Macbeth

Macbeth-Act I Study Guide

Scene 1

The atmosphere in the opening scene is established as dark and chaotic. Shakespeare uses “Thunder and lightning” to start the play by setting the mood.

The three witches seem to have powers to see the future and disappear.

The importance of the last lines of scene I, is that the witches like to everyone on what is good and what is bad by speaking in riddles.

Scene 2

4. Duncan, King of Scotland, is displayed as a good honorable king.

5. The news the captain brings is that Macbeth and Banquo fought bravely and won the battle against Norway’s troops.

6. Macbeth won the respect of Duncan by not betraying his king during the battle.

7. The fate of the first Thane of Cawdor was that he’d be executed.

8. The meaning of the last line in scene II, is that what the recent noble has lost Macbeth has won. This means that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor.

Scene 3

9. The Weird Sisters are known as the Witches.

10. The three predictions the Witches make to Macbeth in their greeting is that he is Thane of Glamis, who will be Thane of Cawdor, and become king.

11. After the witches prophesize for Macbeth, they tell Banquo that he will be just as greater but lesser than Macbeth. They also tell Banquo that his kids will be kings.

12. The witches disappear once Macbeth asks them to explain how they know he is Thane of Cawdor.

13. Macbeth doesn’t believe that he is now the Thane of Cawdor because he thinks the Thane of Cawdor still lives, but Macbeth realizes that he is to be executed.

14. Aside means to have a side conversation by whispering. It is used to show what both Macbeth and Banquo are starting to think and realize now that one of the prophecies have come true.

15. Two ways Macbeth thinks he might become King is if King Duncan were to give him the crown or he’d kill him.

Scene 4

16. The announcement Duncan makes regarding the throne is that he cannot thank Macbeth enough for his loyalty and bravery, but also that his son Malcolm is next in line for the throne.

17. Macbeth was disappointed from King Duncan’s