1.11. What is the effect of beginning the play with the witches? Whom are the witches going to meet, and when? Notice the language of lines 10-11 and watch for it later in the play.
1.21. What do we learn about and from the "bloody Captain" (1.2.1-44)? Who is Macdonwald and what has he done? What has been done to him and by whom? Did that end the problem with rebels (1.2.29-34)?
The effect of the witches in the beginning of the play is that it sort of seems like they are looking into the future. The witches are going to meet Macbeth on the heath. we learn that there was a war. macdonwald is one of the head soldiers in the rebel army. he is killed by macbeth. no they were'nt ended, instead it created new ones.
2. What do we learn from Ross and Angus (1.2.45-62)? Who was the traitor in this different revolt? What does King Duncan say about the traitor and about his title (1.2.63-65)?
That there was a war between norway and cawdor. the traitor in this revolt was the thane of cawdor. King Duncan says that the traitor is dead and that ross should go introduce himself w/ the traitors title.
1.31. What is the effect of what the witches tell each other in 1.3.1-27)? What is the effect of the specifics they tell? Are these details important to the plot of the play? Why are they here? What does the First Witch mean by line 9? Keep the line in mind; "do" is an important word in this play. How do the witches prepare for Macbeth's arrival, and what do they say (1.3.28-35)?
the effect of the what the witches tell each other is that it sort of paints the scene of where they are. they are on the ship in the ocean and the witches are giving the ship wind to sail. The effect of the specifics they give is so that way the audience can see that the witches can be everywhere not only on land but on sea. The witches are there to meet macbeth. the first witch means that she will follow macbeth. the witches prepare by giving wind to the sail.
2. Does Macbeth's first line (1.3.36) remind you of anything we have heard before? What do the witches look like (1.3.37-45)? What do they tell Macbeth (1.3.46-48). What happens to Macbeth then? How do we know? (See 1.3.49-55.) What does Banquo ask the witches and what do they tell him (1.3.55-67; notice the paradoxes in 1.3.63-65, similar in structure to 1.1.10-11 and 1.3.36). What do we know that Macbeth doesn't know in 1.3.68-76)?
It was what the witches said in the first scene. they look like "inhabitants not o' the earth" they are women who have beards. they tell macbeth that he is to be king. He becomes king we know because we found out in the second scene that the thane of cawdor died. he asks them if he is to be king as well in the future. they tell him yes. we know the the actual thane of cawdor is dead and there is an imposter taking his place.
3. How does Banquo explain the witches (1.3.77-78)? What does Macbeth learn from Ross and Angus (1.3.87-114)? What is Macbeth doing in lines 114-156? Note where he is speaking to himself, where he is speaking only to Banquo, and where he is speaking to everyone. How is Macbeth reacting to what the witches have said and to what Ross and Angus have said? Read Banquo's speech in lines 120-125 carefully for a statement related to the themes of the play. Then read Macbeth's speech at 1.3.126-141 carefully. What is he saying? What is he beginning to think about? Notice an echo of the paradox of "fair is foul" in lines 140-141.
he explains them as bubbles in earth. sorta like they exist but they dont. macbeth is kind of afraid of the witches. macbeth learns that he is to be the thane of cawdor. he reacts to the witches news and the news from banquo by his is excited about it because everything, so far, the witches have told him would happen to him has come true. he is thinking about how he is to become king.
4. How does Macbeth explain his behavior (1.3.148-149)? How much of his thought does he plan to share with Banquo (1.3.152-154)?
he was distracted. he
1.41. How did Cawdor die (1.4.1-11)? How does the King respond (1.4.11-14)? Keep these lines in mind.
cawdor died by he confessed his treasons, asked for forgiveness from the king and repented then he killed himself i think...i'm not enitrely sure... he responds by saying that he was a gentlemen he had built trust in.
