Macbeth
Reading Questions
Act I
scene i – the “Witches” - Weird Sisters
1. Look on the left hand page. What are the witches planning in this scene? This is also answered by
reading line 8.
2. What is a hurly burly? Again, look on the left hand page.
3. Lines 3-4, from what will Macbeth be coming when the witches will meet up with him on the heath?
4. What do the witches mean in line 4 with the battle “lost and won”?
5. Read and reread the last two lines of this scene. Write down your best interpretation of each line
separately or together.
scene ii – King Duncan’s palace
1. Lines 4-6, what does Malcolm, King Duncan’s elder son, have to say about the Captain who is just
entering the palace from the battlefield?
2. Macbeth faced one of the rebel leaders, Macdonwald, and his men in the battle. How does Macbeth
handle this faceoff? (lines 18-25) What do you think of Macbeth for this?
3. Lines 34-36, who is responsible for starting/fighting this battle? Why do you think he started the fight?
4. Lines 40-44, how did Macbeth and Banquo respond to the Norway leader’s new charge?
5. Line 46, what is wrong with the Captain? What happens with him? (stage directions after line 48)
6. Who enters next? (stage direction or lines 49-50) Where is he coming from and what is happening
there? (lines 56-58)
7. Lines 59-61, who is assisting the King of Norway? Lines 61-66, what happens in this battle?
8. Lines 73-78, what reward will King Duncan give to Macbeth and why?
Act I cont.
scene iii – on a heath; the three witches (enter Macbeth and Banquo)
1. What is the weather? (first stage direction)
2. In lines 4-7, we learn the first witch has had a disagreement with a sailor’s wife (she refused to give the
witch some of her snack). Lines 14-26, what did the first witch do to the sailor (and to his wife)? What
do you think about the witches?
(Historical note: this story parallels one in King James’ life where it was believed that witches came together
from Denmark and Scotland to sink King James’ ship with a storm on his return home from a visit to Denmark)
3. Line 39, explain why we, audience, are familiar with this line from Macbeth.
4. Lines 40-43, 46-48, how does Banquo describe the witches?
5. Lines 51-53, in your own words, what do the witches tell Macbeth? Is any of this true? If so, what is
true? What do you think of this?
6. Lines 54-55, how does Banquo describe Macbeth’s reaction to the witches’ news? Also, do you notice a
familiar word—write it down.
7. Lines 60-64, what does Banquo ask from the witches?
8. Lines 65-72, in your own words, what do the witches predict for Banquo? Is any of it accurate? If so,
what?
9. How do Macbeth (lines 73-81) and Banquo (lines 86-88) respond to the witches’ predictions?
10. Lines 105-124, what news do Ross and Angus give to Macbeth?
11. Lines 125-138, how do Macbeth and Banquo now react to the witches’ predictions? (note: they have
different reactions) What do you think of Macbeth? What do you think of Banquo?
12. Lines 143-150, in his aside, what is Macbeth thinking about and why? What line is familiar to us and
why?
13. Lines 157-159, in this aside, what is Macbeth planning to do about the third prediction which is yet to
come true?
Act I cont.
scene iv
1. Lines 17-24, King Duncan expresses his gratitude to Macbeth and Banquo for their efforts in the war.
Write down the line you feel expresses King Duncan’s gratitude the most clearly and why that line is
clearest.
2. How does Macbeth respond? (hint, in the next 2 lines) What personality trait is he showing in his
response?
3. Lines 41-45, King Duncan tells Macbeth who will be heir to the throne. Who will be the next king? Is
it Macbeth? To help you with some possible confusion, when King Duncan uses “our”, he’s using the
“royal we”—as king, he speaks for the entire kingdom.
4. Lines 50-53, what does Macbeth think of King Duncan inviting himself to Macbeth’s home for a visit?
Why would Macbeth feel this way?
5. Lines 55-57, what does Macbeth contemplate in his aside?
6. Lines 57-58, how does Macbeth feel about thinking what he thinks?
7. To help you out, King Duncan, at the end of this scene in lines 61-65, is responding to something
Banquo has said to him during Macbeth’s aside to the audience with lines 55-60. Remember, during an
aside, the other characters onstage are unaware of the character’s aside and carry on with life as normal.
