ACT 1 SCENE 1-4

• What must you understand about Act 1 of Macbeth?


  You must understand what happens in the first half of Act 1.
• What occurs in Act 1, scenes 1 and 2 of Macbeth?

  • Witches gather to meet Macbeth after the battle.
  • Captain reports to King Duncan about the battle against Norway.
  • Macbeth fights courageously and helps secure victory.
  • King Duncan announces the execution of the Thane of Cawdor and Macbeth's new title.
• Who gathers in scene 1 of Act 1?


  The witches gather to plan a meeting with Macbeth.
• What does the Captain report to King Duncan in scene 2?


  The Captain reports on the battle against the Norwegian forces.
• How does Macbeth contribute to Scotland's victory in the battle?


  Macbeth fought with great courage and killed many enemies.
• What title is Macbeth given after the battle?


  Macbeth is named the new Thane of Cawdor.
• What happens in Act 1, scenes 3 and 4 of Macbeth?


  • The witches meet and cast a spell as Macbeth and Banquo arrive.
  • They address Macbeth with titles: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and 'King hereafter.'
  • Banquo learns he will be the father of kings.
  • Ross announces Macbeth is the new Thane of Cawdor.
  • Macbeth contemplates the possibility of becoming King.
  • Banquo warns Macbeth about the witches.
  • King Duncan discusses the betrayal of the old Thane of Cawdor.
• What titles do the witches give to Macbeth?


  Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and 'King hereafter.'
• How does Macbeth react to the witches' prophecies?


  Macbeth is shocked and fascinated by their words.
• What does Banquo learn from the witches about his future?


  Banquo will never be King but will be the father of kings.
• What does Macbeth think about after hearing the witches' prophecies?


  He thinks about the possibility of becoming King and is frightened by it.
• What warning does Banquo give to Macbeth regarding the witches?


  Banquo warns Macbeth that the witches may mean him harm.
• What discussion takes place between King Duncan and Malcolm in scene 4?


  • King Duncan expresses disappointment over the betrayal by the old Thane of Cawdor.
  • Macbeth enters the scene symbolically.
  • King Duncan praises Macbeth and Banquo.
  • Duncan names Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland and his heir.
  • Duncan announces his plan to visit Macbeth's castle.
• What does Macbeth note about Malcolm after King Duncan names him heir?


  Macbeth notes that Malcolm is an obstacle to him gaining the throne.
• What are key quotations from Macbeth in Act 1?


  • "If Chance will have me King, why, Chance may crown me..."
  • "O worthiest cousin!" (King Duncan to Macbeth)
  • "Let not light see my black and deep desires..."
• What is the summary of Act 1 of Macbeth?


  • Macbeth is a brave and honorable soldier.
  • King Duncan names Macbeth the new Thane of Cawdor.
  • Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches.
  • The witches predict Macbeth will be King and Banquo will be the father of kings.
  • Macbeth begins to contemplate becoming King.