Name: _______________________
The Tragedy of Macbeth
Study Guide – Act I
Scene 1
1. What kind of mood does Shakespeare set in this scene? How does he do it? Use at least
one specific example.
Scene 2
1. Who is the Thane of Cawdor? Why is he important?
2. How is Macbeth described in this scene? Use at least one specific example.
Scene 3
1. How do the witches greet Macbeth?
Thane of ____________
Thane of ____________
______________ hereafter
2. What do the witches predict for Banquo?
3. Why does Ross greet Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor?
4. In their reactions to the witches’ prophecies, how do Macbeth and Banquo differ?
Scene 4
1. King Duncan says regarding the old Thane of Cawdor: “There’s no art / To Find the
mind’s construction in the face. / He was a gentleman on whom I built / An absolute
trust.” (I.iv.13-16) What is he saying and why is it important?
2. Who is declared the Prince of Cumberland? Why is this a problem for Macbeth?
3. Based on lines 55-60, what is Macbeth thinking of doing? How does he feel about it?
Scene 5
1. What does Macbeth’s letter tell us about his relationship with Lady Macbeth?
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s opinion of her husband?
3. Based on Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy on lines 45-61, what does she think is needed to
carry out her plan?
4. What advice does Lady Macbeth give her husband before the king’s arrival?
Scene 6
1. Describe the conversation between King Duncan and Lady Macbeth. Does he suspect
anything is wrong? Does she drop any hints as to what they are planning?
Scene 7
1. Using Macbeth’s first soliloquy in this scene, make a pro/con list entitled “Killing King
Duncan.”
Pro
Con
2. What does Lady Macbeth say to convince her husband to go through with the murder?
3. What is her actual plan for getting away with it?