The character having the aside (in this case, Macbeth) simply looks to them like he’s lost in thought,
while he is actually speaking to the audience.
Act I cont.
scene v (you will need to answer on a separate sheet of paper)
1. The italicized print in the play is the letter Lady Macbeth received from her husband. She is reading it
aloud. Write your best summary of the letter.
2. Lines 16-18, what does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband? Why does she fear this? What does
Lady Macbeth appear to want?
3. In lines 18-20, Lady Macbeth talks about Macbeth having ambition but not having “the illness that
should attend it.” Because Shakespeare has used the word “should,” editors know that “illness” means
something we don’t expect. Write down the definition given for “illness” on the left page. What is she
afraid her husband lacks? Why does Shakespeare call this an illness?
4. Lines 25-28, what does Lady Macbeth imply that Macbeth must do in order to fulfill the prophecy he
wrote about in the letter? (hint: look on the left page for a translation of lines 23-28 to help you)
5. Lines 28-33, what does Lady Macbeth plan to do in order to get Macbeth to do what she feels he needs
to do?
6. A messenger tells Lady Macbeth that King Duncan is coming for a visit. In lines 45-47, what is Lady
Macbeth’s response to Duncan’s visit?
7. Lines 47-50, what does Lady Macbeth call on the “spirits” to do for her? What does she mean by
“unsex me”? (hint: remember how women were thought of in society at this time)
8. Lines 50-61, write down any violent words you see (words that speak of violence, that sound violent, or
that mention instruments of violence).
9. What do you think of Lady Macbeth and why?
10. Lines 71-78, how does Lady Macbeth suggest her husband should behave around King Duncan during
his visit?
11. Do you think Macbeth will do what Lady Macbeth is suggesting? Why/why not?
Act I cont.
scene vi
1. Duncan, with Banquo and other attendants, arrive at Macbeth’s home/castle. Lady Macbeth greets them
and escorts them to the inner chambers for the visit. No questions.
scene vii
(you will need to answer on a separate sheet of paper)
1. Lines 1-2, what is the it? Why is it best if “it” were done quickly?
2. Line 7, what does Macbeth feel he is risking if he commits the “it” in question 1? (hint: look on the left
page)
3. Lines 7-10, what two other problems does Macbeth feel he’s creating if he commits such a violent act?
4. Lines 12-16, what two ways does Macbeth say Duncan trusts him?
5. Lines 16-19, what does Macbeth say about Duncan’s personality/behavior?
6. Lines 21-25, what does Macbeth say “pity” will do once it hears of Duncan’s assassination? Side
question, what figure of speech is it to have “pity” hear and do something?
7. Lines 25-28, what is driving Macbeth to do the deed?
8. Lines 34-38, what reasons does Macbeth give to Lady Macbeth to not go through with the assassination?
9. Line 39, lines 43-45, line 47 how does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth’s hesitation?
10. Line 51, what does Macbeth say to defend his position to not commit the crime?
11. Lines 55-58, how does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth’s “be a man” defense?
12. Lines 62-67, Lady Macbeth continues to respond to Macbeth’s defense of his decision to not commit the
crime. These lines are important to her character albeit graphic (sorry). What does she say she would
do if she had promised to do it the way Macbeth had promised, earlier, to kill Duncan in order to
become king like the witches predicted? What do you think of Lady Macbeth?
13. Line 68, what is Macbeth’s excuse now?
14. Lines 70-71, what is Lady Macbeth’s response to her husband’s latest concern?
15. Lines 71-82, Lady Macbeth lays out the plan for the assassination. Write down the plan in your own
words.
16. Lines 83-85, Macbeth now has the courage the go through with the plan and pays his wife a compliment.
What does Macbeth say to Lady Macbeth?
17. Lines 86-88, Macbeth adds to Lady Macbeth’s plan. What does he add?
18. Lines 89-91, Lady Macbeth puts the finishing touch to their plan—how they’ll react when they “hear the
news” Duncan’s murder. How will they react?
