English III CPC
Macbeth Act I Study Questions
Act I, sc. 1
1. What is the mood of the opening scene? Why would Shakespeare open with this scene?
2. “Fair is foul and foul is fair.” What do the witches mean by this quote? Explain how this is a paradox.
Why might this be important to the play?
3. Who do the witches promise to meet in the near future?
Act I, sc. 2
4. “For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name-”. What did Macbeth do in battle?
What does this tell us about Macbeth at the beginning of the play?
5. Why was the Thane of Cawdor ordered to be killed?
6. What does Duncan mean when he says, “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth has won”?
What qualities does Duncan see in Macbeth?
Act I, sc. 3
7. Based on the beginning of this scene, do you think we can trust the witches? Explain.
8. “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” Why does Macbeth say this? What does it remind you of?
9. What are the three prophesies to Macbeth?
10. What do the witches tell Banquo? What could they mean by this?
11. What is Banquo’s warning to Macbeth?
12. How does Macbeth react to the news of his promotion to Thane of Cawdor?
Based on this, do you think he will listen to Banquo’s warning?
13. What is Macbeth thinking by the end of the scene? How does this through make him feel?
Act I, sc. 4
14. What comment does Duncan make about the previous Thane of Cawdor? Why is this ironic?
15. How does Duncan greet Macbeth?
16. What title has Malcolm been granted?
How does Macbeth respond to this news?
17. Lines 50-53. Examine Macbeth’s aside. What is happening to his character?
Act I, sc. 5
18. What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to the letter from Macbeth?
19. What is her concern about Macbeth’s character?
20. Describe Lady Macbeth’s character. What is she planning to do?
21. When does she plan to commit the murder? How does Macbeth react to the plan?
22. How does she tell Macbeth to act when Duncan comes? Why?
23. Based on this scene, what is their relationship like? Use support.
Act I, sc. 6
24. What is Duncan’s mood as he approaches the castle? What is the weather?
25. How does Lady Macbeth act in front of Duncan?
26. Does Duncan suspect anything? Why or why not?
Act I, sc. 7
27. What are the 4 reasons Macbeth gives for not killing Duncan?
28. What comment does he make at the end of his soliloquy?
29. How does Lady Macbeth react when Macbeth says he does not want to kill Duncan?
30. Who will they frame for the murder? How will they do that?