Macbeth
Summary: Act 1, scene 1
Thunder and lightning crash above a Scottish moor. Three haggard old women, the witches,
appear out of the storm. In eerie, chanting tones, they make plans to meet again upon the heath,
after the battle, to confront Macbeth. As quickly as they arrive, they disappear.
Summary: Act 1, scene 2
At a military camp near his palace at Forres, King Duncan of Scotland asks a wounded captain
for news about the Scots’ battle with the Irish invaders, who are led by the rebel Macdonwald.
The captain, who was wounded helping Duncan’s son Malcolm escape capture by the Irish,
replies that the Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo fought with great courage and violence.
The captain then describes for Duncan how Macbeth slew the traitorous Macdonwald. As the
captain is carried off to have his wounds attended to, the thane of Ross, a Scottish nobleman,
enters and tells the king that the traitorous thane of Cawdor has been defeated and the army of
Norway repelled. Duncan decrees that the thane of Cawdor be put to death and that Macbeth, the
hero of the victorious army, be given Cawdor’s title. Ross leaves to deliver the news to Macbeth.
Summary: Act 1, scene 3
On the heath near the battlefield, thunder rolls and the three witches appear. One says that she
has just come from “[k]illing swine” and another describes the revenge she has planned upon a
sailor whose wife refused to share her chestnuts. Suddenly a drum beats, and the third witch cries
that Macbeth is coming. Macbeth and Banquo, on their way to the king’s court at Forres, come
upon the witches and shrink in horror at the sight of the old women. Banquo asks whether they
are mortal, noting that they don’t seem to be “inhabitants o’ th’ earth” (1.3.39). He also wonders
whether they are really women, since they seem to have beards like men. The witches hail
Macbeth as thane of Glamis (his original title) and as thane of Cawdor. Macbeth is baffled by
this second title, as he has not yet heard of King Duncan’s decision. The witches also declare that
Macbeth will be king one day. Stunned and intrigued, Macbeth presses the witches for more
information, but they have turned their attention to Banquo, speaking in yet more riddles. They
call Banquo “lesser than Macbeth, and greater,” and “not so happy, yet much happier”; then they
tell him that he will never be king but that his children will sit upon the throne (1.3.63–65).
Macbeth implores the witches to explain what they meant by calling him thane of Cawdor, but
they vanish into thin air.
In disbelief, Macbeth and Banquo discuss the strange encounter. Macbeth fixates on the details
of the prophecy. “Your children shall be kings,” he says to his friend, to which Banquo responds:
“You shall be king” (1.3.84). Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Ross and Angus,
who have come to convey them to the king. Ross tells Macbeth that the king has made him thane
of Cawdor, as the former thane is to be executed for treason. Macbeth, amazed that the witches’
prophecy has come true, asks Banquo if he hopes his children will be kings. Banquo replies that
devils often tell half-truths in order to “win us to our harm” (1.3.121). Macbeth ignores his
companions and speaks to himself, ruminating upon the possibility that he might one day be
king. 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. At last he shakes himself from his reverie and the group
departs for Forres. As they leave, Macbeth whispers to Banquo that, at a later time, he would like
to speak to him privately about what has transpired.
Summary: Act 1, scene 4
At the king’s palace, Duncan hears reports of Cawdor’s execution from his son Malcolm, who
says that Cawdor died nobly, confessing freely and repenting of his crimes. Macbeth and Banquo
enter with Ross and Angus. Duncan thanks the two generals profusely for their heroism in the
battle, and they profess their loyalty and gratitude toward Duncan. Duncan announces his
intention to name Malcolm the heir to his throne. Macbeth declares his joy but notes to himself
that Malcolm now stands between him and the crown. Plans are made for Duncan to dine at
Macbeth’s castle that evening, and Macbeth goes on ahead of the royal party to inform his wife
of the king’s impending arrival.
Summary: Act 1, scene 5
. . . Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty.
