12 Questions
What prophecy do the three Witches make to Macbeth?
That he will become King of Scotland.
Who encourages Macbeth to murder King Duncan?
Lady Macbeth, his wife.
What is the motivation behind Macbeth's order to kill Banquo?
Because Banquo has become suspicious of Macbeth's involvement in Duncan's murder.
What is the outcome of Malcolm's invasion of Scotland?
Macbeth is killed, and Malcolm becomes the new King of Scotland.
What is the ultimate consequence of Lady Macbeth's guilt and involvement in the murder of King Duncan?
She commits suicide.
What is the central theme of the play Macbeth?
The destructive power of ambition and the love of power.
What is the reason for Macbeth to kill Banquo?
Because Banquo became suspicious of what Macbeth had done
Why does Macbeth pay a second visit to the Witches?
To receive more predictions about his future
What is the outcome of Macbeth's order to kill Macduff's family?
Macduff swears revenge against Macbeth
What is the ultimate consequence of Macbeth's short but bloody reign?
The country is left counting the cost of his actions
Why do Duncan's sons flee the country after their father's murder?
Because they are afraid of Macbeth's power
What is the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo before Banquo's murder?
Best friends
Study Notes
Macbeth's Journey
- Macbeth, a powerful lord, meets three Witches who predict his future as King of Scotland.
- He shares the Witches' predictions with his wife, who encourages him to murder the current king, Duncan, who is a guest in their home.
The Rise of Macbeth
- Macbeth kills Duncan, and after Macduff discovers the murder, Duncan's sons flee the country, allowing Macbeth to become king.
- Macbeth orders the murder of his best friend, Banquo, who becomes suspicious of his actions.
The Consequences of Macbeth's Actions
- Macbeth pays a second visit to the Witches and receives more predictions.
- In England, Malcolm (Duncan's elder son) and Macduff plan to invade Scotland to win back the throne.
- Macbeth, enraged, orders the killing of Macduff's wife and children, prompting Macduff to swear revenge.
The Downfall of Macbeth
- Lady Macbeth suffers from guilt and eventually commits suicide.
- Malcolm's invasion is successful, and Macduff kills Macbeth.
- Malcolm becomes the new King of Scotland, and the country counts the cost of Macbeth's short but bloody reign.
The Theme of the Play
- Macbeth is a play about how ambition and the love of power can destroy someone and those around them.
Test your understanding of the first act of Shakespeare's Macbeth, covering the prophecies of the three witches, Macbeth's rise to power, and the murder of King Duncan. How well do you know the events that set the stage for the rest of the play?
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