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The Tragedy of �Macbeth�Act 1

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Macbeth Act1 Scene1 328

  • What do the following have in common:
    • The thunder and lightning in the stage directions.
    • “When the hurlyburly’s done/ When the battle’s lost and won” (3-4)
    • “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (10)
  • What theme is present in Act One Scene One?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene2

  • Which side in the battle did Fortune favor?
  • Who is “the slave” in line 20?
  • What did Macbeth do that pleased Duncan?
  • What does this act suggest about Macbeth?
  • Who attacks Macbeth and Banquo and how do they react?
  • What news does Ross bring?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene2

  • Why did the King of Norway pay ten thousand dollars to the Scottish army?
  • What action are taken against the Thane of Cawdor? Why?
  • How does the king reward Macbeth’s success in battle?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene 3

  • What does Macbeth notice about them?
  • What is surprising about the three titles the witches use to greet Macbeth?
  • Look for evidence that shows what Macbeth thinks of the prophecies.
  • What do the witches predict for Banquo?
  • What do you think this prediction means?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene 3

  • During Shakespeare’s time, Courtiers used very elaborated language, especially on important occasions.
    • Looking over the meeting between Ross, Angus, Banquo, and Macbeth:
    • What is the main point of the dialogue?
    • What kind of people use elaborate language today?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene 3

  • Looking back at Macbeth’s aside (127-42):
    • What is he telling us?
    • Would you consider Macbeth to be in the right state of mind?
  • Visualize a plot diagram.
    • Where would Act 1,2, and 3 go on that plot diagram?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene 4

  • What might Macbeth be thinking now?
  • Now that Malcolm is heir, how might Macbeth react?
  • Why did Shakespeare put in this aside 48-53?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene 5

  • Do you think Lady Macbeth could actually kill Duncan?
  • Paraphrase the following lines:
    • 38-54:
    • 61-62
  • Who is more like a serpent, Lady Macbeth or her husband?
  • Shakespeare rarely uses rhyme in his plays, but uses rhyme on page 341.
    • Identify the lines.
    • What effect do these lines have on the reader?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene 6

  • Why do you think Lady Macbeth is being especially gracious to Duncan?

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Macbeth Act1 Scene 7

  • 32-35: What has Macbeth decided?
  • Do you think Macbeth words express admiration?
  • What seems to motivate Lady Macbeth?
  • Does Shakespeare describe Lady Macbeth as feminine woman?
  • How would the play be different if Lady Macbeth did not exist or did not know of her husbands plans?
  • How does Macbeth fit the definition of a tragedy, p321-322, so far?

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