The Tragedy Of Macbeth Act 1 Selection Test Answer Key

What is the central theme of Act 1?

ANSWER : betrayal


For which of the following reasons did Shakespeare probably choose to write Macbeth in blank verse?

ANSWER : to create an effect of natural speech


What appears to be Macbeth’s character flaw?

ANSWER : a desire for power


Which of the following characterizes the line “This night’s great business into my dispatch” as blank 

verse?

ANSWER : it has ten syllables with the stress falling on every second syllable


What important role do the witches play in Act 1?

ANSWER : they foreshadow events


Based upon the information in Act 1, what can you infer about King Duncan?

ANSWER : he places a high value on bravery and loyalty


Which of the following best describes Macbeth’s feelings about the possible assassination of King 

Duncan?

ANSWER : tortured ambivalence


Why does Lady Macbeth think Macbeth has a poor chance of achieving power?

ANSWER : his ambition is not of a ruthless nature


Why are Macbeth’s words to King Duncan hypocritical?

ANSWER : he has contemplated assassinating King Duncan


Throughout Act 1, Macbeth’s plans and actions seem to be motivated most of all by:

ANSWER : his wife’s encouragement


brighten; polished

ANSWER : furbished


having the power to predict or foreshadow

ANSWER : prophetic



to form an opinion from inconclusive evidence

ANSWER : surmise


lord or king

ANSWER : liege


to condemn sharply; scold

ANSWER : chastise


very abstract

ANSWER : metaphysical


supreme in power, rank, or authority

ANSWER : sovereign


Lady Macbeth wants her husband to possess the golden crown which fate and _______ aid stem ready 

to give him.

ANSWER : metaphysical


After Macbeth’s first victory, the Norwegian lord, with __________ arms and new supplies of men, 

began a fresh assault.

ANSWER : furbished


My _______ Malcolm says to Duncan

ANSWER : liege


Macbeth calls the predictions a _________ greeting

ANSWER : prophetic


Lady Macbeth plans to _______ with the valor of her tongue.

ANSWER : chastise


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