Macbeth

1. Macbeth William Shakespeare

2. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 1 • What two main enemies does the kingdom of Scotland face? • How are they overcome? Macdonwald Macbeth killed him. King of Norway - Sweno Macbeth & Banquo killed him.

3. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 1 • What powers do the Three Witches seem to possess? • What do they predict will happen to Macbeth and Banquo? Seeing the future Macbeth will become king. Banquo will become the father of kings.

4. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 2-4 Kind and Generous • What kind of ruler does Duncan appear to be?

5. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3 Macbeth immensely pleased by the sudden reality of the two truths; he sees them as “happy prologues.” • How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reaction to the witches’ predictions and the news of Macbeth’s new title? • What does this suggest about their characters?

6. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3

7. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3 Macbeth has a great ambition for imperial power; vivid imagination controls his thoughts so completely that it seems to be a reality itself • How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reaction to the witches’ predictions and the news of Macbeth’s new title? • What does this suggest about their characters?

8. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3 Banquo judgment is from a religious viewpoint: if the witches are indeed to be believed, they represent the Devil and may intend more harm than good. He is more skeptical than Macbeth. • How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reaction to the witches’ predictions and the news of Macbeth’s new title? • What does this suggest about their characters?

9. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3

10. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 4 Time and opportunity are ready for him to take matters into his own hands if he is to implement the witches’ prophecy. • How does Macbeth react to Duncan’s naming of his son Malcolm as his heir?

11. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 5 He needs to be encouraged to kill the king. • After reading her husband’s letter, what does Lady Macbeth say about him?

12. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 5 She is ruthless and opportunistic; her first thought is of her husband’s ability to become king but also his weakness. • What does Lady Macbeth’s reaction to the news of Duncan’s visit show about her nature?

13. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 6 Lady Macbeth is gracious and cordial. • What is ironic, or “off,” about Duncan’s first impression when he arrives at Macbeth’s castle?

14. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 7 So that his heir will be become king. • Why does Macbeth tell his wife that she should have only male children?

15. Macbeth Act 1 • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth • Atmosphere & Setting • Soliloquy • Weird Sisters • the Prince of Cumberland • Duncan's bodyguards

16. Macbeth

17. Macbeth William Shakespeare

18. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 • How does Macbeth attempt to gain Banquo’s support? • How does Banquo respond? Macbeth tells Banquo if he supports Macbeth, it shall make honor for him. Banquo will benefit. So long as I don’t lose my honor in trying to gain more, I will support you; I need to remain free of guilt and loyal to the king.

19. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 • What does Macbeth see as he prepares to kill the king? • What conclusion does he come to about what he sees? A bloody dagger It must be his imagination.

20. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2 • Why is Macbeth so troubled by his inability to say, “Amen,” when he overhears one of Duncan’s sons say, “God bless us!”? • How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth’s uneasiness? He is afraid that he has been cursed; he fears he will never sleep again (nightly one would say prayers before sleep; the prayer ends in “amen.”) Stop or you will drive us both crazy.

21. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2 • Why is Lady Macbeth upset that Macbeth has brought the knives back with him? • How does she fix the problem? Macbeth was supposed to make it look as though the guards had killed them; therefore, the daggers need to be near them. She returns to the room and gets blood from Duncan’s body and smears the guards faces with it.

22. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2 • Compare the way that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth react to the murders. Macbeth is emotional and distraught. Lady Macbeth is calm and centered; she is focused on their not getting caught.

23. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 3 • Who does the drunken Porter imagine he is? • His comments add some humor to a very dark scene, but they also may be indicators of the evil that is overtaking the play. Read his speeches to find these indications. The porter at the gates of hell

24. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 3 • How do Macduff’s and Banquo’s reactions differ when the king’s murder is discovered? Macduffis horrified at the assassination of the king. Banquo seems very calm in comparison.

25. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 3 • How does Macbeth explain why he killed Duncan’s servants? He did so in a rage. Of course, the audience knows that it was to cover up the crime.

26. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 3 • Why do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee? • How do the other thanes respond to their flight? They are afraid that they will be murdered next. They think they are guilty.

27. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 4 • What do the old man and Ross think about the strange events that have been taking place in nature? That the events signify that the world is out of balance.

28. Macbeth Act 2 Scene 4 • How does Macduff explain the seemingly senseless murder of Duncan by his servants? That Malcolm and Donalbain might have paid them to kill Duncan.

29. Macbeth