19. What do you think of this couple?
Act II – the entire act is devoted to the murder of King Duncan in Macbeth’s home
scene i
The dialogue between Banquo and his son Fleance on their way to sleep (it’s after midnight)
1. What does Banquo give to Fleance? Why do you think he gives his son these items?
Banquo gives Fleance his sword. Banquo won’t sleep with his weapon beside him because he trusts Macbeth—
he doesn’t feel the need to sleep with a protective weapon at his side.
2. Lines 9-11, why does Banquo not want to sleep?
He’s having nightmares (“cursed thoughts”)—maybe about the war, probably about the witches – that Macbeth
will be king, and Banquo’s son will be king but he won’t be king
The dialogue between Macbeth and Banquo
3. On page 51, after line 20, what does Banquo hand to Macbeth? Why does he give Macbeth this? (hint: see
line 16-18).
Banquo hands Macbeth a diamond; it comes from King Duncan because he’s giving a gift to her for being a
good hostess, he can afford it, and she’s the wife of Macbeth, the man he promoted (can’t give her a promotion,
but can give her a precious gift)
4. Lines 25-26, what has Banquo been dreaming about and why?
The witches (“weird sisters”) because things are coming true (they predicted Macbeth to be Thane of Cawdor
which he became so…..)
5. Line 27, what does Macbeth have to say about the witches? Is he telling the truth? Why do you think he
said this to Banquo?
He claims he’s not thinking about them; no, he is not telling the truth; he lies to Banquo because he wants to be
certain not to tip-off Banquo about the plan to murder Duncan, he doesn’t want to worry Banquo, doesn’t want
Banquo to suspect him
Macbeth’s soliloquy prior to killing the king (lines 44-77)
6. Lines 44-51, what does Macbeth see and why does he see it?
An imaginary dagger with the handle pointed at him; he sees this because he’s thinking about killing the king
and he’s just about to kill the king
7. Why does Macbeth draw his own dagger? (use previous lines to help you)
He’s realizing the time to kill is coming closer, maybe he’s feeling a little regret, maybe he’s feeling like he’s
in a dream/can’t believe he’s awake
8. Lines 58-59, what does Macbeth see on the imaginary dagger floating in front of him and was it there
before?
He sees blood on the imaginary dagger which was not there when he first saw the dagger; he’s going to do it,
coming closer; maybe he’s imagining he already did the deed
9. Why does Macbeth see blood on the imaginary dagger floating in front of him? You can use lines 60-69 to
help or use your own logic—why would Macbeth envision a bloody dagger?
Maybe he’s sleepwalking; he’s confused—doesn’t know what to do now; maybe thinking the witches are
manipulating him (sent him the vision of the dagger); starting to feel like the right thing?; it’s his fate?
10. Lines 75-77, why does the bell ring?
It’s a signal from Lady Macbeth that it’s time; Macbeth needs to know everything is ready and they need to be
secretive about how Macbeth finds out it’s time. The bell tells Macbeth that the guards are passed out.
Act II
scene ii
1. While waiting for her husband to complete his murder task, Lady Macbeth is alone onstage and speaks
her inner most thoughts. Lines 1-11, what is Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy about?
Getting the guards drunk/passed out gives her a feeling of power; she did her part in the murder.
2. Lines 15-17, Lady Macbeth states she laid the daggers of Duncan’s attendants beside Duncan so
Macbeth would be able to find them quickly and use them. Why didn’t Lady Macbeth kill the king
herself? Use the lines, not your own reasoning.
The sleeping king looked like her own father. What could having this thought signal about Lady Macbeth?
That she hasn’t completely “lost it”—she still cares about someone; family oriented; she might have regrets
later on.
3. Macbeth has done the deed. How does he seem? Defend your answer.
He’s freaking out—he’s acting nervous and paranoid.
4. Lines 47-52, what is Macbeth talking about and why?
He’s saying sleep is a good thing—it’s innocent, it heals, and Macbeth destroyed it/murdered it! He’s never
going to sleep well again because he’ll keep thinking about the murder.
