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 sons these items?
His sword (and dagger). He’s at Macbeth’s home and he trusts Macbeth.
2. Lines 9-11, why does Banquo not want to sleep?
He’s “dreaming” about the witches (nightmares); also might be feeling a little unprotected/vulnerable.
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).
He hands Macbeth a diamond which comes from King Duncan as a gift for Lady Macbeth; a gift for the
hostess; the best King Duncan has (he’s wealthy); this gift might make Macbeth feel like he’s doing the wrong
thing (murdering Duncan)
4. Lines 25-26, what has Banquo been dreaming about and why?
The witches
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 doesn’t think of them; no, he’s not telling the truth!; so Banquo doesn’t suspect anything from Macbeth
(especially after the murder)
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; as a sign to kill the king; to kill himself because he’s thinking about killing the king;
it’s time to do the deed (kill the king) and it’s all he can think about;
7. Why does Macbeth draw his own dagger? (use line 54 to help you)
To protect himself (there’s a dagger in front of his eyes he can’t feel and he has talked to witches; can
witches send daggers?); to get himself ready; he could be dreaming and is seeing if he is (the imaginary
dagger is clear as day in front of his eyes, but he can’t grab it—grabbing his real dagger and feeling his
dagger lets him know 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?
Blood
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?
It could be the King’s blood (he’s going to kill the king)—maybe he’s feeling guilty, maybe he’s second
guessing his decision to kill the king (becoming surreal), foreshadowing the murder and aftermath,
10. Lines 75-77, why does the bell ring?
Time’s up; his wife’s signal—everything’s ready (King Duncan’s asleep, the guards are passed out drunk)
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?
The wine has made her bold—she’s feeling powerful, proud of herself, about to get her power once the
king is dead/murdered; nervous—in case something doesn’t go right; she’s giving us a recap of what she
did—this is an old trick from ancient Greek plays (bad things happen off stage and are reported onstage
after the fact).
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.
He looked like her father, so she couldn’t kill him (beginning to feel a little guilt)
3. Macbeth has done the deed. How does he seem? Defend your answer.
He appears nervous—he’s talking more than usual, asking questions—if she heard anything; he’s feeling
this way because he feels like he’s going to get caught,
4. Lines 47-52, what is Macbeth talking about and why?
He’s talking about sleep: he won’t be able to sleep (feeling guilty), sleep is innocent (he killed an innocent
person), sleep is soothing/healing (like a balm)—Macbeth won’t be able to sleep (heal himself)
5. Lines 54-56, what is Macbeth talking about and why? Why this second time?
He won’t be able to sleep anymore; this is how much the guilt is over-running him
6. Lines 58-61, how does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth’s two outbursts about sleep?
Let it go; wash off the blood; move on
7. Lines 62-64, what does Lady Macbeth notice is in Macbeth’s hands and what does she tell him to do
with them?
He’s still holding the daggers. She tells him to go bring them back to the guards and wipe the blood on the
guards (to make them look guilty)
8. How does Macbeth respond to Lady Macbeth’s demand? Why do you think he responds this way?
He won’t go; he’s afraid, and he doesn’t want to look at it again.
9. Lines 69-73, what does Lady Macbeth do?
She’ll put the daggers where they’re supposed to be in order to frame the guards; she calls Macbeth a child for
being afraid.
10. Lines 78-81, what does Macbeth consider about the blood on his hands?
Is there enough water in the world to clean this blood (this guilt) off my hands.
11. Lines 86-87, what is the last step in their crime to get away with it? What does Lady Macbeth think
about this?
Washing your hands will get rid of the problem.
12. Lines 93-95, how does Macbeth feel about what he did? Defend your answer.
He’s feeling guilty; he wants/wishes Duncan would wake up; he really doesn’t want the king dead because he
doesn’t want to live with the guilt, maybe he doesn’t want to be king anymore, the king is a cousin, the king had
trusted him, Macbeth didn’t have anything against King Duncan!
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?
To wake up King Duncan
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.
