Macbeth Act 1 Summaries

Questions and Answers

What do the three witches plan to do after the battle?

Celebrate their victory

Discuss their prophecies with King Duncan

Make plans to meet again to deal with Macbeth (correct)

Meet again to discuss their powers

Who does Duncan acknowledge as the Thane of Cawdor?

Macbeth

Lady Macbeth decides that King Duncan must be murdered to fulfill the prophecies.

True

Macbeth is confused by the witches' prophecy that he will be the King of ____.

Scotland Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth ponder about killing King Duncan?

It is wrong to kill a king and guest Signup and view all the answers

What plan do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth devise to ensure the murder is successful?

They plan to get the King's chamberlains drunk and frame them for the murder. Signup and view all the answers

Match the characters with their roles in Act One:

Macbeth = Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, future king Banquo = Macbeth's friend and fellow general Lady Macbeth = Macbeth's ambitious wife King Duncan = King of Scotland Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the title 'Thane of Cawdor' for Macbeth?

It fulfills the first part of the witches' prophecy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Act One Summary

The three witches appear during a storm, planning to meet Macbeth after the battle.
King Duncan is informed of a Scottish victory over the Irish and Norwegian forces, attributed to Macbeth and Banquo.
Macbeth is rewarded for his bravery with the title of Thane of Cawdor, while the current Thane is executed for treason.
The witches reappear, delivering prophecies: Macbeth will be King of Scotland, and Banquo’s descendants will inherit the throne.
Macbeth starts to contemplate the significance of the witches’ predictions once he is informed of his new title.
Duncan declares Malcolm as his heir, which presents a new obstacle for Macbeth's ambitions.
Lady Macbeth learns of Macbeth’s title and immediately plans to murder Duncan to claim the throne.
Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth's resolve and outlines the murder plot to frame the King’s chamberlains.
Macbeth initially hesitates but ultimately agrees to the plan, revealing his ambition.

Act Two Summary (Partial)

Macbeth prepares to kill Duncan while grappling with dark thoughts and the witches' impact on his choices.
He encounters Banquo and Fleance, who are troubled by dreams of the witches, showcasing Banquo's wariness of the prophecies.
As Macbeth advances towards Duncan’s chambers, he wrestles with his conscience and the implications of the murder.

Description

This quiz provides succinct summaries of Act One of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. Explore the key scenes, including the witches' prophecy and Macbeth's valor in battle. Perfect for students studying the play or reviewing its major themes.