In Inverness, Macbeth’s castle, Lady Macbeth reads to herself a letter she has received from
Macbeth. The letter announces Macbeth’s promotion to the thaneship of Cawdor and details his
meeting with the witches. Lady Macbeth murmurs that she knows Macbeth is ambitious, but
fears he is too full of “th’ milk of human kindness” to take the steps necessary to make himself
king (1.5.15). She resolves to convince her husband to do whatever is required to seize the
crown. A messenger enters and informs Lady Macbeth that the king rides toward the castle, and
that Macbeth is on his way as well. As she awaits her husband’s arrival, she delivers a famous
speech in which she begs, “you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / And fill
me from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst cruelty” (1.5.38–41). She resolves to put her
natural femininity aside so that she can do the bloody deeds necessary to seize the crown.
Macbeth enters, and he and his wife discuss the king’s forthcoming visit. Macbeth tells his wife
that Duncan plans to depart the next day, but Lady Macbeth declares that the king will never see
tomorrow. She tells her husband to have patience and to leave the plan to her.
Summary: Act 1, scene 6
Duncan, the Scottish lords, and their attendants arrive outside Macbeth’s castle. Duncan praises
the castle’s pleasant environment, and he thanks Lady Macbeth, who has emerged to greet him,
for her hospitality. She replies that it is her duty to be hospitable since she and her husband owe
so much to their king. Duncan then asks to be taken inside to Macbeth, whom he professes to
love dearly.
Summary: Act 1, scene 7
If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well
It were done quickly . . .
...
. . . 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.
Inside the castle, as oboes play and servants set a table for the evening’s feast, Macbeth paces by
himself, pondering his idea of assassinating Duncan. He says that the deed would be easy if he
could be certain that it would not set in motion a series of terrible consequences. He declares his
willingness to risk eternal damnation but realizes that even on earth, bloody actions “return / To
plague th’inventor” (1.7.9–10). He then considers the reasons why he ought not to kill Duncan:
Macbeth is Duncan’s kinsman, subject, and host; moreover, the king is universally admired as a
virtuous ruler. Macbeth notes that these circumstances offer him nothing that he can use to
motivate himself. He faces the fact that there is no reason to kill the king other than his own
ambition, which he realizes is an unreliable guide.
Lady Macbeth enters and tells her husband that the king has dined and that he has been asking
for Macbeth. Macbeth declares that he no longer intends to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth,
outraged, calls him a coward and questions his manhood: “When you durst do it,” she says, “then
you were a man” (1.7.49). He asks her what will happen if they fail; she promises that as long as
they are bold, they will be successful. Then she tells him her plan: while Duncan sleeps, she will
give his chamberlains wine to make them drunk, and then she and Macbeth can slip in and
murder Duncan. They will smear the blood of Duncan on the sleeping chamberlains to cast the
guilt upon them. Astonished at the brilliance and daring of her plan, Macbeth tells his wife that
her “undaunted mettle” makes him hope that she will only give birth to male children (1.7.73).
He then agrees to proceed with the murder.
Act I, Scene I
Vocabulary
hurlyburly – turmoil
ere – before
heath – a tract of open land with sparse vegetation
anon – soon
1. When are the witches planning to meet again and for what purpose?
They are going to meet on the heath after the battle is over in order to speak with
Macbeth.
2. Describe the setting of this scene. How might it be signifi cant considering this is the fi
rst
scene of the play? What sort of mood does it create?
The witches are meeting in an open plain during a thunder and lightning storm in this
scene.
Beginning the play with such a bleak and stormy setting may be meant to foreshadow
turmoil
and diffi culties in the rest of the story. The weather and setting create a dark,
foreboding
mood for the play.
3. The witches say together, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” This is one of the most
famous
lines in Macbeth. What do you think it means?
This line can be interpreted in a number of ways: It refers to the weather. It could
suggest that
things are not as they appear. It indicates that the natural order of things is disturbed
and
disrupted. It could also mean that what seems good, or “fair,” is not and vice versa.