5. Lines 54-56, what is Macbeth talking about and why? Why this second time?
He won’t be able to sleep (same reason as above). It will be reflected later in the play. Macbeth can’t get this
out of his head, he has a guilty conscience.
6. Lines 58-61, how does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth’s two outbursts about sleep?
You’re the king now, so man up, get over it, go wash your hands.
7. Lines 62-64, what does Lady Macbeth notice is in Macbeth’s hands and what does she tell him to do
with them?
Go frame the guards—go put the daggers with them and smear the guards with the blood.
8. How does Macbeth respond to Lady Macbeth’s demand? Why do you think he responds this way?
He can’t do it. He’s afraid. He’s feeling guilty, traumatized,
9. Lines 69-73, what does Lady Macbeth do?
She’s going to put the daggers with the guards and smear the guards with the blood.
10. Lines 78-81, what does Macbeth consider about the blood on his hands?
The blood can never be washed away, even the oceans and the sea god can’t clean his hands; the blood on his
hands will turn the ocean red.
11. Lines 86-87, what is the last step in their crime to get away with it? What does Lady Macbeth think
about this?
A little water will clear your hands right off. She says it’s that easy.
12. Lines 93-95, how does Macbeth feel about what he did? Defend your answer.
He regrets the murder; he would wake up Duncan if he could. Why do you think Macbeth feels this way? He’s
going to get in trouble, he didn’t really want to do it because the king trusted him, invited himself over which is
an honor, it was selfish, the king never did anything to him—the murder was a betrayal.
Act II
scene iii – the discovery and reactions
1. Who are Macduff and Lennox? (hint: check the cast list)
Scottish nobles
2. Starting reading with Macbeth entering on page 63. Why did Macduff and Lennox come to Macbeth’s
home?
Looking for the king and awaken him.
3. Lines 61-72, what does Lennox tell Macbeth about the night he and his county just had? How is his
night a metaphor for the night King Duncan and Macbeth just had? Explain and defend your answer.
Had a rough night—a storm; wasn’t a good night for Duncan or Macbeth, either
4. Macduff returns. What does he report and how does he feel about that? Give the line where you are
able to infer how Macduff feels.
King Duncan has been killed. Macduff is shocked—doesn’t want to be asked about it, he comes in saying
“horror, horror, horror!”
5. Line 88, explain the metaphor of calling sleep “death’s counterfeit.” Please use a dictionary, Google,
philosophy, whatever helps. Do some out of the box thinking just like Shakespeare is doing.
Sleep is pretend death, imitation of death; can’t believe Duncan is dead (maybe he’s just sleeping); if you’re
using sleep to escape reality, you’ve done something wrong or you think the world is wrong; Macduff said this
when calling out to Malcolm and Donalbain (the king’s sons)—Macduff is afraid the two sons (still asleep in
their chambers) might be dead as well.
6. Lady Macbeth enters. Does she react according to how she and Macbeth had planned and is she
successful? Defend and explain.
Yes, she acts surprised, and Macduff tries to protect her from hearing what happened.
7. Page 69, Malcolm and Donalbain enter. They are told of the murder of their father. Malcolm asks who
is responsible. What does Lennox tell him and what evidence does he give?
The guards; they’re hands and faces have blood on them along with their daggers.
8. Lines 124-125, what does Macbeth confess he did to the two they believe are guilty of murdering King
Duncan? What reason(s) does Macbeth give for having done this? How does this make Macbeth look?
He killed them; because he was that angry with them and wanted revenge. Makes Macbeth look like he cared
about the king, he is loyal, but to the audience he looks like a murderer, a psycho, getting out of hand, like he’s
starting to enjoy killing people.
9. Line 138 & stage direction after 147, Lady Macbeth calls out for help, pretending to feel faint and
needing assistance from the others. Why does she do this?
To get everyone’s attention away from the scene because Macbeth went outside the plan and killed the guards,
she doesn’t know what to do or what will happen—what’s going on with Macbeth? How will others react?
10. Lines 160-end, Malcolm and Donalbain speak alone onstage (allowing all others to leave). What do
they discuss? Why are they being so secretive?
