Act I Study Questions

1.1
1. Beginning the play with the witches allows the reader to envision that the story is cruel, dark, and ambiguous. It also gives the reader a sense of an existing theme "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." The witches are going to meet Macbeth, which is seen later in the play as a scene. The witches also mention that they will meet him when the war has been won and lost, and when the sun sets. 

1.2
1. From the "bloody Captain" we learn about Macbeth's killing spree during the war. It is also easy to take notice that his actions are glorified and that he is seen as a brave hero. Macdonwald is a man "worthy to be a rebel," he also made an attack on them. Macbeth killed Macdonwald, cutting him with his sword and putting his head on a stake in their battlements. This did not end the problem with the rebels, they regrouped, fresh men joined, and "began a fresh assault."

2. Ross and Angus let Duncan know that Norweyan flags fill the sky, and that the traitor is the Thane of Cawdor himself. Duncan is glad that the Thane of Cawdor was dealt with and executed, he explains "Great Happiness" after hearing that they are victorious. Duncan also gladly tells his men to give the title of Thane of Cawdor to Macbeth. 

1.3
1. The witches provide the reader with a glimpse into the life of Macbeth. The specifics mention how Lady Macbeth ultimately controls her husband, she has total power over him, and this detail is very important to the plot. The witches prepare for Macbeth's arrival by singing a chant all together. They say at the very end that the chant is a charm and has been completed. 

2. Macbeth's first line reminds me of a phrase the witches said at the beginning, "fair is foul, and foul is fair." The witches look as though they are not from this world, they wear a withered, old, and wild attire. Banquo is unable to decipher their gender, they look somewhat like woman but presence of a beard on all of their faces throws him off. The witches call Macbeth Thane of Glaims and of Cawdor. Macbeth gains interest in their words, we can tell by the way he asks them to say more. Banquo asks for his own prophecy, but he receives the response of "Hail!,"
as well as being told that he is greater/lesser than Macbeth. We know that Macbeth really is going to be Thane of Cawdor before he himself knows it.

3. Banquo believes that the witches are a figment of their imagination, or that they have only hallucinated. From Ross and Angus Macbeth learns that he now holds the title of Thane of Cawdor. In lines 114-156 Macbeth is rationalizing with himself, pondering whether he should be incredulous, yet he begins to think he will be king soon.

4. He doesn't want to share any of his plan with Banquo. Macbeth simply tells his friend that he is confused, and that his brain is filled with other things. 

1.4
1. Cawdor was executed for his crime of treason. The King responds by saying that Cawdor had his full trust, and that one cannot base a man's feelings by the look on the man's face.

2. Duncan greets Macbeth and Banquo with the greeting "O worthiest cousin." Duncan also mentions that he is forever grateful to them. Duncan announces that he will leave everything to Malcom, Prince of Cumberland. King Duncan then intends to go to Macbeth's castle. Macbeth reacts to the announcement by commenting in his aside that this is a big dent in his plan, he must now also get rid of Malcom if he desires to be King. Macbeth is thinking of how to accomplish this task.

1.5
1. Macbeth reports everything that has occurred accurately to his wife, he leaves nothing of significance out. She responds by saying that he must do what needs to be done.

2. She asks whether Macbeth arrives with him, and knows that he brings great news. Lady Macbeth intends to make Macbeth follow through with the plan. In order for this to happen she calls upon the spirits to make her cruel and to stop any remorse that may occur.

3. Lady Macbeth is in charge when Macbeth arrives. His wife has definitely decided what to do, and she is aware that she might have to convince Macbeth of the plan. Macbeth still seems to be unsure, he questions the plan and all the details. Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that she must not let King Duncan see light of another day. 

4. Lady Macbeth's name is Gruoch. She had a son by a previous marriage, named Lulach. 

1.6
1. Lady Macbeth's welcome is fake and not meant to be trusted by the reader/audience. Lady Macbeth's form of speech has taken on a softer tone, one that says "I am at your service," which is very dishonest. Her welcome is done with reason behind it though.

1.7
1. Macbeth is as prepared as he is going to get. It seems as though he will always have that worry, that bit of guilt and remorse in the back of his mind. In lines 1-12 he is worried about people finding out, about people knowing the King was murdered under his home, and of the consequences his actions may have. The special rule of hospitality that he is violating twice, for being kinsman and subject, is that of shutting the doors against people who want to cause harm to the King, and brandishing the killing arm himself. 

2. Lady Macbeth complains about Macbeth leaving Duncan alone, for leaving the chambers so near to the time of supper.  Macbeth wonders whether the King has asked for him, Lady Macbeth replies that he should have known so. Macbeth wishes to stop the murder of Duncan, he says that the King has honored him recently, Macbeth is hesitant. The stronger character in this scene is Lady Macbeth.