Study Guide Packet for Macbeth

Study Guide Packet for Macbeth

Name:______Period:______

Act I

1. What are we told about Macbeth’s life and character in the opening two scenes? What opinions do others have of him?

2. What were the witches’ prophecies for Macbeth and Banquo?

3. What is the difference between the reactions of Macbeth and Banquo to the prophecies?

4. How does Shakespeare contrast Macbeth’s character with that of Lady Macbeth in scenes 5 and 7?

5. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to force Macbeth into the decision she wants him to make?

6. How is the Macbeth we see at the end of this act different from the one we met at the beginning of the act?

Act II

1. How does Macbeth’s conscience react before the murder? During the murder? Lady’s Macbeth’s? After the murder, how does each of them react?

2. Why does Lady Macbeth faint?

3. What evidence is there that Banquo, Macduff, and the others do not trust Macbeth?

4. Why do Duncan’s sons flee rather than inherit the crown? Why do they separate?

Act III

1. What difference is there in Macbeth’s behavior when he murdered Duncan as opposed to Banquo’s murder? What does this show us about Macbeth’s character?

2. What are the signs that Macbeth’s conscience is bothering him?

3. How has the dynamics of Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s relationship changed?

4. What unforeseen consequences have followed the choices Macbeth has made?

5. What signs are there that Macbeth’s character and personality are beginning to deteriorate?

Act IV

1. What are the four apparitions Macbeth sees? What dothe first three visions say?

2. How is the murder of Macduff’s family different from the previous murders?

3. What is it about this murder that causes many of the Thanes to leave Macbeth?

4. What has happened to Scotland since Macbeth has taken the throne?

5. What lies about his character does Malcolm tell Macduff?

6. How does Macduff counter all of Malcolm’s supposed character flaws?

7. Assess Macbeth’s character and personality?

Act V

1. What are the memories Lady Macbeth cannot rid herself of?

2. Trace Macbeth’s change of mood throughout the act.

3. How does Macbeth react to his wife’s death?

4. How are the first three apparitions’ prophecies fulfilled?

5. With what mood does the play end? What indications are there of the type of king Malcolm will be?