A storm; Macbeth killed Duncan—storm caused a rough night, Duncan had a rough night, Macbeth had a rough
night; a lasting impression
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.
Reports the murder; he is upset—line 77 “most sacrilegious murder have broke ope…” – sacrilegious means
against God. Line 83 “Do not bid me speak…” – doesn’t want to talk about it; line 73 “Oh horror, horror,
horror!”—he’s scared, upset
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 an imitation of death—Macduff is calling out to Donalbain and Malcolm (the king’s sons), you’re next
in line starting sooner than they thought, make sure they’re not dead also because they’re sleeping and King
Duncan looks like he’s sleeping but is dead (killed in his sleep).
6. Lady Macbeth enters. Does she react according to how she and Macbeth had planned and is she
successful? Defend and explain.
Yes, she comes in wondering what’s going on; yes, everyone believes her and they try to protect her.
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 for Duncan because they had blood on them and the daggers near them
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 the two guards because he was upset and couldn’t stop himself because they killed the king; he looks
like a hero to others in the play; he looks even worse to the audience, scheming
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 keep Macbeth from getting questioned, as a distraction; he just killed the guards and that wasn’t part of the
plan; she’s starting to feel nervous
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?
That Malcolm will go to England and Donalbain to Ireland so no one knows where they are; so they’re safe—is
there a grudge around against the family of Duncan?
Act II
scene iv (final scene of Act II)
1. Who is Ross?
A 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 Macduff
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 because they left suddenly and secretly which is suspicious.
5. Who is now to be crowned King according to Lennox 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?
Murder will result in execution; Curfew; more security; make sure everyone knows the guards killed the king
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?
The prophecies of the witches have come true (giving him hope that his son will become king); he also thinks
that Macbeth killed Duncan because Macbeth believed the witches and who wouldn’t want power, Macbeth was
brutal in the war and did everything to win (cut off Macdonwald’s head),
2. Banquo and Macbeth chat superficially. Banquo leaves on an errand with Fleance. Why do you think
Banquo takes Fleance with him?
He’s worried, thinks Macbeth killed Duncan and would want to kill Fleance to make certain he (Macbeth)
becomes and stays king, fearing Fleance would do what Macbeth did—kill the king to become king
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’s worried that once he becomes king, Fleance would do what Macbeth did—kill the king to become king
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?
That Banquo is the reason they are 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.
He wants them to kill Banquo, he will pay them, Banquo is their enemy, he pulls a Lady Macbeth (talks about
their manhood—they will kill Banquo if they are real men)
7. Lines 134-139, what reasons does Macbeth give for not being able to do the deed himself?
He shares friends with Banquo and doesn’t want to lose them—always good to have allies.
8. Lines 146-157 (p. 91), Macbeth gives the men the plan—what is the plan?
Kill both Banquo and Fleance tonight away from the castle—so Macbeth is in the clear (it could look like a
robbery)
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.
Expressing unhappiness, everything they’ve done (destroyed the king) has made them lose their good sense,
their happiness, their feeling of safety (they could get caught)—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?
The killing is done, get over it! Move on! You can’t take it back so deal with it!
3. What does Macbeth have to say about sleep, Duncan and peace?
He’s having nightmares that awaken him, Duncan is dead and sleeping better than Macbeth (Duncan is at
peace), although Macbeth killed Duncan so Macbeth could be at peace as king
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)
He needs to be presentable, bright and happy. Yes, he will hide is true feelings so no one will suspect him.
5. Who is Macbeth concerned about (two people) and why do you think he’s concerned?
Banquo and Fleance because they’re alive…
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)
She might try to convince to not do it because they’ve already done so much (they’ve killed the king and the
guards), because Macbeth had only talked about becoming king in the letter (he hadn’t said anything about
Banquo), they’re going to start looking suspicious if more people close to Macbeth keep getting killed.
