Macbeth Act 1 Scenes 1-7 Flashcards

Scene 1

• Three witches gather in Scotland, planning to meet Macbeth.
• They chant "Fair is foul and foul is fair," establishing a theme of moral ambiguity.

Scene 2

• A wounded Captain informs King Duncan about the battle against Macdonwald, stating Macbeth helped Malcolm escape.
• Macbeth defeats Macdonwald, demonstrating bravery and loyalty.
• Duncan pronounces the Thane of Cawdor's execution and bestows the title on Macbeth.

Scene 3

• Witches meet Macbeth and Banquo, revealing their titles: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future King.
• Banquo is foretold to be the father of future kings.
• Ross arrives to inform Macbeth of his new title, igniting Macbeth's dark thoughts about killing Duncan.

Scene 4

• Duncan seeks confirmation on the Thane of Cawdor's death; Macbeth and Banquo pledge loyalty.
• Malcolm is named the Prince of Cumberland, prompting Macbeth to contemplate the murder of Duncan.

Scene 5

• Lady Macbeth receives Macbeth's letter and fears his kindness will hinder their plans.
• A messenger announces Duncan will visit, prompting Lady Macbeth to wish to rid herself of femininity to support their ambitions.
• She expresses intent for Duncan to be murdered during his stay.

Scene 6

• Duncan, along with his sons and Banquo, arrives at Glamis castle, praising Lady Macbeth's hospitality.

Scene 7

• Macbeth debates the morality of killing Duncan, acknowledging the violation of hospitality.
• He recognizes Duncan's good qualities and initially resolves against the murder.
• Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth’s masculinity, influencing him to proceed with the plan.

Key Quotes and Significance

• "Fair is foul, and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air"

  • Emphasizes the theme of moral confusion.

• "Yes, as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion"

  • Highlights Macbeth's indifference to the battle's brutal reality.

• "This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good..."

  • Macbeth’s internal conflict about ambition and murder.

• "Are you fantastical, or that indeed which outwardly you show?"

  • Banquo expresses skepticism toward the witches' true nature.

• "But 'tis strange. And oftentimes, to win us to our harm..."

  • Duncan warns about deceptive appearances and the danger of believing in dark forces.

• "Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none"

  • The witches predict Banquo’s lineage will inherit the throne, while he remains a mere noble.

• "There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face"

  • Duncan reflects on deception, illustrating the theme of appearances versus reality.

This quiz provides flashcards covering key scenes from Act 1 of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Learn about the witches' ominous meeting, King Duncan's castle, and the introduction of significant characters through concise definitions. Perfect for studying and understanding the play's opening act.