
 * Banquo will be not so happy, yet much happier and his offspring will become king. Macbeth will be king but it won't be a happy reign. 



4) What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii?  What is your first impression of Banquo?
 * He first seems connected with the witches because they say they are going to meet him, also gullible. It seems like he is really good friends with Macbeth.

5) How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions?  What does this tell us about their characters?
* Macbeth wants to know more and Banquo doesn't care that much. 



6) What message does Ross bring?
 * Ross brings the news about the King has bestowed upon Macbeth the title of Thane Cawdor, just as the three witches predicted.


7) “But ‘tis strange!  And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence.”  Who speaks the above quote?  What is the significance or meaning of the quote? 
 * Banquo says this quote. I think this quote is saying to win might not be exactly what it seems, and or winning could lead to destruction. 




Scene iv

1) What is Malcolm’s description of Cawdor’s execution?
 * Cawdor confessed to his crimes and was executed. 

2) What is the King’s response to this description?
 * He was filled with sorrow because they were close.

3) Who does the King name as his successor?  How does Macbeth react to this information?
 * His son Malcolm. He basically says he is going to either step over him or on him, because he is in his way.  


4)  “Stars hide your fires!  Let not light see my black and deep desires.  The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.”  Who speaks this quote and what is the significance of it?

 * Macbeth says that quote. basically he is asking if ambition ok in any situation.