Macbeth Act I Overview

What was the major force that drove the plot of Macbeth?

Before the audience meets Macbeth, he is described as a brave warrior.

What two crimes is Macbeth accused of committing?

Macbeth is immediately convinced to kill King Duncan after hearing the prophecies.

Lady Macbeth is hesitant to act in plans that involve harming another.

What is one of the most frightening things about Lady Macbeth's character?

Lady Macbeth and Macbeth share an equal partnership at the onset of the play.

The play's depiction of gender roles is conventional, with the women being secondary to the men.

Banquo recognizes that the witches are good forces and that he will become king.

What is Macbeth's foil in the play?

Which character is the least ambitious?

Why does Lady Macbeth think Macbeth should kill Duncan?

Macbeth is entirely willing to participate in his wife's plots.

How does the play challenge the notion of good versus evil?

The play portrays ambition as a positive force.

What is the central conflict in the play?

Act I Summary

The prophecies were the central driving force of the plot. Without them, Macbeth's actions would likely be more typical.
The prophecy of Macbeth becoming king sets the stage for the events of the act.
Banquo is also prophesied to have a greater future, with his descendants becoming kings.

Macbeth

Macbeth is portrayed as a brave warrior who risks his life for his king.
However, he has a violent nature, depicted by his acts of killing Macdonwald.
Macbeth's ambition is heightened by the prophecies.
His willingness to commit murder is questioned, as he is portrayed as somewhat passive in comparison to his wife.

Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth is intensely dominant and assertive, almost masculine in her nature, in the first act.
She immediately plots to seize the throne for her husband.
She recognizes Macbeth's hesitation towards harming others and encourages him to act.
Lady Macbeth displays perceptive and persuasive abilities, understanding her husband's thoughts well.

Gender Roles

Men are traditionally portrayed as strong, dominant figures.
Women are often subordinate to men.
The play shows an unusual inversion of these roles as Lady Macbeth takes the lead in their relationship.

Banquo

Banquo, as Macbeth's foil, highlights Macbeth's character.
He recognizes the witches' intentions as potentially malicious.
Unlike Macbeth, Banquo's thoughts and reactions are not as fully explored in the text.

Ambition

Banquo shows the least ambition, unmoved by the prophecies.
Lady Macbeth is intensely ambitious, willing to commit terrible acts for her husband’s advancement.
Macbeth appears to be ambitious, but less decisive than his wife. He appears to be influenced by her but has thoughts of his own.

Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair

The concept of "fair is foul, and foul is fair" relates to ambition, where striving for the throne can seem good or bad, depending upon intent.
Macbeth, as a historical figure, had a legitimate claim to the throne.
The play may suggest a lack of ethical standards in a world where prophecies and the supernatural dictate events.

Explore the key themes and character dynamics in Act I of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This quiz delves into the influence of prophecies on Macbeth and Banquo, as well as the contrasting characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Test your understanding of their motivations and ambitions as the plot begins to unfold.