Macbeth Study Guide Exam Questions And Expert Answers
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Macbeth
Institution
Macbeth
What is the point of the first scene (literally) and in reference to the whole play? - Correct Answer Literally, the witches are deciding when they shall meet again. As the beginning of the EXPOSITION, this scene sets the mood for the entire play, and introduces several major motifs: the witches (...
Macbeth Study Guide Exam Questions And Expert
Answers
What is the point of the first scene (literally) and in reference to the whole play? -
Correct Answer Literally, the witches are deciding when they shall meet again. As the
beginning of the EXPOSITION, this scene sets the mood for the entire play, and
introduces several major motifs: the witches (supernatural influences in the play), the
idea of fair being foul, and the stormy fate of Scotland. The main character, Macbeth is
also introduced by name, linking him to the witches
What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald? -
Correct Answer "Valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!"
Who is sentenced to death in act I? - Correct Answer The Thane of Cawdor because
he was a traitor
What do the witches predict in Act I, Scene 3 for Macbeth? For Banquo? - Correct
Answer Macbeth- Macbeth will be the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the king
Banquo- will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater, not so happy, and yet happier" and
his children will be kings
What news does Ross bring Macbeth in Act I? - Correct Answer Macbeth now holds
the title of the Thane of Cawdor
Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth's new title.
He is, however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the "instruments of
darkness"? - Correct Answer They often tell of good things, which may happen without
telling the bad consequences
Malcolm describes Cawdor's last moments before execution. What is Duncan's reply? -
Correct Answer You can't tell what is in a person's heart by looking at his face. (Things
are not what they seem!)
Macbeth says, "Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires."
What are his desires? - Correct Answer He now desires to be king, and he realizes that
something will have to be done with the present king (and his sons) before his desires
can become reality
After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth,
and how does she plan to help him? - Correct Answer She thinks he could be a good
king but lacks the hardheartedness and plans to talk him into it
What is Lady Macbeth's "prayer" to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing? -
Correct Answer She wants to be filled with cruelty, given a hard heart and the thick
blood necessary to do what has to be done in order to make Macbeth king
, What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home? - Correct
Answer He must learn to look innocent even when his heart is full of evil. He has to
learn to hide his true feelings.
What are Macbeth's Arguments to himself against killing Duncan? - Correct Answer If
Macbeth kills Duncan, then he is setting a precedent that subjects can kill kings and be
rewarded with the kingship (around 8-10).
Macbeth is Duncan's kinsman and his subject, as well as his host. (12-16).
Duncan is a good king and virtuous man; he has done no particular evil.
Duncan is a popular king, and his death would bring sorrow and unrest upon Scotland
(16-20 and to end).
What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder? -
Correct Answer She tells him not to be a coward, not to say later that he "could have
been" when he could now "be" king.
She tells him to be a man and go get what he wants.
She says if she had made the promise to do so, that she would have killed her own
baby to carry out that promise.
What is Lady Macbeth's plan? - Correct Answer She will drug the kings grooms
(guards) with a drink. Macbeth will then go into the king's room and murder him in his
sleep. They will plant weapons to make the guards appear guilty
What is Macbeth's lie to Banquo about the witches' predictions? - Correct Answer He
says he does not even think about them
What is the signal Lady Macbeth is to give Macbeth to let him know that she has taken
care of the guards (grooms)? - Correct Answer She will ring a bell
What excuse does Lady Macbeth give for not killing Duncan herself? - Correct Answer
He looks like her father
After Macbeth kills Duncan, he goes to Lady Macbeth and is concerned about not being
able to say "Amen." What is her advice to him? - Correct Answer She tells him to not
think about it so much, or it will make them crazy
Then, Macbeth is worried about hearing a voice saying "Macbeth does murder sleep"
What does Lady Macbeth tell him to do? - Correct Answer She tells him to go get water
and wash "this filthy witness" from his hands.
Why won't Macbeth take the daggers back to the scene of the crime? - Correct Answer
He can't bear to look at Duncan again
Who was knocking? - Correct Answer Macduff and Lennox
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