Macbeth study guide questions: Act One
1. What might be the point of the first scene both literally and in reference to the whole play?
2. Briefly retell the Captain’s story about Macbeth in Act I, Scene 2
3. What is Macbeth’s title at the end of Scene 2?
4. What do the witches predict in Act I, Scene 3 for Macbeth? For Banquo? Macbeth: Banquo:
5. What news does Ross bring Macbeth near the end of scene 3?
6. Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth’s new title. What does
he say about the motives of the “instruments of darkness?” (copy down the passage and decipher its
meaning)
7. Identify the speaker, who is being spoken to, and thoroughly explain the significance of the following
passage: The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, for in my
way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires! Act I, Scene 4
8. Identify the speaker, who is being spoken to, and thoroughly explain the significance of the following
passage: Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature; It
is too full o’ the’ milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way. Act I, Scene 5
9. In her monologue in Act I Scene 5, how does Lady Macbeth say she will help Macbeth?
10. Identify the speaker, who is being spoken to, and thoroughly explain the significance of the following
passage: To beguile the time, Look like the time. Bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your tongue.
Look like th’ innocent flower But be the serpent under ‘t. Act I, Scene 5
11. Identify the speaker, who is being spoken to, and thoroughly explain the significance of the following
passage: He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the
deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself. Act I,
Scene 7
12. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder and what is
her plan? Macbeth Character List Briefly explain WHO each character is in the play, and write a little bit
about what you know of their MOTIVATIONS The Three Witches: Macbeth: Lady Macbeth: Banquo:
Duncan: Malcolm: Donalbain: Macbeth literary terms Define each term and provide and example from
the play Denotation: Connotation: Stress: Inflection: Soliloquy: Hyperbole: Dramatic Irony: Mood