T-2
Act I, Scene II
Vocabulary
broil – battle
spent – exhausted
villainies – mercenaries
kerns – footsoldiers
gallowglasses – armed horsemen
minion – a servant
unseam’d – cut open
nave – the navel
chaps – a person’s jaws
skipping – fl eeing
furbish’d – shining
sooth – truth
fl out – mock
point – swordpoint
lavish – wild
composition – a truce
deign – offer
1. What does the Sergeant specifi cally report about Macbeth? What does this news
reveal
to you about Macbeth’s character?
Macbeth has killed an enemy, Macdonwald, in a particularly gruesome way; he cut him
open
from navel to jaw and then cut off his head and fi xed it on a stick. This news
demonstrates
that Macbeth is a courageous and fearsome fi ghter.
2. What is Macbeth’s relationship to King Duncan?
Duncan refers to him as “cousin,” which suggests they are kinsmen.
3. Who had Macbeth and Banquo been fi ghting?
They were fi ghting the Norwegians, who were helped by the Thane of Cawdor.
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4. The Sergeant uses many similes to describe the battle. Identify two.
Answers may vary. Examples:
“Doubtful it stood,/As two spent swimmers that do cling together/And choke their art.”
“And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,/Show’d like a rebel’s whore…”
“Like valor’s minion carved out his passage…”
“I must report they were/As cannons overcharged with double cracks…”
5. What does Ross mean when he calls Macbeth “Bellona’s bridegroom?”
Bellona is a Roman goddess of war, and Ross is calling Macbeth her husband. He
means that
Macbeth is a great fi ghter.
6. What does King Duncan instruct Ross to do and why?
Duncan tells Ross to order the immediate execution of the Thane of Cawdor because
Cawdor
has been a traitor to Scotland. Ross is then to tell Macbeth that he, Macbeth, will take
over
the title of the Thane of Cawdor as a reward for valor in battle.
T-4
Act I, Scene III
Vocabulary
aroint – be gone
rump-fed – fed on rump meat
ronyon – a fat woman
sieve – a basket
quarters – directions
shipman’s card – compass card
penthouse lid – an eyelid
forbid – cursed
peak – waste away
bark – a ship
weird – fate-manipulating
posters – travelers
aught – anything
choppy – wrinkled
fantastical – imaginary
grace – title
having – possessions
happy – fortunate
get – to beget
imperfect – unclear
intelligence – information
blasted – blighted; cursed
corporal – physical
reads – considers
images – methods
post – a messenger
earnest – pledge
addition – title
combined – allied
prologues – predictions
soliciting – temptation
use – custom
function – every task
surmise – speculation
stir – effort
strange – new
cleave – fi t
mould – body
favor – pardon
register’d – written to memory
T-5
1. What does the First Witch plan to do to a sailor and why? What does this tell you
about
the three witches?
The First Witch asked a sailor’s wife to share chestnuts with her, but the wife refused.
To get
back at the wife, the witch is planning to create a storm that will affect her husband’s
ship.
She is also going to torment the sailor by not allowing him to sleep and making him sick.
Her
plan indicates the witches are vindictive, evil creatures, who are not necessarily to be
trusted.
2. When Macbeth says, “So foul and fair a day I have not seen,” what does he mean?
What
other line of the play does he echo? What could be the dramatic irony of the line? As
Macbeth’s fi rst words of the play, how might this line be signifi cant?
Macbeth may be referring to either the bloody battle or the weather as “foul”; the day,
however, is “fair” because of his battleground victory. This line echoes what the witches
say
in Act I, Scene I, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” This line could be dramatic irony because
the
audience knows that although Macbeth has just fought a great battle there is evil
awaiting
him with the witches. As Macbeth’s fi rst line of the play, the line could foreshadow the
rest of
his experiences during the play.