Act III
scene iii
1. Who sent the third murderer?
Macbeth
2. Why do you Macbeth sent the third murderer?
To make sure the job is done well; to keep the other two from saying anything
3. Who is killed? Who is not killed and escapes?
Banquo is killed and 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)
At first he was happy they were both dead, but he was worried that Fleance escaped—his life is back to doubts
and fear
2. Why do you think Macbeth responds this way?
Thinks maybe Fleance will kill him to become king
3. Who enters in the stage direction after line 42 and what does this character do? Why??????
The ghost of Banquo; to make Macbeth feel guilty in front of people; to confront him get him to fess up;
Macbeth’s imagination—his guilty conscience
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)
Macbeth says the table is full; he sees Banquo’s ghost in his seat
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 thinks one of them is playing a trick on him or is doing something to him; Lennox is confused; Ross thinks
Macbeth is not well; Lady Macbeth says it’s just a momentary thing and will pass quickly.
6. Lines 70-80, what does Lady Macbeth question about Macbeth? How does Macbeth respond? What
does Lady Macbeth point out that he fears?
His manhood. Macbeth responds that he is a bold man because he is dealing with something the devil wouldn’t
(it would disgust the devil)
7. Lines 82-87, what does Macbeth point out to Lady Macbeth (and try to get to talk)?
The ghost; so she doesn’t think he’s crazy
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?
It’s some kind of strange illness
9. Whom does Macbeth toast when the ghost reenters?
The whole table and 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 Russian bear—bear baiting; doesn’t want to feel guilt anymore
11. Lines 132-134, what does Lady Macbeth say Macbeth has done?
He ruined the party
12. Lines 135-142, what does Macbeth say to his guests and how does one of his guests, Ross, respond?
Macbeth asks if ghosts exist and Ross asks what he sees.
13. Lines 144-147, what does Lady Macbeth do in response to Macbeth asking his guests about seeing the
ghost?
Pretends Macbeth is ill and asks the guests to leave.
14. Lines 164-165, where is Macbeth going the next day? Why?
He’s going to see the witches; to get more information about the future and what will happen next (since
Fleance has escaped)
15. Lines 166-170, how deep into evil is Macbeth?
He is so deep that it’s easier to continue killing (being evil) than to try to become good again
16. Line 173, what reason does Lady Macbeth give for Macbeth seeing Banquo’s ghost? Why do you think
she gives this reason?
He hasn’t had enough sleep—hasn’t slept in a while; to stop him from worrying about things; a universal excuse
Act III
scene v
1. Who is Hecate?
Goddess of magic and witchcraft
2. Hecate scolds the witches for having tempted Macbeth and cast their spells on him because Macbeth “as
others do, loves for his own ends, not for you.” (lines 13-14) What is Hecate upset about?
The problem is, the witches gave Macbeth the prophecies, but Macbeth did not become their follower—he’s
doing what he’s doing for his own desires (not to satisfy the witches)
3. Hecate tells the witches to meet her “at the pit of Acheron” (line 15). The book tells us only that this is a
river in the ancient Greek mythological underworld. Do a little research: what is this river also known
as? Why do you think Shakespeare makes this allusion?
River of Pain. That’s where Macbeth will see his destiny and it won’t be a positive one. Macbeth is going to
have pain in his life, now—perhaps his death.
4. Lines 27-31, what does Hecate, with the witches’ help, plan to do to Macbeth? What will they make
Macbeth do?
They will lead him to his self-destruction; too confident (hubris)—hubris always leads the character to his
downfall (sometimes death)
scene vi
1. Reminder: who is Lennox?
Scottish noble
2. Lines 6-8, how does Lennox think Banquo died and why does he think this?
Thinks that Fleance killed Banquo because Fleance fled.
3. Lines 10-11, who does Lennox think killed King Duncan?
Malcolm and Donalbain
4. Lines 33-39, why is Macduff in England?
To ask for help from the King of England (Edward), wants to overthrow Macbeth
5. Lines 54-55, how does Lennox describe Scotland since King Duncan died at Macbeth’s home?
Scotland is suffering and cursed (Macbeth)
Act IV
scene i (forest, witches and Macbeth)
1. What do the witches mean when they say, “Double, double toil and trouble…” (what are they causing to
double?)
