Act 1: Macbeth Reading Comprehension Questions

Name Per Date Macbeth Reading Comprehension Questions Act 1 Scene I 1. What are the witches planning at the beginning of the act? (i,1-8) At the beginning of Act 1, Scene 1, the witches are planning to meet again after they've finished dealing with a shipmaster's wife and her chestnuts 2. Explain the meaning of the line, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (I, 10) The line "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" suggests that what appears good may actually be evil, and what appears evil may actually be good. This line sets the tone for the theme of ambiguity and deception throughout the play Scene II 3. What does the Sergeant report to Duncan about the battle? (ii, 8-42) The Sergeant reports to Duncan about the battle against the rebel Macdonwald and the invading Norwegian army led by the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. He describes Macbeth's valor and prowess in battle 4. What title is given to Macbeth for bravery in the battle? (ii, 63-66) Macbeth is given the title of Thane of Cawdor for his bravery in the battle 5. What happened to the original Thane of Cawdor and why did he lose his title? (ii, 48-66) The original Thane of Cawdor betrayed Scotland by allying with the Norwegians in the battle. As a result, he lost his title and his life Scene III 6. What titles do the witches greet Macbeth with after the battle? (iii, 48-50) The witches greet Macbeth with the titles of Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and predict that he will become king hereafter 7. What do the witches mean when they say, 'Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none'? (iii, 65-68) The witches' prophecy suggests that Macbeth will achieve greatness (being greater) but will also face challenges and moral dilemmas (lesser than Macbeth). Though he may not be immediately happy, he will eventually attain more happiness, and although he may not be king himself, his descendants will be Name 8. Per Date What news is brought by Ross and Angus? (iii, 89-107) Ross and Angus bring news to Macbeth that he has been given the title of Thane of Cawdor as a reward for his bravery in battle 9. What words of caution does Banquo speak to Macbeth about the witches’ prophecies? (iii, 120-127) Banquo advises Macbeth to be wary of the witches' prophecies as they could lead to deceitful ambitions and moral corruption 10. Despite the good fortune foretold to him by the witches, why is Macbeth not feeling so good? (iii, 130-142) Despite the witches' prophecies, Macbeth is troubled because he realizes that becoming king may require him to take drastic and morally questionable actions Scene IV 11. What happens that causes Macbeth to realize he will have a major obstacle to becoming king? (iv, 34-53) Macbeth realizes that Duncan's son, Malcolm, has been named Duncan's heir, posing a major obstacle to Macbeth's ambition to become king 12. To where has Duncan proclaimed that he shall travel to honor Macbeth? (iv, 42-43) Why does Macbeth rush ahead of them to get there? (iv, 45-46) Duncan has proclaimed that he will travel to Macbeth's castle to honor him. Macbeth rushes ahead to prepare for Duncan's arrival and to potentially accelerate his plan to become king Scene V 13. After reading Macbeth’s letter, summarize what Lady Macbeth worries will keep her husband from achieving the honors the witches predicted for him? (v, 14-29) Lady Macbeth worries that Macbeth lacks the necessary ruthlessness and ambition to seize the crown, fearing that he is too full of the "milk of human kindness” 14. After the messenger leaves, summarize what Lady Macbeth wishes for in her soliloquy? (v, 40-53) In her soliloquy, Lady Macbeth wishes for the spirits to "unsex" her and fill her with cruelty so she can persuade Macbeth to carry out the murder of Duncan 15. Upon Macbeth’s arrival and announcement that Duncan will arrive tonight, what does Lady Macbeth declare must be done to the King? (v, 59-68) Lady Macbeth declares that Duncan must be killed in order for Macbeth to fulfill the prophecy and become king Scene VI 16. Why does the King come to Macbeth's castle? (vi, 10-14, 20-24) The King comes to Macbeth's castle to honor him for his bravery and loyalty in battle Name Per Date Scene VII 17. In his soliloquy, summarize what Macbeth reveals about his feelings for the plan to murder Duncan? (vii, 1-27) In his soliloquy, Macbeth reveals that he is both intrigued by the idea of becoming king but also troubled by the moral implications of murdering Duncan 18. After Macbeth declares that he will not go through with the murder plan, how does Lady Macbeth convince him to change his mind? (vii, 35-59) Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to go through with the murder plan by questioning his masculinity and appealing to his ambition and desire for power 19. What details does Lady Macbeth explain to convince Macbeth that her plan cannot fail? (vii, 59-77) Lady Macbeth explains to Macbeth that she has a plan in place to frame Duncan's chamberlains for his murder, ensuring that they will take the blame and allowing Macbeth to ascend to the throne without suspicion