Macbeth Act I Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Scotland and Norway Signup and view all the answers

What does the captain report about the battle to Duncan?

He reports that Macbeth has fought bravely and has defeated the enemy. Signup and view all the answers

What do Ross and Angus report to Duncan?

They report that Scotland has to deal with a traitor (Thane of Cawdor). Signup and view all the answers

What does King Duncan order Ross and Angus to do after the news of the traitor?

He orders them to execute the present Thane of Cawdor and strip him of his title, presenting the title to Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What title is given to Macbeth for bravery in the battle?

Thane of Cawdor Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the original Thane of Cawdor and why did he lose his title?

He was executed because he had betrayed his country (Scotland). Signup and view all the answers

In what three ways do the witches greet Macbeth?

They greet him as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and as future King. Signup and view all the answers

What do Macbeth and Banquo think of the witches when they first see them on the heath?

They think they are not of this world and are not women because of their beards. Signup and view all the answers

What does Banquo say to the witches after they greet Macbeth?

"To me you speak not. If you can look into the seeds of time and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me." Signup and view all the answers

What do the witches tell Banquo?

"Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none." Signup and view all the answers

What news is brought to Macbeth by Ross and Angus?

News that Macbeth has gained the title of Thane of Cawdor. Signup and view all the answers

After the witches vanish, how do Macbeth and Banquo react?

Banquo wants to know, 'Whither are they vanished?' and Macbeth says, 'Into the air and what seemed real melted as breath into the wind.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Banquo react after the witches vanish?

He wonders whether the witches were an illusion and if they had slipped into insanity. Signup and view all the answers

What is an allusion?

A reference to historical figures, literary works, or places in history to support the current reading. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hurly-burly' mean?

Noisy disorder and confusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'aside'?

A remark made quietly by a character on stage so as to be heard only by a select group of people. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the 'instruments of darkness'?

The witches. Signup and view all the answers

What are Macbeth's desires when he says, 'Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.'?

He desires to be the king and realizes that something must be done with Duncan. Signup and view all the answers

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?

Him becoming king. Signup and view all the answers

What do we see as Duncan's greatest fault in Act I?

Trusting too easily. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cause Macbeth to recalculate his ease of becoming king?

Malcolm becomes the Prince of Cumberland. Signup and view all the answers

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.'?

Macbeth realizes that Malcolm is an obstacle in the way of him becoming king. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Macbeth's castle?

Inverness Signup and view all the answers

How does Lady Macbeth learn about the witches' prophecy for Macbeth?

Through her husband's letter. Signup and view all the answers

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?'

Lady Macbeth doubts that Macbeth has it in him to commit murder to take what is promised. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the line, '...unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe, top-full of dire cruelty!'?

Lady Macbeth wishes she was a man so that she could have power instead of her husband having it. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Duncan go to Inverness?

To celebrate with Macbeth and his wife his new title. Signup and view all the answers

What has Lady Macbeth schemed to do to the King while he is at Inverness?

She has planned to have Macbeth murder the king while he is sleeping. Signup and view all the answers

How sure is Lady Macbeth that this plot of murder will succeed?

She is so sure that she doesn't even consider the fact that they could fail. Signup and view all the answers

By what other name is the play Macbeth known and why?

The Scottish play because according to history, the play is cursed and saying the name brings bad luck. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the line, '...look like th' innocent flower, But be the serpent under 't?'

Lady Macbeth is telling her husband to act 'normal' when the king comes to Inverness, but he must remember to kill. Signup and view all the answers

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?'

Macbeth expresses that he has changed his mind on the murder, wanting to enjoy his recent honor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the line spoken by Lady Macbeth, 'But screw your courage to the sticking place and we will not fail?'

She is determined that the 'deed' will not fail if Macbeth follows through with the plan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Macbeth's line, 'False face must hide what the false heart doth know?'

Macbeth must cover up his guilt with a happy face while pretending everything is alright. Signup and view all the answers

Who encourages Macbeth to kill Duncan?

His wife, Lady Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

Who is 'to be the father of kings though be none'?

Banquo. Signup and view all the answers

What titles does Macbeth hold?

Thane of Cawdor Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the executed traitor by King Duncan?

Thane of Cawdor. Signup and view all the answers

At war with Scotland?

Norway Signup and view all the answers

Who plans King Duncan's murder?

Lady Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the traitor who led a failed rebellion?

Macdonwald (Thane of Cawdor). Signup and view all the answers

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.