Macbeth Act 1 Review Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where do the witches plan to meet again, and why?

In the middle of nowhere, to meet Macbeth when the time is right.

What is the atmosphere of the play?

Evil, dark, mysterious.

What is the last line, and what does it mean?

"Fair is foul and foul is fair" - What's good is bad and bad is good.

With whom is Scotland at war?

Norway. Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth do to the rebel Macdonwald?

He kills him and cuts off his head, putting it on a stake. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reader's first impression of Macbeth?

Courageous hero who will do anything for his country. Signup and view all the answers

What has the Thane of Cawdor done, and what is his punishment?

Betrayed Scotland; his punishment is execution. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Duncan give the title Thane of Cawdor to Macbeth?

As a reward for winning the battle. Signup and view all the answers

What words does Macbeth echo in line 39, page 31?

"So foul and fair a day I have not seen." Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth mean by 'fair' and 'foul'?

It mirrors the witches and compares it to the battle, representing the war. Signup and view all the answers

List three ways the witches 'hail' Macbeth.

Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, King. Signup and view all the answers

What do the witches tell Banquo?

He will be greater than Macbeth, but he will not know it; he will father kings. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Ross bring Macbeth?

Macbeth is Thane of Cawdor. Signup and view all the answers

What is Banquo trying to warn Macbeth about?

Not to get ahead of himself and do something rash; evil will give you small things that turn into big things. Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth mean when he says, 'If chance will have me King, why, chance may crown me without my stir'?

If fate will make me King, then why not let it happen without my involvement. Signup and view all the answers

What does Duncan announce?

His son Malcolm is now the Prince of Cumberland. Signup and view all the answers

What is Macbeth's reaction to Duncan's announcement?

He realizes he has to go through two people to get the crown. Signup and view all the answers

What does Duncan mean by 'There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face'?

You cannot judge a person by their appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Macbeth criticize about her husband's character?

He is not ruthless or ambitious enough to be king. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Macbeth mean by 'unsex me here'?

Make her more of a man and take away her womaness. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Lady Macbeth's speech.

She talks about killing Duncan tonight without revealing her true intentions. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the irony in Duncan's speech when he arrives at Macbeth's castle.

He compliments Macbeth and his wife for their lovely castle while being unaware of the impending murder. Signup and view all the answers

What argument does Lady Macbeth use to convince her husband to murder Duncan?

She claims she would murder her own child to keep her promises and urges him to follow through. Signup and view all the answers

What are Macbeth's doubts about the murder?

He feels guilty because he is kinsman, host, and king chosen by Duncan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the plan to murder Duncan?

Kill him in his sleep by getting his guards drunk, then use their daggers and blame them. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the last line on page 64.

You must hide your true feelings behind a false face. Signup and view all the answers

What type of plays did Shakespeare write?

Shakespeare wrote tragedies, love, and suspense. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Witches and Their Meeting

Witches plan to convene in a desolate area to meet Macbeth when the moment is right.

Atmosphere

The ambiance is characterized by evil, darkness, and mystery.

Key Phrase

"Fair is foul and foul is fair" suggests a moral inversion where good is bad and bad is good.

War Context

Scotland is engaged in battle against Norway.

Macbeth's Valor

Macbeth defeats rebel Macdonwald, famously killing him and displaying his head on a stake.

Macbeth's Characterization

Initial portrayal of Macbeth as a courageous hero committed to his nation's defense.

Thane of Cawdor

The Thane of Cawdor betrays Scotland and faces execution as punishment.

Title Reward

Duncan bestows the title of Thane of Cawdor on Macbeth as a reward for his victory in battle.

Macbeth's Reflection

Macbeth echoes the phrase, "So foul and fair a day I have not seen," reflecting on the contradictory nature of his experiences.

Witches' Prophecies

They acknowledge Macbeth's future titles: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King.

Banquo's Fate

The witches prophesy that Banquo will father kings but will not be one himself.

News from Ross

Ross informs Macbeth that he has been granted the title of Thane of Cawdor.

Banquo's Warning

Banquo advises Macbeth to avoid becoming overly ambitious or rash, cautioning against the seductive nature of ambition.

Macbeth's Thoughts on Fate

Macbeth muses that if fate intends him to be King, it may happen without action on his part.

Duncan's Announcement

Duncan declares that his son Malcolm is now the Prince of Cumberland.

Macbeth's Reaction

The announcement complicates Macbeth's aspirations, making him feel the need to eliminate two rivals to seize the crown.

Duncan's Trust Betrayal

Duncan reflects on the difficulty of reading a person's true intentions from their appearance, lamenting his misplaced trust in the Thane of Cawdor.

Lady Macbeth's Critique

Lady Macbeth believes her husband lacks the ruthlessness and ambition necessary to ascend to the throne.

"Unsex Me Here"

Lady Macbeth wishes to shed her femininity and gain male attributes to pursue power ruthlessly.

Lady Macbeth's Intent

She reveals her determination to murder Duncan under the guise of hospitality, urging Macbeth to remain composed.

Irony of Duncan's Comments

Irony arises as Duncan praises Macbeth's castle while unknowingly approaching his murder site.

Lady Macbeth's Persuasion

She argues that she would commit heinous acts for ambition, encouraging Macbeth to fulfill his promise to kill Duncan.

Macbeth's Inner Conflict

Macbeth grapples with the morality of killing Duncan, feeling guilt as a kinsman and host.

Murder Plan

The plot involves killing Duncan in his sleep after intoxicating his guards and framing them for the murder.

Last Line Reflection

Macbeth concludes that outwardly feigning innocence is necessary while harboring dark intentions internally.

Shakespeare's Play Types

Shakespeare is known for writing tragedies and intricate love and suspense stories.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Act 1 of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' with these flashcards. Explore key themes, character motivations, and notable quotes in a concise format. Perfect for students preparing for exams or discussions.