They are not happy with Macbeth he’s killing more people than he had planned and he’s not respecting the
witches—he’s doing what he’s doing for his own good and not for the witches; the witches are going to double
the trouble Macbeth is going to have and make Macbeth do two times (double) the labor/struggle (toil)
2. Why does Macbeth visit the witches?
To learn how to make his kingship secure; he’s nervous about Fleance because he was prophesied to be king
and he’s still alive.
3. Define the word apparition.
A ghost or ghost-like image of a person
4. What do the witches show Macbeth in the first apparition? What does it say (lines 81-82)?
Beware Macduff. An armed head—a head wearing a war helmet; this head appears to show Macbeth there will
be a war soon and needs to be prepared, a war probably led by Macduff.
5. How does Macbeth feel about what the apparition said?
He gives thanks for the caution.
6. What do the witches show Macbeth in the second apparition? What does it say (lines 90-92)?
A bloody child; “none of woman born” will harm Macbeth—no one born naturally, but can be harmed by
someone born by c-section (caesarian section)
7. How does Macbeth feel about Macduff now that he has heard the second apparition?
He no longer fears Macduff, not knowing how he was born.
8. What do the witches show Macbeth in the third apparition? What does it say (lines 103-107)?
A crowned child with a tree in his hand; Macbeth won’t be conquered until Birnam Wood and Dunsinane Hill
come together against him—one is in England (King Edward—Macduff went to get his help) and one is in
Scotland (Macduff)
9. How does Macbeth respond to what the third apparition said?
He thinks that won’t happen; he’s too far from King Edward and Macbeth is not posing any threat to Edward.
10. What is the next, unexpected apparition to appear from the cauldron? How does Macbeth respond to
this apparition? Why do you think he responds this way?
8 Kings and Banquo; Macbeth is afraid of this apparition; Macbeth responds this way because it’s a reminder of
Banquo’s son, Banquo knows what he did, the witches (and therefore the supernatural world) know what he did.
11. Lennox enters and Macbeth asks if he saw the Weird Sisters. How does Lennox respond to this
question?
No.
12. What news does Lennox deliver to Macbeth?
Macduff is in England (Macbeth did not know about this before)
13. Lines 171-175, what does Macbeth plan to do about Macduff?
Macbeth plans, in an aside, to surprise attack Macduff’s household—where his wife and children are without
the protection of Macduff (who is in England).
Act IV
scene ii – at the Macduff home in Scotland (remember, Macduff went to England to get help)
1. Lady Macduff is upset that Macduff left. Lines 8-13, how does Lady Macduff feel about Macduff
leaving so quickly (and for England of all places—remember, England and Scotland were not yet
united)?
2. Lines 17-20, what reason, however vague, does Ross give as to why Macduff left so quickly?
3. Lady Macduff has a conversation with her son (called “Son” in the script). The conversation is a bit
odd, but it sets up the dramatic irony of the action at the end of the scene. Explain the conversation they
have about “traitors”.
4. What happens at the end of the scene? Who do you think sent the murderers?
5. Who is the real traitor? Defend your answer.
Act V
scene i
1. Lady Macbeth’s Gentlewoman reports that Lady Macbeth has been behaving strangely. What is this
strange behavior and when did it start?
Sleepwalking since Macbeth went to war
2. What do the doctor and Gentlewoman watch Lady Macbeth do?
Talks to herself, rubs her hand—trying to wash off the spots of blood (that are not there)
3. Lines 37-42, some of the most famous from the play, what is Lady Macbeth talking about—the last 2 lines
of this should help you put the pieces together (think of who the “old man” was).
