Review for the Scottish Play Act I
Review for The Scottish Play
Act I
The play begins with three witches, also known as the ,
(wyrd is an Old English word for ), apparently casting a spell on .
Their paradoxical slogan – which sets the tone for the whole play – is “ __ is _____, and ______is ______”.
There is a revolt underway in Scotland. The forces of King ______, led by Generals ______and ______, are fighting rebel forces led by ______.
Unable to gain the support of the Scots people, this rebel resorts to employing ______and ______. This rebel is defeated by the Thane of ______, who slits open his guts and ______.
While the Loyalist forces are leaning wearily on their swords, a second assault begins, led by a ______lord.
Meanwhile, over ______miles away in ______, the King of ______, “assisted by that most disloyal traitor”, the Thane of ______, attacks on the southern front. Their combined forces are defeated by “that Bellona’s bridegroom” ______, (most probably, the Thane of Fife). In reward for their loyal services, ______is named by the King as the new Thane of Cawdor, while ______is named Thane of ______.
On his way back from battle, Macbeth is accosted by the ______, who greet him by three titles. They have little to say to Macbeth’s friend Banquo, although they do hint that Banquo’s children will ______. Macbeth’s immediate reaction to the prophecies of the witches is one of ______. But after the Thane of Ross arrives with the news that the King has rewarded him, he begins to think again. Nevertheless, Macbeth seems to hide his true feelings, focusing instead on the fact that ______.
At this point, Macbeth decides to leave it up to ______.
That is, until Lady Macbeth gets ahold of him. She thinks that her husband has the makings of a king, except that he lacks one important thing: ______. Calling on the ______, she asks them to make her less like a ______(that is ______) and more like a ______, (that is, ______). Macbeth arrives home with the news that Duncan will be coming to visit them. “Perfect,” says Lady Macbeth. “As long as he’s here, why don’t we ______?”
Macbeth is not so sure. Although he realized, when Duncan named his ______, ______as heir to the throne, just how much he wants to be king, Macbeth is not sure he’s ready for regicide. As a matter of fact, having considered the matter carefully, he decides not to kill Duncan. His reasons are as follows:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
When he tells Lady Macbeth, however, she goes ______. “Don’t you ______me? What, are you ______?” Macbeth holds out until she reveals her plan: she will ______.
Then, the Macbeths will kill Duncan, and the ______will take the blame. Despite all his good reasons, Macbeth allows himself to be convinced. “Okay,” he says. “Let’s do it.”