3. Describe the physical appearance of the Witches.
Macbeth describes them as withered, wild, and unearthly looking. They appear to be
women,
but they have beards.
4. What prophecies do the Witches make regarding Macbeth? How does he react
based on
what Banquo says?
They say that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Banquo
describes
Macbeth as looking startled and mesmerized by the prophecies, but also afraid of them.
5. What metaphor does Banquo use to ask the Witches about his future? What do the
Witches predict for Banquo? How does this prediction relate to the King of England at
the time Shakespeare was writing?
Banquo uses a metaphor about seeds and plants to ask the Witches about his future,
saying
“If you can look into the seeds of time,/And say which grain will grow and which will
not,/Speak then to me…” This comment is the fi rst of a number of plant-related images
throughout the play. The Witches indicate that, although he won’t be a king himself,
Banquo
will be the father of kings and happier than Macbeth. Shakespeare’s audience would
know
this prophecy to be true because James I of England was thought to be a descendent of
Banquo.
T-6
6. Shakespeare has the Witches speak in language that is frequently contradictory.
Point
out an example of where that occurs in this scene.
The Witches predictions concerning Banquo are full of contradictions. They say he shall
be
“lesser than Macbeth, and greater,” and “not so happy, yet much happier.”
7. How likely does Macbeth think it is that he will become Thane of Cawdor or King of
Scotland? How is this an example of dramatic irony?
Macbeth believes it is equally unlikely that he will be named either Thane of Cawdor or
King of Scotland. However, the audience already knows Duncan has ordered the Thane
of
Cawdor’s execution and that he plans to give Macbeth the title; therefore, this is an
example
of dramatic irony because the audience knows something the character does not about
his
situation.
8. How do Banquo and Macbeth question their experience with the Witches?
They wonder if the Witches were hallucinations caused by something they ate or if the
three
“weird sisters” were real. They confi rm the details of what the Witches said to them to
make
sure they heard the same thing.
9. What news does Ross bring to Banquo and Macbeth as they are discussing the
prophecies?
He lets them know that Macbeth is the new Thane of Cawdor.
10. What does Banquo mean when he says, “What, can the devil speak true?”
Banquo is surprised that what the Witches said can come true; since Ross has just
given them
information that fulfi lls part of the prophecy, Banquo must be wondering if the rest of
the
prophecy will be realized also.
11. Why does Banquo warn Macbeth about “the instruments of darkness?” What type of
literary device is this? How does this comment tie into the “fair is foul, foul is fair”
theme?
He warns Macbeth to beware of the “instruments of darkness,” such as the witches,
because
they win people over by telling of good, unimportant things, only to deceive us in some
other very important way. Banquo’s comment is an example of foreshadowing because
the seemingly positive prophecies do indeed conceal a terrible fate for Macbeth.
Banquo’s
referring to the witches as “instruments of darkness,” is also a type of metaphor,
probably
metonymy. In addition, the comment ties in to the fair is foul theme because what the
witches
say seems to be good, but it may conceal something more important that is bad or
“foul.”
T-7
12. As the others talk, what does Macbeth’s aside reveal about his thinking? What does
he
fear? How is this moment a signifi cant turning point for Macbeth?
Macbeth is thinking that the Witches were right and the best part of their prophecy is yet
to
come. He wonders if he may become King without having to do anything else. He also
fears
that he may have to do something terrible, such as murder Duncan, in order to become
King.
This moment is a signifi cant turning point for Macbeth because it is the fi rst time he
actually
considers murder to obtain the throne.
13. What is the difference between how Banquo reacts to the fulfi llment of the fi rst
prophecy and how Macbeth reacts? Why might their reactions be signifi cant?
