Macbeth Study Guide Answers

Question: What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play?

Answer: The first scene is the witches scene and there is foreshadowing going on because they are going to meet up with Macbeth

Question: What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears that Macbeth has defeated Macdonald? Why is this ironic?

Answer: Calls his worthy gentlemen, Macbeth eventually kills Duncan

Question: Who is sentenced to death?

Answer: the thane of Cawdor

Question: What do the witches predict for Macbeth? For Banquo?

Answer: Three predictions for Macbeth:

1) he is Thane of Glamis

2) hail to the thane of Cawdor

3) you will be king

Three predictions for Banquo:

1) Less than Macbeth but greater

2) Not so happy but happier

3) You will be the father of kings

Question: What news does Ross bring Macbeth?

Answer: A title, he tells him that he has been declared the thane of Cawdor

Question: Banquo 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?

Answer: They say good things only to trick you

Question: Malcolm describes Cawdor’s last moments before the execution. What is Duncan’s reply?

Answer: Malcolm said he died better than he lived, Duncan says he was a man on whom I placed an absolute trust

Question: Macbeth says “stars, hid your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires” what are his desires ?

Answer: To be king, and for that to happen he has to kill the current king

Question: After lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us of her opinion of Macbeth and how does she plan to help him?

Answer: That Macbeth is too soft. She is going to talk to him about it and suggest things

Question: What advice does she give Macbeth when he arrives home?

Answer: She tells him that Duncan is never going to see the light of day. She tells him to look innocent.