2. How does the King greet Macbeth and Banquo (1.4.14-35)? Note the imagery of planting and growing. What announcement does the King make in lines 35-42? (Prince of Cumberland is the title of the Scottish heir apparent, like Prince of Wales for the English.) Where does the King intend to go (1.4.42-47)? How does he react in his aside to the King's announcement of his heir (1.4.48-53)? What is going on in Macbeth's mind?
he greets them by saying that macbeth is his worthiest of cousins and uses a lot of gardening imagery. he announces that the prince of cumberland is to be his heir. The king plans on going to Inverness. macbeth is upset by the news but he knows that it is in his fate that he is to be king.
1.51. Has Macbeth reported accurately to his wife (1.5.1-12)? How does she respond? Read her speech in lines 13-28 carefully. How does she describe Macbeth? Does this match what we have seen of him?
no. she is excited about it. when she describes him its kind of strange because she starts out w/ saying he's a book and then says that he's a book that men would read of strange matters in. so its sort of a compliment but then it isnt.
2. How does Lady Macbeth respond to the news that the King is coming? Read her speech in lines 36-52 carefully. What does she intend to do? What does she have to do to herself to let that happen?
she welcomes him. she intends to kill the king. she has to think like a man..... i think
3. Who is in charge when Macbeth arrives (1.5.52-71)? Has Lady Macbeth decided what to do? Has Macbeth? What does she tell him to do, and what will she herself do?
lady macbeth. yes she has. no he hasnt. she tells him to put the nights great business into her hands. she will kill him.
4. What is Lady Macbeth's name? (A trick question-it's not in the play. But historical sources tell us her name was Gruoch and that she had a son by a previous marriage, named Lulach. See the Bedford Texts and Contexts edition of Macbeth, p. 128, with no source given there.)
1.61. Read the opening speeches (1.6.1-10) carefully, noting the imagery. How honest is Lady Macbeth's welcome (1.6.10-31)?
not very honest.
1.71. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 1.7.1-28 carefully. Notice the repetition of "done" in lines 1-2. How ready is Macbeth to kill the King? What is he worried about in lines 1-12? What special rules of hospitality is Macbeth violating (lines 12-16)? What motivation does Macbeth attribute to himself (lines 25-28)?
he does not seem ready to kill the king. he is worried about being punished and getting blamed for it all by himself. he is violating the rules of hospitality by killing his guest himself. his motivation is his ambition.
2. What is Lady Macbeth complaining about in lines 28-30? What does Macbeth then say, and how does Lady Macbeth reply? Read their discussion in lines 31-82 carefully to see what positions each holds and what means each uses to convince the other? Who is the stronger person in this scene?
she is complaining about why macbeth left the chamber. he asks if the king asked for him. and she practically said yes. lady is the stronger person in scene.
ACT 22.11. What is the purpose of the opening of 2.1 (lines 1-9)? Notice the references to time (lines 1-3), and think about the other references to time so far in the play (1.1.1-5; 1.3.56, 146, and 152; 1.5.8 and 56-62; 1.7.51 and 81). What is the function of the discussion about the witches in 2.1.20-29?
the purpose is to somewhat foreshadowing some evil.
2. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 2.1.33-64 carefully. What is happening to him? How does he explain it? What will he do about it? Notice references to time in line59 and to deeds and done in lines 61-62.
he is afraid to stab the king. he explains it analyzing the knife and how would kill the king.
2.21. What is Lady Macbeth's state of mind in her soliloquy (2.2.1-13)? What has she done? What does she assume Macbeth is now doing? Why didn't she do it (lines 12-13)?
she is awaiting the death of the king. she was drinking. she assumes that macbeth is killing them. she didnt do it because the king resembled her father.
2. What deed has Macbeth done (2.2.14)? What is Macbeth worried about in lines 17
killed the king. worried about the cries that were made by the king
-31? How does Lady Macbeth respond (lines 31-32)? Notice the heavy emphasis on the murdering of sleep in lines 33-41. What problem arises in line 46? How is it solved? Keep lines 44-45, 58-61, and 65 about washing in mind for later in the play.
she tells him not to worry. blood on him. washes it off.