They’re going to leave—Malcolm will go to England and Donalbain to Ireland; so no one will kill them, they
suspect the murderer of Duncan could be anyone—Duncan has a fleet of guards and two killed him…
Act II
scene iv (final scene of Act II)
1. Who is Ross?
Scottish noble
2. Line 1, How old is the old man? (hint: one score = 20 years)
70
3. Macduff enters. What does Ross call Macduff?
“good”
4. Macduff reports to Ross that Duncan’s two attendants committed the murder. However, he now states
the opinion that they didn’t act alone. Who else is believed to be guilty and why? (look to Ross’s line 40
for a motive)
Malcolm and Donalbain—they appear guilty because they ran away.
5. Who is now to be crowned King according to Ross and Macduff?
Macbeth
6. Using your own knowledge and reasonable creativity, what do you think will be the first orders of the
new king and why?
To capture Malcolm and Donalbain—charge them with murder and treason; get new guards
Act III
scene I – Macbeth’s castle
1. Banquo opens this act alone onstage speaking his innermost thoughts. What is he talking about and
what reason does he give for his thought?
He thinks Macbeth killed Duncan because of the witches’ predictions
2. Banquo and Macbeth chat superficially. Banquo leaves on an errand with Fleance. Why do you think
Banquo takes Fleance with him?
Banquo doesn’t want to go alone which would make Banquo vulnerable to any plot by Macbeth; Banquo is
afraid Fleance would be killed if he stayed
3. After Banquo and Fleance leave, Macbeth is alone onstage and speaks his innermost thoughts. He
expresses his concern and his reasons for his concern. What is his concern and what are his reasons?
He thinks Banquo is dangerous, that Banquo might suspect Macbeth of the murder, the witches had said that
Banuqo’s son would become king and Macbeth is fearing the same thing will happen to him as he committed on
Duncan (murder)
4. Two men enter and meet with Macbeth. What do the stage directions call them?
The two men are actually just very poor men who are desperate for money to feed their families.
murderers
5. What does Macbeth tell the two men that Banquo is guilty of doing to them?
Banquo is the one who made them really poor.
6. In lines 95-101 and 103-120, Macbeth does his best to win over the men to have them do something for
him. What does he want the men to do? AND What does Macbeth say to the men to win them over?
The first is about Banquo, the second is about what kind of men they are, and the last is how Macbeth
would feel if they did this favor for him.
That Banquo will make the men forever poor, he promises to pay them (land, etc.), he pulls a Lady Macbeth—
he questions their manhood
7. Lines 134-139, what reasons does Macbeth give for not being able to do the deed himself?
Macbeth and Banquo share friends and Macbeth can’t afford to lose those friends.
8. Lines 146-157 (p. 91), Macbeth gives the men the plan—what is the plan?
To kill Banquo and his son away from the palace (so Macbeth doesn’t look suspicious—if they are killed on the
road, it could look like a robbery).
Act III
scene ii
1. Explain Lady Macbeth’s 4 line soliloquy:
Nought's had, all's spent,
Where our desire is got without content:
'Tis safer to be that which we destroy
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.
If you get what you want but aren’t happy, then you’ve spent everything for nothing. It’s better to be the dead
one (Duncan) than to be Macbeth and Lady Macbeth who are alive with doubt; Lady Macbeth and Macbeth
have to keep secrets, they can’t trust anyone (they’ll always be looking over their shoulder).
2. Lady Macbeth notices that Macbeth has been keeping to himself and is quiet. She finally tells him,
“Things without all remedy should be without regard: what's done is done.” What is she talking about
and what is she telling Macbeth to do?
They’ve already killed three people, can’t undo that; stop thinking about it;
3. What does Macbeth have to say about sleep, Duncan and peace?
By killing Duncan, Macbeth gave Duncan peace and not himself peace—Macbeth was trying to give himself
peace because the prophecy from the witches was disturbing his sleep; however, Macbeth is now having
nightmares about having killed Duncan.
4. How does Lady Macbeth say he needs to act around their guests at the feast that night? Will he and
why? (his next few lines)
Act naturally, be joyful. He says he will so he doesn’t look suspicious.
