Macbeth Character Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What mood is conveyed with the first scene? Name three details that help set the play's tone.

The mood is ominous and foreboding. Three details that help set the tone include the stormy weather, the appearance of the witches, and their cryptic conversations.

What do the witches plan to do, and when?

The witches plan to meet Macbeth after the battle.

What greater meaning might the line 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair' suggest?

It suggests the theme that appearances can be deceiving and that moral good and evil are not as clear-cut as they seem.

Who is the 'bloody man' questioned? What does he reveal to King Duncan and his entourage about Macdonwald?

The 'bloody man' is a wounded soldier who reveals that Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald. Signup and view all the answers

What has the Thane of Cawdor done, and what will happen to him?

The Thane of Cawdor has betrayed King Duncan and will be executed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Duncan mean when he says of the Thane of Cawdor, 'What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won'?

Duncan means that Macbeth will gain the title and lands of the Thane of Cawdor due to his loyalty and bravery. Signup and view all the answers

What view of Macbeth is presented in this scene? What characteristics are ascribed to him?

Macbeth is presented as a brave and honorable warrior with commendable qualities. Signup and view all the answers

How does this scene serve as explanation?

It sets the context for Macbeth's rise in power and introduces the political dynamics of the kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

What have the witches been doing since they last appeared?

The witches have been preparing for their next encounter with Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What in the witches' conversation suggests they are not all-powerful?

They discuss their limitations and how they are subject to the will of others. Signup and view all the answers

What sort of day is it, according to Macbeth, and what does he mean? Which of the play's themes does his remark emphasize?

Macbeth describes it as a 'foul and fair' day, suggesting a mix of good and bad events. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what the witches look like, according to Banquo.

Banquo describes them as looking wild and strange, with beards and a disheveled appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What do the witches tell Macbeth will happen to him?

They tell him that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the king. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters

Macbeth: A Scottish general, he is ambitious and driven, however he doubts himself and questions his actions.
Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s wife, she is strong, manipulative, and ambitious. She is driven to become queen, and she spurs Macbeth into action.
The Witches: Three supernatural figures who make predictions about Macbeth’s future. They are mysterious and ambiguous.
Banquo: A Scottish general, he is Macbeth's best friend and a strong supporter of Duncan.
Duncan: The King of Scotland, he is a virtuous, just and benevolent ruler.
Malcolm: Duncan's eldest son, he is rightful heir to the throne, and flees Scotland after his father's murder.
Donalbain: Duncan's younger son, he also flees Scotland after his father’s assassination.
Fleance: Banquo's son, who escapes assassination attempted by Macbeth.
Macduff: A Scottish nobleman who is loyal to Duncan and opposes Macbeth's tyranny, he exposes Macbeth's treachery and plans to murder him.
Ross: A Scottish nobleman who serves as a messenger and observer of events.
Lennox: A Scottish nobleman who initially supports Macbeth but soon becomes aware of his crimes and joins Macduff in opposing him.

Summary of the Plot

The play opens with three witches meeting to plot a course of action including a meeting with Macbeth.
Macbeth victorious in a battle, is praised for his bravery and awarded the title of Thane of Cawdor.
The witches prophesize Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.
Macbeth is shocked and excited by the witches’ predictions, but also unsure if he should pursue the prophecy.
Lady Macbeth, ambitious and power-hungry, urges Macbeth to take action to secure the throne.
Macbeth murders Duncan while the king is visiting Macbeth’s castle.
Duncan’s sons flee Scotland and Macduff becomes suspicious, fearing for his life he flees to England.
Macbeth is crowned king, but he is tormented by guilt, and he fears for his reign.

Themes

Ambition: Macbeth's ambition is the driving force of the play, and it ultimately leads to his downfall.
Judging by Appearances: The play explores how appearances can be deceiving and can mask one's true intentions.
Guilt: The characters in the play are tormented by guilt, which leads to their downfall.
Manhood/Masculinity: The play explores the roles of men and women in society and the expectations of masculinity.

Motifs

Blood: used to symbolise guilt, violence and consequences.
Water: used to represent cleansing, renewal and the desire to expiate sin.
Sleep: a source of peace but also a symbol of guilt and an inability to rest.

Symbols

Dagger & Banquo's Ghost: represent Macbeth’s guilt and descent into madness.

Literary Devices

Dramatic Irony: The audience knows things that the characters do not, creating suspense and tension.
Soliloquies: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth use these to reveal their inner thoughts and motivations.
Asides: deliver brief comments from characters directly to the audience, often revealing secrets.
Dramatic Monologues: long speeches by characters filled with emotion and reflecting on their thoughts.
Allusions: a reference to a literary, historical, or cultural figure or event.
Tragic Hero: The protagonist who is flawed but noble.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the characters in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This quiz covers major figures such as Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo, and the Witches, exploring their traits and roles in the play. See how well you understand the complexities of these characters and their relationships.