Sophomore English
Mrs. Fairman
2016
Name: _________________________
Date: ______________ period: 3
5
Macbeth: Act 1- Discussion Questions scene 3, 4, & 5
Scene 3 (This is the scene which the witches were preparing for as the play opened.)
1. What do the witches further reveal about themselves? How much power do they have?
2. What are Macbeth's first spoken words? Where have we heard them before? Explain the possible significance.
3. Explain the manner in which Banquo reacts to the witches1 words - lines 54-64
4. Explain the manner in which Macbeth reacts to the witches1 words - lines 73-81
5. Explain the manner in which Banquo reacts to the realization of the prophecy lines 113 and 133-139
6. Explain the manner in which Macbeth reacts to the realization of the prophecy lines 125-131
7. Read Macbeth's aside in lines 144-155 carefully. What is Macbeth thinking about? What inner conflict is he having?
8. What does the behavior and reaction of each man (Banquo, Macbeth) suggest about him?
9. Find examples of clothing imagery in this scene, scene 3 (find 2 examples). How is it used?
Scene 4
1. How has Cawdor faced his death?
2.
Explain Duncan's lines 13-16.
3.
How does the king feel about Macbeth? Cite words as proof of your opinion.
4.
What title does Duncan confer upon his son Malcolm and what is Macbeth’s reaction to this act?
5.
Do Duncan's previous words to Macbeth, lines 17-24 seem to have been sincere?
6.
What imagery does Macbeth use to tell about his desires? How does this imagery reveal Macbeth's attitude towards his desires?
7.
What is the king's immediate destination now? (Refer to your side notes on the even numbered pages)
Scene 5
1. What does Macbeth's letter reveal about his feelings regarding the witches' prophecy?
2. As she reads the letter at the beginning of scene 5, what does Lady Macbeth reveal about herself and her feelings towards Macbeth?
3. What is her reaction to the witches' prophecies?
4. How does Lady Macbeth react to the news of Duncan's coming visit?
5. To whom is Lady Macbeth "praying" in lines 47-61?
6. What is she asking for in her "prayer"? What imagery is she using?
7. What does Lady Macbeth mean by "He that's coming/Must be provided for" in line 74? And how is the word provided ironic?
8. What advice does she give Macbeth?