5. Who is Macbeth concerned about (two people) and why do you think he’s concerned?
Banquo and Fleance because of the prophecy.
6. Why do you think Macbeth won’t tell Lady Macbeth what he’s “thinking” about doing in regards to
Banquo and Fleance? What is already going to happen? (hint—the previous scene was all about this)
Because he’s already gone outside the plan and doesn’t want to worry her; this will make the death toll 5; she
might think he’s crazy for going on and killing more people; because she would want to be part of the plan but
the last time she was part of the plan she had pushed Macbeth beyond his limit (telling him to put blood on the
guards);
Act III
scene iii
1. Who sent the third murderer?
Macbeth
2. Why do you Macbeth sent the third murderer?
So he knows the murder will go smoothly, worried the other two can’t get it done, maybe to kill the other two
murders
3. Who is killed? Who is not killed and escapes?
Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes
scene iv
1. Lines 23-27, how does Macbeth respond to the news that Fleance escaped? (he responds by telling us
how he felt when he thought they were both dead and now how he feels that Fleance is still alive)
With Fleance still alive, he’s scared and paranoid, nervous (his “fit”—when he sees things like he saw the
dagger), doesn’t have options, angry because his plan didn’t go smoothly
2. Why do you think Macbeth responds this way?
He’s scared that Fleance will figure out what’s going on or the murderers could be captured, interrogate to get
the story (torture), they could tell the truth that Macbeth sent them to kill Banquo and Fleance
3. Who enters in the stage direction after line 42 and what does this character do? Why??????
The ghost of Banquo
4. Ross asks Macbeth to “grace us with your Royal presence” and sit with them. Line 54, why isn’t
Macbeth sitting down—what does he say about all the seats? How can this be when he isn’t seated yet?
(see your answer to question 3 to answer this)
The ghost is in his chair
5. Lines 55-68, how does Macbeth respond to who is in his seat? How do Lennox, Ross and Lady
Macbeth respond to Macbeth responding to his seat and why do they respond that way?
He said the seats are full; they ask why he’s acting this way and Lady Macbeth said he has a strange disorder;
Lennox and Ross don’t know what’s going on, they’re confused; Lady Macbeth is covering for Macbeth
although she doesn’t see the ghost (only Macbeth sees the ghost)
6. Lines 70-80, what does Lady Macbeth question about Macbeth? How does Macbeth respond? What
does Lady Macbeth point out that he fears?
Questions his manhood (pull yourself together!); he says he’s a bold man who has seen things that would scare
and upset the devil; Lady Macbeth tells him that he’s just talking the kind of ghost stories women talk about
over a fire as entertainment (just ghost stories, nothing serious)
7. Lines 82-87, what does Macbeth point out to Lady Macbeth (and try to get to talk)?
The ghost of Banquo
8. Lines 100-101, Lady Macbeth brings Macbeth “back to earth”. Lines 102-105, what does Macbeth say
to his guests to excuse his brief, erratic behavior?
He has a strange illness
9. Whom does Macbeth toast when the ghost reenters?
Banquo
10. Lines 121-129, what does Macbeth say he’d rather face than see the ghost? Why do you think Macbeth
feels this way?
A bear (bear baiting); a bear would cause physical fear, but the ghost messes him psychologically; he’s feeling
guilty for having killed Banquo because they were friends, they were in battles together, etc.
11. Lines 132-134, what does Lady Macbeth say Macbeth has done?
That Macbeth has ruined the party!
12. Lines 135-142, what does Macbeth say to his guests and how does one of his guests, Ross, respond?
He apologizes and talks about wanting them to see what he sees (the ghost); Ross asks what he’s seeing
13. Lines 144-147, what does Lady Macbeth do in response to Macbeth asking his guests about seeing the
ghost?
She makes him leave
14. Lines 164-165, where is Macbeth going the next day? Why?
He’s going to go see the witches
15. Lines 166-170, how deep into evil is Macbeth?
He’s in as far as he (or anyone) can be.
16. Line 173, what reason does Lady Macbeth give for Macbeth’s seeing Banquo’s ghost? Why do you
think she give this reason?
He hasn’t been sleeping. Makes him sound not crazy.