MACBETH Study Questions: ACT ONE

MACBETH Study Questions: ACT ONE

NOTE: Your responses to these homework questions will form the basis of your study notes, andshould thus be completed using full sentences, along with the wording of each question being worked into your answer so the focus is clear. You will be handing your homework in periodically for evaluation. Top marks will only be awarded if answers include clear, in-depth analysis, AND, if you use support from the text in the form of quotations and/or specific details.

Scene One

1. Give two or three adjectives to describe the atmosphere of this opening scene

2. What main character is mentioned? What future event is referred to?

3. In what ways might the audience’s interest be particularly caught by this short scene?

Scene Two

1. What do we learn about Macbeth and his efforts on the battlefield? List several qualities.

2. What do we learn about the original Thane of Cawdor? Why is this important?

3. What reward is given to Macbeth at the end of the scene? Why?

Scene Three

1. List phrases that reveal the witches’ evil nature, their vengefulness, and their super-natural powers.

2. Name the three prophecies given to Macbeth and to Banquo. How does each character react to the

prophecies? Include not only reactions to the prophecies related to themselves, but also to each other’s.

3. After Ross informs Macbeth of his new appointment, what lines reveal Macbeth’s ambition?

Scene Four

1. How does Macbeth react when he discovers that Malcolm will succeed Duncan?

2. Find the irony in Duncan’s first speech (“There’s no art . . .”) and his final speech (“True, worthy Banquo . . .).

Scene Five

1. What phrases in Lady Macbeth’s opening speeches indicate her (a) determination, (b) heartlessness, and

(c) sense of evil?

2. How does she view herself in the enterprise at hand? (i.e. her desire to ensure the third prophecy comes true)

3. What does Lady Macbeth fear will be an obstacle to the commission of the crime? What does she decide to

do about it?

4. What is Macbeth’s reaction to his wife’s proposal for the murder of Duncan that very night?

Scene Six

1. What types of imagery are used to describe Macbeth’s castle in this scene? How is the idyllic setting ironic?

2. Explain the irony in Lady Macbeth’s welcome.

Scene Seven

1. Under what circumstances would Macbeth be prepared to risk eternal damnation?

2. What reasons does Macbeth provide for NOT murderingDuncan?

3. What reason does Macbeth give to his wife for not proceeding further?

4. Provide details regarding what finally convinces Macbeth to fulfill the murderous plan.

MACBETH Study Questions: ACT TWO

Scene One

1. Why is Banquo unable to sleep?

2. What is the purpose of Macbeth’s comments to Banquo in this scene?

* * * * * * * * * * * *

3. Summarize Macbeth’s “dagger” soliloquy. NOTE: The answer to this question must be

an extended, detailed one, and should include relevant quotations worked in smoothly and

frequently. It will be markedindependently and weighted significantly.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Scene Two

1. What do we learn about Lady Macbeth’s character in the first few lines of this scene? Has she changed at

all? Explain.

2. Why did Lady Macbeth not commit the murder herself?

3. What lines show that Macbeth is fearful? Or, conscience stricken?

4. What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to her husband’s weakness?

5. What is the difference between Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s reactions to, or attitudes towards:

(a) the blood on their hands;

(b) the cries uttered by those in the next room; and

(c) the knocking at the gate

6. Why does “Amen” stick in Macbeth’s throat?

7. What is suggested by the images of sleep used by Macbeth?

Scene Three

1. What purpose is served by the Porter’s speech (both comic and serious)?

2. How well do Macbeth and his wife disguise their guilty feelings during the scene? (Be specific!)

3. What errors, if any, do they make?

4. Why do Duncan’s sons decide to flee? How will this help Macbeth?

Scene Four

1. Ross and the Old Man discuss “the deed that’s done”. What strange happenings have occurred?

2. To whom do the words “darkness” and “living light’ refer symbolically?

3. What phrases suggest Macduff is suspicious of Macbeth?

4. To what extent has Macbeth’s plan worked thus far?

5. Why does Macduff go to Fife? What does this tell you about his loyalty to Macbeth, the new king?

MACBETH Study Questions: ACT THREE

Scene One

1. This scene opens with Banquo thinking about Macbeth as king. What does he say that he fears?

2. Why is Macbeth asking Banquo questions about his plans for the afternoon?

3. How does Macbeth tempt the murderers to kill Banquo?

4. Why does Macbeth not want to commit the murder himself? Take into account that the reasons he gives

the murderers are only partially true.

