Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the witches planning at the beginning of the act?
What are the witches planning at the beginning of the act?
They are planning on meeting with Macbeth.
Why does Shakespeare include witches in Macbeth?
Why does Shakespeare include witches in Macbeth?
It represents the interest of the time since many in America and Europe believed in the actual existence of witches. Also, Shakespeare wished to please King James.
What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play?
What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play?
Literally, the witches are deciding when they shall meet again. This scene sets the mood for the entire play and introduces major motifs.
Who is at war in Act I?
Who is at war in Act I?
What does the captain report about the battle to Duncan?
What does the captain report about the battle to Duncan?
What do Ross and Angus report to Duncan?
What do Ross and Angus report to Duncan?
What does King Duncan order Ross and Angus to do after the news of the traitor?
What does King Duncan order Ross and Angus to do after the news of the traitor?
What title is given to Macbeth for bravery in the battle?
What title is given to Macbeth for bravery in the battle?
What happened to the original Thane of Cawdor and why did he lose his title?
What happened to the original Thane of Cawdor and why did he lose his title?
In what three ways do the witches greet Macbeth?
In what three ways do the witches greet Macbeth?
What do Macbeth and Banquo think of the witches when they first see them on the heath?
What do Macbeth and Banquo think of the witches when they first see them on the heath?
What does Banquo say to the witches after they greet Macbeth?
What does Banquo say to the witches after they greet Macbeth?
What do the witches tell Banquo?
What do the witches tell Banquo?
What news is brought to Macbeth by Ross and Angus?
What news is brought to Macbeth by Ross and Angus?
After the witches vanish, how do Macbeth and Banquo react?
After the witches vanish, how do Macbeth and Banquo react?
How does Banquo react after the witches vanish?
How does Banquo react after the witches vanish?
What is an allusion?
What is an allusion?
What does 'hurly-burly' mean?
What does 'hurly-burly' mean?
What is an 'aside'?
What is an 'aside'?
Who are the 'instruments of darkness'?
Who are the 'instruments of darkness'?
What are Macbeth's desires when he says, 'Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.'?
What are Macbeth's desires when he says, 'Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.'?
In the line, 'Two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme,' what is the swelling act that Macbeth refers to?
In the line, 'Two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme,' what is the swelling act that Macbeth refers to?
What do we see as Duncan's greatest fault in Act I?
What do we see as Duncan's greatest fault in Act I?
What happens to cause Macbeth to recalculate his ease of becoming king?
What happens to cause Macbeth to recalculate his ease of becoming king?
What is the significance of Macbeth's line, '(aside) The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o'erleap.'?
What is the significance of Macbeth's line, '(aside) The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o'erleap.'?
What is the name of Macbeth's castle?
What is the name of Macbeth's castle?
How does Lady Macbeth learn about the witches' prophecy for Macbeth?
How does Lady Macbeth learn about the witches' prophecy for Macbeth?
What is meant by the line, 'Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way?'
What is meant by the line, 'Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way?'
What is meant by the line, '...unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe, top-full of dire cruelty!'?
What is meant by the line, '...unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe, top-full of dire cruelty!'?
Why does Duncan go to Inverness?
Why does Duncan go to Inverness?
What has Lady Macbeth schemed to do to the King while he is at Inverness?
What has Lady Macbeth schemed to do to the King while he is at Inverness?
How sure is Lady Macbeth that this plot of murder will succeed?
How sure is Lady Macbeth that this plot of murder will succeed?
By what other name is the play Macbeth known and why?
By what other name is the play Macbeth known and why?
What is meant by the line, '...look like th' innocent flower, But be the serpent under 't?'
What is meant by the line, '...look like th' innocent flower, But be the serpent under 't?'
What is significant about the line, 'We will proceed no further in this business: he hath honored me of late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people, which would be worn now in their newest gloss, not cast aside so soon?'
What is significant about the line, 'We will proceed no further in this business: he hath honored me of late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people, which would be worn now in their newest gloss, not cast aside so soon?'