2.31. What does the porter pretend to be doing? Notice the emphasis on equivocation in this speech and in the following dialogue with Macduff. Equivocation was a doctrine espoused by Jesuits living secretly in England (and in danger of arrest, torture, and death) that allowed them to swear oaths with double meanings in order to preserve their lives while also maintaining their faith but that looked to their opponents very much like lying under oath. Equivocation had recently been much discussed because of the trials surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of November 1605, a Catholic attempt to blow up Parliament while the members and the King were present. Watch how the idea of equivocation functions in the play.
pretends he's the gateskeeper in hell.
2. What is the thematic function of Lennox's conversation with Macbeth about the unruly night (lines 50-59). What is the theatrical function of the scene? Why does something need to be here?
the function is to make macbeth nervous maybe. and possibly its to show the audience the other characters new something had happened that evening but they arent sure what happened aside from them thinking it was really rough weather.
3. What news does Macduff report at line 59? How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respond? What does Macbeth report in lines 103-104 that he did? What do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to do and why (lines 116-121 and 131-142)? Where will they go? What do they seem to expect will happen if they don't leave?
macduff reports that the king had been murdered. macbeth respond by saying how sad he is that the renowned king is dead. lady macbeth responds by acting shocked. macbeth reports that he killed them. they decided to keep quiet. malcolm will go to england and donalbain will go to ireland. if they dont leave they believe that they will be in danger.
2.41. What is the function of the dialogue between the Old Man and Ross (lines 1-20)? What do we learn from Macduff about Malcolm and Donalbain? About Macbeth? Where has Macbeth gone? Where will Macduff go? (Macbeth was historically a member of the royal family; his mother and Duncan's mother were sisters, daughters of Duncan's predecessor as king; both Duncan and Macbeth were historically about the same age. Duncan ruled from 1034 to 1040 and Macbeth from 1040 to 1057.) Notice that many of the key words and ideas we have been tracing appear in this scene.
the function of the conversation is to give a sense of foreshadowing. we learn that they are suspects in the murder. that he is to be king. macbeth went to scone. macduff will go to fife.
ACT 33.11. How does Banquo react to Macbeth's being King (3.1.1-10)? What does he suspect has happened to Duncan?
he seems somewhat jealous...but he sees that what the witches had said about macbeth had come true. so he is hopeful that they will come true for him as well.
2. What does Macbeth learn from Banquo in lines 19-38? Why does he want to know it? What does he say about Malcolm and Donalbain in lines 31-34?
3. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 3.1.49-73 carefully. What is bothering Macbeth?
he's worried about how brave and noble banquo is.
4. How does Macbeth get the two murderers to agree to kill Banquo? Has he told them the truth about Banquo and himself? What has brought the murderers to be willing to do a deed like this?
by saying that it was banquo that had made their lives a living hell and telling them that banquo is their enemy. no he hasnt told the truth. their hatred for banquo.
3.21. How much does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth about his fears? How much does he tell her about what he plans to do? Does she know as much as we know at this point?
he tells her that he fears that banquo is going to do something to take away his title. he tells her very little about what he is about to do. no she does not.
3.31. How do the two murderers respond to the third one? How does the third one explain his presence?
they accept him. he explains that macbeth sent him.
2. How successful is their mission?
they failed half of their mission. they killed banquo and forgot his son.
3.41. During the banquet, what does Macbeth learn from the First Murderer (3.4.11-31)? How does that affect Macbeth's participation in the banquet?
that banquo is dead and that his son escaped. this affects macbeth's participation at the banquet by it makes him keep to himself and he did not entertain his guests.
2. What appears at 3.4.36? Who can see it? What "trick" does it play on Macbeth (3.2.36-46)? How does Macbeth respond? How does Lady Macbeth explain his response to him? To the guests? What does Macbeth find strange (3.4.74-82)? What happens to the banquet?
banquo's ghost. only macbeth. the trick it plays on macbeth is that it makes him afraid. macbeth responds by telling asking those around him who played this trick on him. lady macbeth explains that its just a hallucination that occurs when he's afraid. to the guests, she says that its a convulsion that he gets every now and then and that he's had it ever since he was a child. he finds it strange that nobody but him can see banquo. the banquet is ruined in way.
