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Macbeth Act 1 Discussion Questions and Analysis

Explore key scenes, character motivations, and themes in Act 1 of Shakespeare's Macbeth through detailed discussion questions. Analysis of characters, prophecies, and moral dilemmas presented in the play.

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Macbeth Act 1 Discussion Questions and Analysis

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  1. Macbeth Act 1: Discussion Questions • Why does Shakespeare open the play by showing the witches? Why is it good for Macbeth not to appear first? • How does Duncan reward Macbeth for his bravery in defeating the rebels? Comment on the order in which Duncan announces it and Macbeth finds out. • Macbeth calls the day of the battle “foul and fair”. Comment on what you think he means. • When Macbeth is told of his new title, how do he and Banquo react? Can you think of reasons for the difference in reactions? • What does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband, after she has read his letter? • Lady Macbeth tells her husband to “look like the innocent flower/But be the serpent under it”. Explain what she means (either generally or specifically or both, as you think appropriate). • What is the purpose and effect of Duncan’s and Banquo’s comments when they approach Macbeth’s castle? • Why, in Macbeth’s opinion, is the murder of Duncan so wrong? • How does Lady Macbeth make sure that her husband murders Duncan?

  2. Act 1 Scene 1 • Three witches appear • Will meet after the battle to confront Macbeth

  3. Act 1 Scene 2 • King Duncan of Scotland asks a wounded captain for news about the Scottish/Irish battle • Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo fought with great courage/violence • Macbeth slew traitorous Macdonwald. • Traitorous thane of Cawdor to be put to death • Macbeth will take his place.

  4. Act 1 Scene 3 • Three witches appear – discuss killing a swine and revenge upon a sailor’s wife • Macbeth enters with Banquo • Witches hail Macbeth as thane of Glamis AND as thane of Cawdor. Also declare he will be KING one day. • Banquo is “lesser than Macbeth, and greater” and “not so happy, yet much happier” – he will never be king but his children will sit upon the throne. • Macbeth fixates on the prophecies obsessively • He wonders whether the reign will simply fall to him or whether he will have to perform a dark deed in order to gain the crown

  5. Act 1 Scene 4 • King Duncan learns of the thane of Cawdor’s noble execution - confessed sins • Macbeth and Banquo enter • Duncan announces his intention to name Malcolm (his son) the new heir to his throne. • Macbeth notes that Malcolm now stands between him and the crown. • Plans are made for Duncan to dine at Macbeth’s castle that evening

  6. Act 1, Scene 5 • Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband (Macbeth) – about his meeting with the witches • Lady Macbeth fears he’s too full of “th’ milk of human kindness” to take the steps necessary to make himself king • “You spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst cruelty” (1.5.38-41) • Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that Duncan will not see tomorrow – leave the plan to her

  7. Act 1, Scene 6 • Duncan arrives at the castle • Hospitalities ensue • Duncan claims he loves Macbeth dearly

  8. Act 1, Scene 7 • Macbeth ponders the assassination (it would be easy if it ended quickly – didn’t set up terrible consequences) • Declares willingness to risk eternal damnation, and realizes bloody actions “return / To plague th’ inventor” • Internal struggle - ultimately decides to not kill King Duncan • Lady Macbeth is outraged, calling him a coward and questioning his manhood. • Promises success • Plan: chamberlains will appear to have committed the act

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