The Scottish Play: Act 1 Reading Guide| 2012
You do NOT have to answer these questions on a separate sheet of paper or in your notes. They are, however,
to guide your reading. Additionally, you can expect that if there is a reading quiz, the questions on this guide
will show up on the quiz. Just saying.
Macbeth I.ii
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What is a thane?
How does the Captain describe Macbeth and his performance in battle (lines 18-25)?
Describe the course of the battle after Macbeth’s initial victory (lines 34-42).
What is wrong with the Captain?
What latest news from the battle do Ross and Angus (thanes) bring to Duncan (lines 59-66)
a. Hint: “that Bellona’s bridegroom” refers to the fiercest of warriors…aka, Macbeth.
6. What do you think is going to happen to the old Thane of Cawdor, especially based on line 74-75?
7. What does Duncan ask Ross and Duncan to do for him?
Macbeth I.iii.
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Recall: What is a paradox?
In lines 19-27, what is the first witch bragging about doing? What is the purpose of this interchange?
Write down Macbeth’s first line. What is the significance of this line?!?!
How does Banquo describe the Weird sisters in lines 40-48?
Know/write down (word for word) the three sisters’ greetings to Macbeth.
Look at Banquo’s response in lines 54-57. How can we assume Macbeth reacts to these 3 greetings?
What does Banquo ask the witches to do for him (lines 60-64)?
Write down (word for word) the three sisters’ visions for Banquo. Put a star next to the paradox(es).
As soon as Macbeth asks for explanation, what happens?
What does Banquo think might have just happened (lines 86-88)?
What do Ross and Angus call Macbeth when they enter? How does Banquo react to this (lines 110-112)?
How does Banquo warn Macbeth in line 134-138?
What does Macbeth refer to when he says that “two truths are told as happy prologues” in line 140-141?
According to lines 158-159, what force does Macbeth claim he will follow with regard to whether or not he
becomes king?
15. Between the two of them, which one is more skeptical of the witches’ prophecies: Banquo or Macbeth? Use
lines from I.iii to back up your position.
Macbeth I.iv.
1. For what crime was the former Thane of Cawdor executed? Why might this be an example of dramatic
irony to the astute reader/audience member?
2. To whom will the crown of Scotland fall (lines 41-48)?
3. To where are the warriors headed for the evening? Who will go ahead to make preparations?
4. Review Macbeth’s aside in lines 55-60. Close read and attempt to put it into the vernacular below.
5. How does Duncan’s praise of Macbeth (in lines 18-24 and lines 61-65 tell us about Duncan, given what we
know of Macbeth’s thoughts?
The Scottish Play: Act 1 Reading Guide| 2012
Macbeth I.v.
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Where in the letter can the reader/audience see that Macbeth and his wife are equals?
What is Lady Macbeth afraid of?
What do you think the phrase “the ends justify the means” means?
Find five words in Lady M’s speech on p. 33 that suggest she isn’t your typical “housewife.”
What does Lady M ask “you spirits” to take from her? Fill her with? Give her?
In lines 75-78, how does Lady M advise Macbeth to behave?
Come up with three good adjectives to describe Lady M.
Macbeth I.vi.
1. Lady M walks in at line 12; how does Duncan greet her? Given Lady M’s speech in scene 5, how is this an
example of dramatic irony?
Macbeth I.vii.
1. What feelings in Macbeth having in his soliloquy at the top of Scene 7? Name two reasons he gives to not
kill the king.
2. In lines 39-49, what does Lady Macbeth accuse him of being since he doesn’t want to go through with the
murder? (many acceptable answers)
3. What does Lady M say she would do to her own baby rather than say she’ll do something and then chicken
out?
4. What is Macbeth’s real fear about their plan?
5. What words does Lady M use to “prick the sides” of Macbeth and “spur” him to action (line 70)?
6. What is their plan?