3. Who is the next problem person mentioned (3.2.127-129)? How well does Macbeth trust his followers (3.4.130-131)? Where will he go tomorrow and what does he want to find out (3.4.131-134)? How does Lady Macbeth diagnose his infirmity (3.2.140)?3.51. What is Hecate's complaint to the witches? What does she tell them to do? What will happen tomorrow? Where?
macduff. he doesnt trust his followers very well. he will go see the witches to find out whats the worst thing that is going to happen to him. by sayin that he hasnt slept. hecate's complaint is that he wasnt properly informed of the witches using their magic and that they used their magic and gave power to a macbeth, who in his eyes is spoiled. he tells them to go and meet macbeth. he will prepare something horrible for macbeth. he will curse him with illusions. they are to meet at the pit by river in hell.
3.61. Why is Lennox talking in such an indirect way to the other lord? What is Lennox trying to tell him? What might he be trying to learn about him?
2. What has happened to Macduff? 3. What is the function of this scene in the play?
macduff is trying to bring honor back to his king. the function of the scene is to give the audience another p.o.v. of what is going on.
ACT 44.11. How many witches appear in this scene?
like 6 plus hecate.
2. What messages does Macbeth get from the witches and their apparitions? Does he feel safe after the first three apparitions? Should he? How does he feel after the fourth, the line of kings?
from the first apparition, macbeth is warned about macduff thane of fife. the second apparition tells macbeth to be violent, bold, and firm, because no man born from a woman can hurt him. the third apparition tells him to be brave for he shall not be defeated until birnam wood marches to fight him at dunsinane hill. the fourth vision shows 7 dead kings holding mirrors and the ghost of banquo. he does feel safe after the 1 three apparitions. no he shouldnt. he dislikes the vision of the kings.
3. What does Macbeth learn from Lennox at line 158? What does he plan to do about it?
that macduff has fled to england
4.21. What is Lady Macduff's reaction to her husband's departure for England (4.2.1-30).
she is upset with him for leaving. she says that he lacks the ability to protect his family.
2. What is the function of the scene between Lady Macduff and her son (4.2.30-64)?
maybe to show how much loyalty his wife has in her husband and how smart he son is.....i'm not really sure what the purpose of this scene is.
3. What happens to Lady Macduff and her son?
they are both killed.
4.31. What do we know at the beginning of the scene that Macduff doesn't know?
that his wife and his son are dead.
2. What is the main issue between Malcolm and Macduff in the first part of the scene (4.3.1-32)? Why might Malcolm be suspicious of Macduff? How does Macduff respond (4.3.32-38)? What changes when Macduff starts to leave at line 35?
The main issue is that the homeland has fallen. Malcolm is suspicious because he thinks Macduff is going to betray him in Macbeth's favor. Macduff tells him that he isn't treacherous
3. What does Malcolm say about himself, and how does Macduff respond (lines 38-115)? What bothers Macduff more in a king, lust or avarice? Why does this character of Malcolm's surprise Macduff (lines 106-112)? (Malcolm's mother was the daughter of the Old Siward mentioned in line 135, which might explain why he is helping. The description of his mother sounds more like St. Margaret of Scotland, who in fact was later this Malcolm's wife.)
that Macbeth compared to him looks like an angel and that you couldn't find a worse devil than Macbeth. Avarice bugs Macduff more because you can't out grow it. It surprises him because he finally sees what a horrible man Malcolm is.
4. How does this threat to leave by Macduff change Malcolm's story? What is Malcolm's explanation for his behavior (lines 115-133)? What was Malcolm about to do when Macduff arrived (lines 134-138)?
everything he said was a lie now. His explaination is that he wasn't sure he could trust Macduff. Malcolm was about to have siward over.
5. What is the purpose of the discussion of King Edward's healing powers? How does this compare to the present King of Scotland in the play? Note lines 155-157: King James, who was from Scotland and who as a Stuart was considered one of those descendants of Banquo, had recently revived this practice when the play was written, which gives another reason for including it in the play.
macbeth is tainting it while king of scotland is healing it
6. What message does Ross bring? How long does it take for him to tell it? How does Macduff respond? Note lines 214-217: Who "has no children"? We assume he means Macbeth, but could he mean Malcolm, who is perhaps too hasty in telling him to "Be comforted"? Notice the mentions of "man" in lines 221-223 and 237 and compare the use of the word earlier in the play (as at 1.7.46-51 abd 72-74; 3.1.92-102; and 3.4.57, 72, 98, and 107). What does it mean to be a "man" in this play?
that scotland is where they will die. macduff. and man means to be violent.
