Act 1 questions

• Significance of "fair is foul and foul is fair"

  Foreshadows reversal of values "what is moral may not be the best alternative"
• Ducan orders Ross to... once he has heard the report from the soldier

  Ducan ordered Ross to deliver the message to Macbeth about his promotion of Thane of Cawdor
• Macbeth's first words are... they are significant because...

  Macbeth's first words are "so foul and fair a day I have not seen." Paradox of reversal of values and stated cost of war
• Macbeth's reaction when he first hears the witches' prediction to his future

  Astonish, denies it because he knows it's Impossible. Intrigued, wants to know more, (little hint of ambition)
• Message Ross brings to Macebth. Significance

  Message: Macbeth is now the Thane of Cawdor. Significant because it is the inciting force and it proves the witches' prophecies
• Macbeth decides that he can let chance make him king or...

  Take matter into his own hands(killing king for the position)
• Malcom's new title is... Macbeth is upset because...

  Malcolm's new title is Prince of Cumberland; official heir to the throne

  Macbeth is upset because he wants the position
• Why does Lady Macbeth fear that Macbeth cannot do what must be done to win the crown?

  LD thinks he is too nice to do it and that he will rely on his loyalty to his king
• Lady Macbeth's plan:

  1. Get the guards drunk
  2. Take their weapons
  3. Kill the king
  4. Smear blood on the guards, put weapons back
  5. Pretend they were asleep (shocked)