Mabeth Act 1

• Who are the first characters to appear in Act 1, Scene 1 of Macbeth?

  The three witches
• What do the witches mean by "fair is foul and foul is fair"?

  Things are not what they seem
• What is the setting of Act 1, Scene 1?

  A desert place
• What does the phrase "when the hurly burly's done" refer to?


  When the chaos of battle is over
• Who is the bleeding sergeant in Act 1, Scene 2?

  A soldier reporting to Duncan
• What does the sergeant report about Macbeth's actions in battle?

  He fought bravely against the enemy
• How does Macbeth's bravery in battle affect his reputation?

  It earns him the title of Thane of Cawdor
• What title is Macbeth given after his victory?

  Thane of Cawdor
• What does Duncan decide to do with the former Thane of Cawdor?

  He orders his execution
• What do the witches predict for Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3?

  He will become king
• How do the witches greet Macbeth?

  All hail, Macbeth!
• What is the significance of the witches' prophecies?

  They foreshadow Macbeth's rise and fall
• What does Banquo say about the witches' predictions?

  They may be deceptive
• What internal conflict does Macbeth experience after hearing the prophecies?

  He fears the consequences of ambition
• How does Macbeth react to the title of Thane of Cawdor?

  He questions the truth of the witches' words
• Who brings news of Macbeth's new title?

  Ross
• What does Macbeth mean by "the instruments of darkness tell us truths"?

  He suggests that evil can manipulate truth
• What does Macbeth's soliloquy reveal about his character?

  He is conflicted about his ambition
• What title does Duncan give to Malcolm?

  Prince of Cumberland
• What does Duncan's decision about Malcolm signify?

  It indicates his trust in Malcolm
• How does Macbeth react to Duncan naming Malcolm as heir?

  He feels threatened by Malcolm's claim
• What does Macbeth mean by "come what come may"?

  He will accept whatever happens
• What are the main themes introduced in Act 1 of Macbeth?

  • Ambition and power
  • Fate vs. free will
  • Appearance vs. reality
  • The supernatural
• What are the key events in Act 1 of Macbeth?

  1. Introduction of the witches
  2. Macbeth's bravery in battle
  3. Macbeth receives the title of Thane of Cawdor
  4. Witches' prophecies
  5. Duncan names Malcolm as heir
• What does the speaker owe to the throne and state?

  Service and loyalty
• What is the speaker's intention towards the recipient?

  To plant and help them grow
• What does the speaker mean by "the Harvest is your own"?

  Success will benefit the recipient
• Who is named the Prince of Cumberland?

  Malcolm
• What does the speaker imply about nobleness?

  Nobleness should shine on all deserving
• What does the speaker plan to do for his wife?

  Make joyful the hearing of her
• What does the speaker mean by "Stars hide your fires"?

  He wishes to conceal his dark desires
• What does the speaker fear about his desires?

  That they may lead to harmful actions
• What does Lady Macbeth read upon entering?

  A letter from Macbeth
• What does Lady Macbeth fear about Macbeth's nature?

  It is too kind to seize power
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "unsex me here"?

  She wants to rid herself of femininity
• What does Lady Macbeth ask the spirits to fill her with?

  Direst cruelty
• What does Lady Macbeth want to prevent from affecting her purpose?

  Remorse and compassion
• What does Macbeth mean by "vaulting ambition"?

  Ambition that leads to downfall
• What does Macbeth contemplate about killing Duncan?

  It could lead to his own downfall
• How does Lady Macbeth challenge Macbeth's resolve?

  By questioning his manhood and courage