Banquo reacts with much more skepticism than Macbeth. He warns Macbeth that the
witches
may have told him something pleasant but insignifi cant only to lead him to his ultimate
downfall. However, Macbeth immediately begins wondering how and when the second
prophecy will come true, even imagining how he might bring it about himself. Banquo’s
caution and reserve about the prophecies, in opposition to Macbeth’s fantasies, are
signifi cant
because they demonstrate a difference in their ambitions and moral character. Macbeth
is so
excited by the prospect of becoming king that he may be willing to commit an evil deed
to
make it happen, while Banquo checks his hopes of having his son become kings by
identifying
the possible evil of the prophecies.
14. What common human feeling is Macbeth expressing when he says, “My thought…/
Shakes so my single state of man that function/Is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is/
But what is not”? How does the quote relate to the “fair is foul” theme?
Macbeth is expressing his confusion and indecision. His over-analysis of the situation
leaves
him doubting his every move. He is overwhelmed by his imaginings and is unsure of
what
is real and what is fantasy. Macbeth’s sentiment that “nothing is but what is not” again
highlights the concept that things are not what they appear to be.
T-8
Act I, Scene IV
Vocabulary
liege – a ruler; king
studied – rehearsed
owed – owned
careless – worthless
before – ahead
wanton – unrestrained; lewd
harbinger – a messenger
1. How does Malcolm describe Cawdor’s execution? How does Duncan respond?
Malcolm says that Cawdor died very gracefully, as if nothing in his life had ever suited
him so well. Malcolm says that it seemed as if Cawdor had rehearsed for his own death
because he was able to accept his fate calmly and easily. Duncan responds by saying
how
it is impossible to know a person’s character just by looking at his face. He admits he
was
unable to tell that Cawdor would be a traitor. Indeed, Duncan had thought Cawdor was
a
trustworthy gentlemen. Ironically, Macbeth walks in as this moment, another man whose
loyalty Duncan will misjudge.
2. How does Duncan regard what Macbeth has done for him? What does Macbeth think
about the services he has provided?
Duncan is grateful and indicates he will never be able to pay Macbeth back. Macbeth
says all
he has done is fulfi ll his duty to protect the king and state, and he deserves no payment
for that.
3. What metaphor does the King use to describe how he will nurture Macbeth?
Duncan refers to Macbeth as if he is plant, saying he has planted Macbeth and will work
to
make him fl ourish.
4. How does Banquo further this metaphor? What earlier comment do his words echo?
Banquo continues the plant metaphor by indicating that if Duncan helps him to grow as
well,
he will give the “harvest” back to the king. Banquo’s comment echoes his earlier use of
a
plant-related metaphor to ask the witches about his future and which “seeds” will grow.
5. What is the signifi cance of Duncan naming Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland?
Duncan is indicating that his son Malcolm will be the heir to the throne. Therefore,
Malcolm
is now next in line to become King of Scotland.
6. How does Macbeth react to the announcement in his last speech in this scene? What
does he reveal?
Macbeth indicates that Malcolm now lies in the way of his becoming king, and Macbeth
also
reveals that he has “dark and deep desires” to become king, meaning he may be willing
to do
anything, including murder, to pursue his ambition.
T-9
Act I, Scene V
Vocabulary
missives – messengers
metaphysical – supernatural
fell – cruel
gall – bile
sightless – invisible
pall- cover
dunnest – darkest
beguile – deceive
dispatch – management
sovereign – absolute
favor – facial expression
1. After Lady Macbeth fi nishes reading the letter, she says Macbeth, “shalt be” what he
has
been promised, meaning King of Scotland. Why is this comment signifi cant?
Lady Macbeth’s words echo the Third Witch, who prophesized, “All hail, Macbeth, that
shalt
be King hereafter!” (Act I, Scene III) The comment creates a link between Lady Macbeth
and
the Witches, who can be thematically grouped together as manipulating, female
characters
who signifi cantly contribute to Macbeth’s downfall.
2. After Lady Macbeth fi nishes reading the letter, what concern does she express about
Macbeth?
She fears he is too kind to do what must be done if he is to be King. She knows that he
has
ambition, but lacks the ruthlessness to act on it.