What is the significance of the line spoken by Lady Macbeth, 'But screw your courage to the sticking place and we will not fail?'
What is the significance of the line spoken by Lady Macbeth, 'But screw your courage to the sticking place and we will not fail?'
What is the significance of Macbeth's line, 'False face must hide what the false heart doth know?'
What is the significance of Macbeth's line, 'False face must hide what the false heart doth know?'
Who encourages Macbeth to kill Duncan?
Who encourages Macbeth to kill Duncan?
Who is 'to be the father of kings though be none'?
Who is 'to be the father of kings though be none'?
What titles does Macbeth hold?
What titles does Macbeth hold?
What is the name of the executed traitor by King Duncan?
What is the name of the executed traitor by King Duncan?
At war with Scotland?
At war with Scotland?
Who plans King Duncan's murder?
Who plans King Duncan's murder?
Who is the traitor who led a failed rebellion?
Who is the traitor who led a failed rebellion?
Study Notes
Witches and Plot
- The witches plan to meet with Macbeth, symbolizing fate and destiny.
- Their presence reflects the societal beliefs in witchcraft during Shakespeare's time, specifically to intrigue King James I.
- The witches establish a foreboding mood, highlighting themes of confusion and chaos.
War in Scotland
- Scotland is engaged in war against Norway.
- A captain reports to King Duncan about Macbeth’s valor on the battlefield.
- Ross and Angus reveal a traitor in Scotland: the Thane of Cawdor.
Titles and Betrayals
- King Duncan orders the execution of the Thane of Cawdor and bestows his title upon Macbeth for his bravery.
- The original Thane of Cawdor was executed for treason against Scotland.
Witch Prophecies
- The witches greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future king.
- Banquo expresses skepticism toward the witches, questioning their credibility and nature.
- The witches prophesy that Banquo will father kings, indicating his lineage's future significance.
Macbeth's Ambition
- Macbeth learns from Ross and Angus about his new title of Thane of Cawdor.
- After the witches vanish, Macbeth contemplates his dark desires for kingship.
- Malcolm is named Prince of Cumberland, becoming an obstacle to Macbeth’s ambitions.
Lady Macbeth's Influence
- Lady Macbeth learns of the witches' prophecy through Macbeth’s letter.
- She doubts Macbeth's ruthlessness, fearing his "milk of human kindness."
- Lady Macbeth seeks to suppress her femininity, desiring the cruelty needed to execute their plan.
Murder Scheme
- Duncan’s visit to Inverness is to celebrate Macbeth's new title.
- Lady Macbeth plans to murder Duncan during his stay, showing her unwavering resolve.
- She asserts confidence in the success of their plot and urges Macbeth to proceed.
Deception and Guilt
- Macbeth expresses hesitation about the murder, valuing his recent honor and reputation.
- Lady Macbeth encourages him, insisting they must appear innocent while hiding their true intentions.
- Both characters strategize to mask their guilt and maintain a facade of normalcy.
Character Dynamics
- Lady Macbeth drives Macbeth toward murder, showcasing her ambition.
- Banquo, while included in prophecies, is foretold to be the father of kings without becoming king himself.
- Macbeth and Lady Macbeth navigate their internal conflicts, focusing on ambition versus morality.
Other Key Characters and Events
- Malcolm is named the successor to the throne of Scotland, complicating Macbeth's plot.
- The former Thane of Cawdor was executed by Duncan for being a traitor, highlighting themes of loyalty and betrayal.
- The play is nicknamed "the Scottish play" due to historical beliefs regarding its curse, warning against saying its name aloud.
Important Quotes
- Lady Macbeth’s line about feigning innocence while plotting murder encapsulates the theme of deceit.
- Macbeth’s introspective remarks reveal his internal struggle between ambition and morality, foreshadowing his tragic downfall.
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Description
Explore key concepts and themes from Act I of Shakespeare's Macbeth with these flashcards. This quiz highlights the roles of the witches and their significance in the play, contextualizing Shakespeare's intent. Enhance your understanding of the characters and pivotal moments in this classic tragedy.