5. Why does Macbeth wish Fleance dead too?

Scene Two

1. What change has taken place in Lady Macbeth, as indicated in the beginning of the scene?

2. What indications are given by Macbeth that Duncan’s murder has not produced the hoped for results?

3. What is the meaning of Lady Macbeth’s speech, “But in them Nature’s copy’s not eterne?”

4. What radical change has taken place in Macbeth’s attitudes toward evil deeds?

Scene Three

1. What setback to Macbeth’s plan takes place in this scene? Why is it important?

Scene Four

1. On hearing of Fleance’s escape, what thoughts reoccur to Macbeth?

2. Does he fear an immediate reprisal from Fleance? Explain.

3. Explain the way that Macbeth reacts when he sees Banquo’s ghost. How does the ghost appear to Macbeth?

4. What excuse does Lady Macbeth give for her husband’s behaviour?

5. What is the motivation for Macbeth’s decision to revisit the weird sisters?

6. Explain what Macbeth means by the last two lines of the scene?

Scene Six

1. When Lennox says of Macbeth, “So that, I say, he has borne all things well,” can he be taken literally?

What clues in this speech point to his real attitude?

2. Apart from the fact that he is in disgrace with Macbeth, why has Macduff gone to England?

MACBETH Study Questions: ACT FOUR

Scene One

1. Macbeth, after the third apparition, is convinced of his personal safety. What is it that still worries him?

2. Quote the line in which Macbeth curses himself. Explain the irony of this.

3. What effect does the announcement of Macduff’s flight to England have on Macbeth?

Scene Two

1. Why does Lady Macduff blame her husband? Comment on “He wants the natural touch” and “As little

is the wisdom, where the flight / So runs against all reason.”

2. Does Ross agree with Lady Macduff’s view of her husband and the overall situation?

3. What is the current state of Scotland?

4. this scene is effective in eliciting our sympathy (pathos). How is this achieved?

Scene Three

1. What reasons does Malcolm give for not trusting Macduff?

2. What do we learn from this scene about the type of character a person must have if they are to be king?

3. What do we learn about Macduff’s character by the way he reacts to Malcolm’s initial depiction of himself?

4. What is the effect of Ross’s news upon Macduff regarding his personal concerns?

5. Clearly describe what powers are aligned against Macbeth at the end of scene?

MACBETH Study Questions: ACT FIVE

Scene One

1. Almost every sentence of Lady Macbeth’s speeches in this scene reminds us of previous actions, incidents,

or speeches in the play. Identify very specific details in previous scenes that are reflected by these remarks

of hers (NOTE: top marks ONLY if you are able to quote the specific lines in earlier scenes that are relevant

here).

2. Showing insight, comment on the following:

(a) “This disease is beyond my practice: yet I have known those who have walked in their sleep, who

have died holily in their beds.”

(b) “More needs she the divine than the physician.”

3. Which of Lady Macbeth’s speeches connects her condition to the condition of Scotland?

Scene Two

1. What does this scene tell us about the progress of the forces against Macbeth?

2. What do we learn about Macbeth’s present relationship with those he commands?

Scene Three

1. What does the doctor mean when he says, “Therein the patient must minister to himself?”

2. What hope is Macbeth clinging to in this scene?

Scene Four

1. How are the forces gathering around Macbeth planning to disguise their numbers?

Scene Five

1. Why has Macbeth come to the conclusion that life is meaningless? Quote the passage that makes this

feeling clear to the reader.

2. What does Macbeth mean when he says, “Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind come, wrack! / At least we’ll

die with harness on our back.” Does this sound like it is in character for Macbeth? Explain.

Scene Seven

1. How is pathos aroused in the audience during the beginning of this scene?

2. Why does Macduff feel that it is so critical that he be the one who kills Macbeth?

Scene Eight

1. How is it that Macduff is able to kill Macbeth even after what the witches have said?

2. Explain in detail the psychological stages or changes Macbeth goes through in this short scene.

Scene Nine

1. Explain the way that Siward reacts to news of the death of his son. What does this tell us about how

the forces that overthrow Macbeth see themselves?

2. Clearly list the key points Malcolm makes in the speech he makes to his supporters at the end of the play.