3. Why does Lady Macbeth want her husband to hurry home?
She wants him home because she plans to convince him to take any steps necessary to
make
him king. She plans to “pour [her] spirits in [Macbeth’s] ear” and manipulate her
husband
into doing what she wishes.
4. How does the news about King Duncan’s impending arrival affect Lady Macbeth?
What
is she planning?
She is excited and cannot believe what a great opportunity has arisen to make Macbeth
king.
She is already planning the murder of Duncan.
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5. Why does Lady Macbeth pray to be “unsexed”? How else does she asked to be
altered
and why? What does this say about Shakespeare’s view of the nature of masculinity
and
femininity?
Lady Macbeth prays to be unsexed because she believes her feminine qualities must
be
removed in order for her to carry out her cruel plan to murder the King. For the same
reason,
she also asks the spirits to fi ll her with cruelty, thicken her blood, stop her ability to cry
and feel guilt, and turn the milk in her breasts to gall. Shakespeare is equating femininity
with kindness, compassion, and gentleness, and, conversely, he is equating masculinity
with
cruelty, aggression, and violence.
6. When Macbeth enters, how does Lady Macbeth again echo the words of the
Witches?
Lady Macbeth greets Macbeth by saying, “Great Glamis! Worthy Cawdor!/Greater than
both, by the all-hail hereafter!” Her words again echo the Third Witch, who says, “Allhail,
Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!” (Act I, Scene III) This line furthers the connection
between Lady Macbeth and the Witches.
7. What instructions does Lady Macbeth give to her husband? What metaphor does she
use to describe her advice? What role has Lady Macbeth adopted in their relationship?
Lady Macbeth tells her husband that he must deceive the king by appearing welcoming
and
kind. He must conceal his plan to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth uses the metaphor,
“look
like the innocent fl ower,/But be the serpent under’t” to explain her advice to Macbeth.
Her
comment is another reference to plants, and also supports the fair is foul theme.
Macbeth is to
look “fair” on the outside, while, internally, he is plotting a foul murder. Lady Macbeth
also
insists that Macbeth leave all the planning of the murder to her. She has taken on a
leading
role in the relationship. She is planning their actions and dominating her husband.
T-11
Act I, Scene VI
Vocabulary
Hautboys – loud, double-reed woodwind instruments shaped like clarinets
seat – location
martlet – a martin, a bird known to nest in churches
approve – prove
jutty – projection
frieze – a decorative engraved band along the upper portion of a room or building
buttress – stone or brick support
coign of vantage – a protruding corner used as a lookout point
pendant – hanging
procreant cradle – place of breeding
ild – yield (reward)
single – minor
purveyor – a King’s traveling attendant
holp – helped
in compt – in trust
audit – accounts
still – ever ready
1. How do Duncan and Banquo regard Macbeth’s home? How are their comments an
example of dramatic irony?
Duncan and Banquo both describe Macbeth’s home as a sort of paradise. The location
is
beautiful, and even the air is sweeter there. Banquo spies a bird nesting that is usually
found at churches. Their admiration of the home is an example of dramatic irony
because,
while Duncan fi nds the castle so pleasing, the audience knows the hosts plan to
murder him
there.
2. How does Lady Macbeth’s behavior in this scene contrast with what we know of her
from the last scene? What does this indicate about her character?
Lady Macbeth acts like the a loyal subject and lady in this scene. She is cordial and
complimentary toward the King. She is the image of a perfect hostess. In the previous
scene,
she exhibited her cruelty and masculine qualities. By accepting Duncan into her home
gracefully, she is demonstrating how cruel and deceitful she can be. She is able to
conceal
her plans to murder completely under her gracious hostess façade.
