macbeth act 1

• What natural phenomenon occurs at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 1?

  Thunder and lightning
• Who do the three old women represent in Act 1, Scene 1?

  The witches
• What do the witches plan to do after the battle?

  Confront Macbeth on the heath
• Who is King Duncan asking for news from in Act 1, Scene 2?

  A wounded captain
• What does the captain report about Macbeth and Banquo's actions in battle?

  They fought with great courage and violence
• Who is the rebel leader mentioned in Act 1, Scene 2?

  Macdonwald
• What title is Macbeth given after the battle?

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

  Put him to death
• Where do Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches in Act 1, Scene 3?

  On the heath
• What does Banquo question about the witches' appearance?

  Whether they are mortal beings
• What titles do the witches hail Macbeth with?

  Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor
• What prophecy do the witches give to Banquo?

  His children will be kings
• How do the witches vanish after their encounter with Macbeth and Banquo?

  Into thin air
• What does Macbeth fixate on after meeting the witches?

  The details of the prophecy
• What does Banquo warn Macbeth about the witches' prophecies?

  They may tell half-truths
• What news does Ross bring to Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3?

  He is now the Thane of Cawdor
• What does Macbeth contemplate regarding the prophecy?

  Whether he must commit murder
• What does Lady Macbeth fear about Macbeth's character?

  He is too kind to seize the crown
• What does Lady Macbeth ask the spirits to do in her soliloquy?

  Unsex her and fill her with cruelty
• What does Lady Macbeth plan for King Duncan's visit?

  To murder him
• How does Duncan describe Macbeth's castle upon arrival?

  As pleasant and welcoming
• What does Macbeth ponder while pacing in Act 1, Scene 7?

  Whether to assassinate Duncan
• What reasons does Macbeth consider against killing Duncan?

  He is the king and his kinsman
• How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth's hesitation?

  She calls him a coward
• What plan does Lady Macbeth propose for Duncan's murder?

  To make him drunk and kill him
• What does Macbeth's agreement to the murder signify?

  His ambition is overpowering his morality
• What themes are established in Act 1, Scenes 1-4?

  • Ambition and power
  • The influence of supernatural forces
  • Moral confusion and contradiction
  • The brutality of war
• How does Lady Macbeth's character challenge gender roles?

  • She exhibits strength and ambition
  • She rejects traditional femininity
  • She manipulates Macbeth's actions
  • She equates masculinity with violence
• What is the significance of the witches' language?

  • Creates a sense of moral confusion
  • Highlights contradictions in the play
  • Links Macbeth to the witches' prophecies
  • Establishes a dark, foreboding atmosphere
• How does Macbeth's character evolve in Act 1?

  • From noble warrior to ambitious conspirator
  • Struggles with morality and ambition
  • Influenced by Lady Macbeth's resolve
  • Begins to contemplate murder for power
• What role does ambition play in the characters' motivations?

  • Drives Macbeth to consider murder
  • Fuels Lady Macbeth's manipulation
  • Creates tension between ambition and morality
  • Foreshadows future conflicts and tragedies