The murder of King Duncan
4. Lines 44-47, which family is Lady Macbeth talking about and how does Lady Macbeth feel about what
happened to them? (this is the family from Act IV scene ii)
Macduff’s family; Lady Macduff and her children were murdered by Macbeth (his murderers)
5. Lines 62-64, why can’t the doctor help Lady Macbeth?
He’s never seen this kind of sleepwalking—one due to guilt; he can’t help psychological problems because
he is a doctor of the body (a physician)
6. Lines 65-67 and 69-72, to whom do you suppose Lady Macbeth thinks she is speaking? Why do you think
that?
Macbeth because she was recounting what had happened after the murder of King Duncan; she was
responding similarly to how she responded to Macbeth after the murder.
scene ii – forces against Macbeth begin to gather
1. Who is leading the English army? Who is coming with the English army?
Malcolm; Macduff and Siward
2. Where is the English army coming from? (Angus tells us in line 6) Connect this back to the scene with
the witches in Act IV scene i.
Birnam Wood; the witches said that Madbeth would be defeated when Birnam Wood came to
Dunsinane.
3. Line 14, where is Macbeth fortifying himself? Connect this back to the scene with the witches in Act IV
scene i.
In Dunsinane—and here comes Birnam Wood
4. How do Macbeth’s people feel about him?
Some follow him/love him; many don’t feel he’s honest and hate him; some follow him because he’s in
charge and you must follow your leader
5. Lines 19-20, what have Macbeth’s people figured out about him?
They figured out he’s the murderer/responsible for the murders
scene iii
1. What news is brought to Macbeth?
10.000 soldiers are coming
2. Lines 39-41, why do you think Macbeth asks for his armor right now? (this is a question about mood)
He’s afraid and he wants to feel secure
3. Line 49, how does Macbeth handle the doctor’s news that Lady Macbeth is still sleepwalking?
He just wants him to stop her sleepwalking now.
scene iv
1. What does Malcolm order his men to do on their way to Dunsinane? Why? Connect this back to the
scene with the witches in Act IV scene i.
To hold branches in front of themselves on the way so you can’t see how many soldiers are coming—
to confuse Macbeth; it looks like the forest, like Birnam Wood, is physically coming at Dunsinane;
this is exactly what the apparition told Macbeth—the crowned baby holding the tree—that Birnam
Wood will attack (and defeat Macbeth) at Dunsinane
scene v
1. What news does Seyton give to Macbeth about Lady Macbeth?
Lady Macbeth has died.
2. Lines 22-31, what does Macbeth have to say about life/death in this monologue?
Life is nothing more than illusion and Lady Macbeth was bound to die eventually; everyone dies
eventually
3. What message does the Messenger bring to Macbeth?
The army is coming to attack them disguised as woods
4. What memory does this stir in Macbeth’s mind?
Macbeth finally realizes the prophecy from the apparition is coming true
5. What does Macbeth do?
He gets ready to fight
scene vi
Malcolm’s army arrives at Dunsinane castle.
scene vii
1. Lines 34-35, what is Malcolm saying about his “foes”?
Foe = enemy; Macbeth’s own soldiers are joining Malcolm in his fight against Macbeth
scene viii
1. How does Macduff initially feel about fighting Macbeth and why?
He’s angry and scared—Macbeth had killed Macduff’s wife and children (anger); Macbeth had killed
King Duncan, the two guards, Banquo, Maduff’s wife and children, plus the way he fought in the war
at the beginning of the play—the way he handled Macdonwald (cut off his head and displayed it)
(scared)
2. Lines 17-20, what does Macduff reveal to Macbeth?
He is “not of woman born” (c-section)
3. How does Macbeth now feel about fighting Macduff?
Scared because of the apparition telling him that he would fall to someone “not of woman born”
4. How does the fight end?
Macbeth dies—killed by Macduff
5. Who is now king?
Malcolm (he as next in line after King Duncan)
6. Lines 72-74, what kind of king do you think he will be and why?
Gives Macduff and other leaders a new title, just like King Duncan had given new titles to his brave
leaders in the war—gave them a promotion; he will be a good leader, fair, won’t be a tyrant like
Macbeth was, Malcolm trusts his leaders (unlike Macbeth who could never trust anyone—could he
trust himself?)