T-12
Act I, Scene VII
Vocabulary
sewer – a butler
divers – several
trammel – to catch or confi ne as with a net
surcease – death
shoal – a sandbar surrounded by water
jump – a risk
chalice – a bowl-shaped drinking cup; a goblet
faculties – royal powers
virtues – a moral excellence; an admirable quality
blast – storm
cherubin – a winged angel, or, in Christianity, the second highest rank of angels
bought – won
prithee – please; “if you please”
enterprise – a promise
durst – dared
adhere – suitable
make – have taken
fi tness – convenience
unmake – unnerve
screw – pull tight
chamberlain – a servant in charge of a particular part of an estate
wassail – a festivity involving the consumption of alcohol
convince – overpower
warder – a watchman or sentry
limbec – part of a still
drenched – drowsy
spongy – drunken
mettle – courageous spirit, fortitude
settled – determined
bend up – summon
corporal agent – bodily strength
mock – deceive
T-13
1. What arguments does Macbeth raise for not committing the murder? What does
Macbeth mean when he says that Duncan is “here in double trust”?
Macbeth recognizes that if he commits this murder, he may need to continue performing
horrible deeds to keep up his scheme. It would be only the beginning of his treachery.
Macbeth also points out that he should be protecting Duncan, not plotting his murder,
for
two reasons: Duncan is a kinsman, and he is their guest. As relative and host, Macbeth,
therefore, has a double duty to protect the King against harm, not to cause it himself.
Finally, Macbeth notes that Duncan has been a good and kind leader of Scotland, which
further mitigates against the murder. Macbeth concludes his ambition is the only thing
pushes him forward, and it is not enough to convince him to murder Duncan.
2. Macbeth indicates that Duncan has been a great ruler. According to Macbeth, what
qualities make Duncan a good King?
Macbeth says that Duncan has not abused his royal powers. He has used them meekly,
which makes him a great ruler. Further, he has been a benevolent ruler and full of
virtue.
3. What resolution does Macbeth communicate to Lady Macbeth?
Macbeth tells his wife that he will go no further in the murder plot because the King has
honored him recently. Many people now hold Macbeth in high regard, and he does not
want
to ruin his success so soon.
4. What does Lady Macbeth say in an attempt to goad her husband into committing the
murder? How do her comments tie into her earlier characterizations of masculinity
and femininity?
Lady Macbeth calls him a coward for refusing to make his actions match his desires.
She
questions his manhood, and how he can break a promise to her. Lady Macbeth is again
equating masculinity with aggressiveness and violence.
5. Macbeth’s response to his wife, about what a man may dare, is frequently quoted.
What does he mean?
Macbeth says he dares to do all a man would do. Someone who dares to do more, like
commit a murder, is not a man but a monster.
T-14
6. What is the point of the baby imagery that Lady Macbeth uses? Note the many times
images of babies and mothers are presented in the play.
Lady Macbeth raises a picture of warmth, love and family by using the image of a baby
suckling at her breast. She then shatters the image by saying that she would have
knocked
the infant’s brains out if she had sworn to Macbeth that she would. She is using this
horrible image to show Macbeth that she would never back out of an oath to him, the
way
he has just done to her. It further emphasizes her cold and ruthless nature, although
some
students may see the comment as also showing love and loyalty to her husband.
7. Lady Macbeth reveals the details of the murder plot. What are they, and how does
she
convince Macbeth that the plan will work?
Lady Macbeth says they will wait until Duncan is sleeping. She will impair Duncan’s
bedroom attendants with alcohol, so that they fall asleep and remember nothing. Then
she
and Macbeth will be able to kill Duncan while he is unprotected by the guards; in this
way
Macbeth can blame the murder on the guards themselves. No one will dare to blame
she
and her husband for the murder because they will both show their great distress and
grief
over Duncan’s death.
8. Why does Macbeth believe his wife should “bring forth men-children only”? Has her
plan convinced him to continue in the scheme?
Macbeth says his wife should only have male children because she has such a
courageous
resolute spirit. Such a spirit will only bring up males well. Macbeth resolves to commit
the
murder. Lady Macbeth has convinced him.