Macbeth Act 1 Summary

Which of these best explains why Macbeth hesitates to murder King Duncan initially?

How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth to go through with the plan to kill King Duncan?

What is the main reason Lady Macbeth gives for not killing King Duncan herself?

Immediately after the murder, what does Macbeth claim to have heard a voice say?

Following Duncan's murder, why do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee Scotland?

Why does Macbeth want Banquo and Fleance dead?

What does Lady Macbeth suggest Macbeth do to alleviate suspicion after Duncan's murder?

How does Banquo react to the news of Duncan's death and Macbeth's subsequent crowning?

What unsettling behavior does Macbeth exhibit that worries Lady Macbeth before the feast?

Why does Macbeth hire murderers?

What initial prediction by the witches most immediately fuels Macbeth's ambition?

Upon learning of the witches' prophecies, what is Lady Macbeth's initial assessment of her husband's character?

What does Macbeth contemplate as a reason not to murder Duncan, highlighting his internal conflict?

Before the murder, what plan does Lady Macbeth devise to implicate Duncan's servants and deflect suspicion from Macbeth?

After the murder, Macbeth hallucinates and speaks of a voice he heard. What does he claim it declared, revealing his tormented state?

After the discovery of Duncan's body, why do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee Scotland, demonstrating their wisdom?

What is Banquo’s suspicion regarding Macbeth's ascent to the throne?

How does Lady Macbeth attempt to handle Macbeth's behavior at the feast, revealing her ambition?

What is Macbeth's primary motivation for wanting Banquo and Fleance dead, indicating his growing paranoia?

What unsettling observation does Lady Macbeth make about Macbeth before the feast, foreshadowing his mental decline?

How does Lady Macbeth attempt to reassure Macbeth before the feast?

What does Macbeth contemplate about the potential consequences of killing Duncan?

Why does Lady Macbeth leave Duncan's bedroom without killing him?

What does Macbeth mean when he says, 'My hands! All the water in the oceans will not clean the blood from these hands!'?

Considering Banquo's soliloquy, what is his deepest concern regarding the witches' prophecies?

How do Malcolm and Donalbain react to the death of their father, King Duncan?

What reasoning does Macbeth use to justify the murder of Banquo?

What does Macbeth claim to have heard after murdering Duncan?

What does Lady Macbeth do with the daggers after Macbeth refuses to return them to the crime scene?

What immediate action does Macbeth take after Macduff discovers Duncan's body?

What is the primary reason Macbeth seeks to eliminate Banquo and his son Fleance?

How does Lady Macbeth attempt to reassure Macbeth before the feast, despite their shared anxieties?

What is the significance of the jewel that Banquo presents to Lady Macbeth?

What motivates Macduff and Lennox to arrive at Macbeth's castle late at night?

Why do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee Scotland after their father's death?

How does Macbeth react to Macduff and Lennox arriving at the castle?

What is Banquo's deepest concern regarding the witches' prophecies, as suggested by his thoughts?

After the murder, what does Macbeth claim to have heard a voice say, revealing his tormented state?

What action does Lady Macbeth take immediately after Macbeth admits he forgot to leave the daggers with the sleeping servants?

What is significant about the witches' greeting of Macbeth as 'Lord of Cawdor'?

Why might Lady Macbeth's concern that Macbeth is 'too kind' and 'too gentle' be considered ironic, considering later events?

What underlying motive can be inferred from Banquo's statement to Macbeth: 'Perhaps these witches are telling the truth – and perhaps they want to cause trouble and death'?

Why does Lady Macbeth drug the king's servants instead of killing Duncan herself, since she had the opportunity?

What can be inferred from Macbeth's line, 'My hands! All the water in the oceans will not clean the blood from these hands!'?

Considering Malcolm and Donalbain's decision to flee Scotland, what does this action reveal about the political climate following Duncan's murder?

How does the introduction of Fleance into Macbeth's anxieties intensify the play’s central themes?

What is the most plausible reason Lady Macbeth urges her husband to 'look happy' when their guests arrive for the feast?

Why is Macbeth's statement, 'We are still in danger,' significant after he has become king?

How does Banquo's concern about the fulfillment of the witches' prophecies for himself add complexity to the play?

After the witches deliver their prophecies to both Macbeth and Banquo, what is the immediate next event that occurs?

Following Duncan's arrival at Macbeth's castle, what specific action does Macbeth undertake that indicates his growing ambition and internal conflict?

After Macbeth murders Duncan, what action does Lady Macbeth take that most directly attempts to frame the king's servants and divert suspicion?

Subsequent to the discovery of Duncan's body, what decision do Malcolm and Donalbain make that reveals their distrust and fear for their own safety?

Following the initial prophecies and Macbeth's ascent to the throne, what action does Banquo take which indicates his suspicion of Macbeth's role in the events?

Prior to the feast, what specific instruction does Lady Macbeth give to Macbeth in order to conceal their anxieties and maintain appearances?

Following Macbeth's plan to murder Banquo and Fleance, what statement does Macbeth make that foreshadows the imminent attempt on their lives?

What is the correct sequence of title progression for Macbeth as predicted and then realized throughout the story?

What is the first action that Lady Macbeth takes upon receiving the letter from Macbeth that most directly demonstrates her ambition to become queen?

Subsequent to Duncan's murder and the flight of his sons, what action does Macbeth take that solidifies his position and fulfills the final part of the witches' initial prophecy?

Who initially expresses doubt about becoming Lord of Cawdor, given that the current Lord is still alive?

Who says, 'If you believe the witches, you will become king – and perhaps they want to cause trouble and death'?

Who reflects in a letter about Macbeth being 'too kind, too gentle' to take the necessary actions to become king?

Who says: 'My hands! All the water in the oceans will not clean the blood from these hands!'?

Who says, 'You must leave it in the king's bedroom. Take it back and cover the sleeping servants with blood'?

Who says, 'We must ask questions and try to find the answers. This is a bloody piece of work. What does it mean?'?

Who declares, 'I will go to England. Someone in this castle murdered our father. They are only pretending to be sad'?

Who says to Macbeth, 'Look happy when our guests come here tonight'?

Who tells Macbeth, 'Banquo is your enemy. He is my enemy, too'?

Who says, 'Here is a beautiful jewel from the king to your wife. He has gone to bed'?

Who initially questions the witches' appearance, noting their beards?

Who expresses the sentiment, 'I am already Lord of Glamis... And I do not believe that I will be king'?

Who states, 'Perhaps these witches are telling the truth – and perhaps they want to cause trouble and death'?

Who says, 'The witches say that my husband will be king... I must speak to him, and make him brave'?

Who inquires of Macbeth, 'When will he leave?' referring to King Duncan?

Who says, 'He says that he will leave tomorrow,' referring to King Duncan's departure plans?

Who exclaims, 'My hands! All the water in the oceans will not clean the blood from these hands!'?

Who cries out, 'Our king is dead!' upon discovering Duncan's body?

Who urges 'Don't let anyone see that you are worried... Look happy when our guests come here tonight.'?