Act 1

• What is the main theme introduced by the Witches in Macbeth?

  The theme of reality and appearances
• How does the weather at the beginning of the play set the mood?

  It hints at supernatural events to come
• What do the Witches plan to do in Scene 1?

  Meet Macbeth
• What does the Witches' use of rhyming couplets signify?

  It sets them apart as supernatural characters
• What does the phrase "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" suggest?

  Nothing is as it seems in the play
• Who leads the Scottish army against the rebels?

  Macbeth and Banquo
• How does Shakespeare contrast the opening scene with the battlefield?

  By shifting from eerie to brutal violence
• How is Macbeth described by the Captain and Duncan?

  As brave and valiant
• What does the audience learn about Macbeth before meeting him?

  He is viewed as a hero by others
• What is ironic about Macbeth's violent nature at the start of the play?

  It leads to his eventual downfall
• What does Macbeth do to the traitor Macdonald?

  He cuts him "from the nave to the chops"
• What does the Captain's description of Macbeth foreshadow?

  Macbeth's violent actions lead to his fate
• What recurring motif accompanies the Witches in Scene 3?

  Thunder
• How does Macbeth's first line in Scene 3 connect him to the Witches?

  It echoes their "Foul is fair" prophecy
• What metaphor is used regarding the sailor's ship in Scene 3?

  It represents Macbeth's sleepless guilt
• How do Banquo and Macbeth react differently to the Witches' predictions?

  Banquo is suspicious, Macbeth is spellbound
• What does Banquo call the Witches?

  "Instruments of darkness"
• What does Macbeth's reaction to the prophecies reveal about him?

  He is torn between ambition and loyalty
• What does the Witches' prediction about Banquo imply?

  Banquo's descendants will be kings
• What does Macbeth think about after hearing the prophecies?

  He thinks about killing Duncan
• How does Macbeth's ambition conflict with his conscience?

  He is reluctant to commit murder
• What does Macbeth's new title confirm?

  The first prediction has come true
• What does Lady Macbeth's soliloquy reveal about her character?

  She is determined and ruthless
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "unsex me here"?

  She wants to reject her femininity
• How does Lady Macbeth link to the Witches?

  She uses imperatives like them
• What does the irony in Duncan's visit to Macbeth's castle highlight?

  He is unaware of the murder plot
• What does Macbeth's soliloquy in Scene 7 reveal about his internal conflict?

  He weighs the consequences of murder
• What does Lady Macbeth accuse Macbeth of being when he hesitates?

  Too full of "milk of human kindness"
• What does Lady Macbeth's rejection of femininity signify?

  Her desire for power and control
• What does the imagery of alchemy in Lady Macbeth's speech suggest?

  Macbeth will fail to be a good king
• How does the act end in terms of suspense?

  It builds anticipation for Duncan's murder
• What does Duncan praise about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

  Their hospitality and loyalty
• What is ironic about Duncan's description of Macbeth's castle?

  He feels safe while danger lurks
• What does the phrase "deep damnation" in Macbeth's soliloquy imply?

  Killing Duncan will lead to severe consequences
• What does Lady Macbeth's speech reveal about her intentions?

  She is determined to commit murder
• How does Shakespeare use irony in Duncan's praise of the Macbeths?

  It contrasts with their true intentions
• What does the audience's knowledge of the Macbeths' plans create?

  Tension and dramatic irony