Macbeth Act 1: Discussion Questions
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Why does Shakespeare open the play by showing the witches? Why is it good for
Macbeth not to appear first?
How does Duncan reward Macbeth for his bravery in defeating the rebels?
Comment on the order in which Duncan announces it and Macbeth finds out.
Macbeth calls the day of the battle “foul and fair”. Comment on what you think he
means.
When Macbeth is told of his new title, how do he and Banquo react? Can you
think of reasons for the difference in reactions?
What does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband, after she has read his letter?
Lady Macbeth tells her husband to “look like the innocent flower/But be the
serpent under it”. Explain what she means (either generally or specifically or both,
as you think appropriate).
What is the purpose and effect of Duncan’s and Banquo’s comments when they
approach Macbeth’s castle?
Why, in Macbeth’s opinion, is the murder of Duncan so wrong?
How does Lady Macbeth make sure that her husband murders Duncan?
Act 1 Scene 1
O Three witches appear
O Will meet after the battle to confront Macbeth
Act 1 Scene 2
O King Duncan of Scotland asks a wounded captain
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for news about the Scottish/Irish battle
Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo fought with
great courage/violence
Macbeth slew traitorous Macdonwald.
Traitorous thane of Cawdor to be put to death
Macbeth will take his place.
Act 1 Scene 3
O Three witches appear – discuss killing a swine and revenge upon
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a sailor’s wife
Macbeth enters with Banquo
Witches hail Macbeth as thane of Glamis AND as thane of
Cawdor. Also declare he will be KING one day.
Banquo is “lesser than Macbeth, and greater” and “not so happy,
yet much happier” – he will never be king but his children will sit
upon the throne.
Macbeth fixates on the prophecies obsessively
He wonders whether the reign will simply fall to him or whether
he will have to perform a dark deed in order to gain the crown
Act 1 Scene 4
O King Duncan learns of the thane of Cawdor’s noble
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execution - confessed sins
Macbeth and Banquo enter
Duncan announces his intention to name Malcolm
(his son) the new heir to his throne.
Macbeth notes that Malcolm now stands between
him and the crown.
Plans are made for Duncan to dine at Macbeth’s
castle that evening
Act 1, Scene 5
O Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband
(Macbeth) – about his meeting with the witches
O Lady Macbeth fears he’s too full of “th’ milk of
human kindness” to take the steps necessary to
make himself king
O “You spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex
me here, / And fill me from the crown to the toe topfull / Of direst cruelty” (1.5.38-41)
O Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that Duncan will not
see tomorrow – leave the plan to her
Act 1, Scene 6
O Duncan arrives at the castle
O Hospitalities ensue
O Duncan claims he loves Macbeth dearly
Act 1, Scene 7
O Macbeth ponders the assassination (it would be easy if
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it ended quickly – didn’t set up terrible consequences)
Declares willingness to risk eternal damnation, and
realizes bloody actions “return / To plague th’ inventor”
Internal struggle - ultimately decides to not kill King
Duncan
Lady Macbeth is outraged, calling him a coward and
questioning his manhood.
Promises success
Plan: chamberlains will appear to have committed the
act