7. What are Malcolm, Macduff, and Ross ready to do at the end of the scene?
they are ready to kill macbeth.
ACT 55.11. What has the gentlewoman seen Lady Macbeth do (5.1.1-15)? Why won't she tell the Doctor what Lady Macbeth said?
saw her sleep walking. because she's afraid that he will think she is lying
2. What does Lady Macbeth reveal in her sleepwalking speeches and actions (5.1.23-58)? To what does the Doctor relate this in 5.1.61-69? What is he suggesting in lines 66-67?5.21. Where are the soldiers heading in 5.2? Whose side are they on? What do the mentions of Birnam Wood (line 5) and Dunsinane (line 12) remind us of?5.31. What reports are the servants bringing to Macbeth (5.3.1)? Why does Macbeth say he is not afraid? What does he think about himself in lines 20-29?
that she was apart of king duncans murder. he relates it to a sickness. he wants her to go see a priest to confess. the soldiers are heading toward birnam woods. they are on malcoms side. reminds us of the apparitions warnings. because no man born from a woman can kill him.
2. What does the Doctor say about Lady Macbeth (lines 39-46)? What does Macbeth wish the Doctor could do (lines 52-58)?
that she is troubled w/ endless visions. wish he could cure his country
5.41. What does Malcolm tell the soldiers to do (5.4.4-7)? What effect do you expect this to have on Macbeth?
tells them to conceal themselves using branches. he will be afraid.
5.51. What does "the cry of women" signify (5.5.7.1, 15)? Read Macbeth's famous speech in lines 16-27 carefully. What is he saying? How does he feel about life at this point?
it signifies the death of the queen. he says that w/ each day everyone is closer and closer to death. that life is no more than an illusion.
2. What news does the messenger bring in lines 28-33? How does Macbeth react to this news? What does he now think of the witches (lines 40-46)? (Notice the return of "equivocation" in line 41.) Yet what is his mood at the end of the scene (lines 49-50)? Will he go out with a whimper?
We learn that the battle is going to begin. Siward and his son are mentioned because one of them is going to die.
5.61. What do we learn in this scene? Why are Siward and his son mentioned?
Macbeth is afraid of nobody except the man not born of a woman. Macbeth kills Young Siward.
5.71. What is Macbeth's attitude at the beginning of the scene (lines 1-4)? What happens in his encounter with Young Siward?
fears nobody
5.8 (5.7 continues in most editions)1. Who is Macduff looking for and why (lines 1-10)?
macbeth so that way he can kill him
5.9 (5.7 continues in most editions)1. How is it that Malcolm and Siward are able to enter the castle so easily (lines 1-6)?
b/c their enemy isnt trying to beat them.
5.10 (5.8 in most editions)1. What unwished-for information does Macduff have for Macbeth (lines 1-16)? How does Macbeth respond? What will happen if he doesn't fight? Why does he fight?
that he was not born naturally but that he was cut out of his mothers stomach. he told him that he should not have said that. if he doesnt fight then he is going to be embarassed. if he does fight he dies. he fights because he refused to kiss the ground that macduff walks on.
5.11 (5.8 continues in most editions)1. How upset is Siward at his son's death? Why?
not very upset because his son died in a honorable way.
2. What does Malcolm promise his followers (lines 26-41)? What does he tell us about Lady Macbeth's death (line 36-37)? Should we believe him? (He is her enemy, after all-but remember the Doctor's instructions in 5.1.66-67.)
he promises his followers to be named earls. He tells us that Lady Macbeth committed suicide. Yeah, he's believable because Lady Macbeth's guilt probably got to her and she killed herself.
1.21. What do we learn about and from the "bloody Captain" (1.2.1-44)? Who is Macdonwald and what has he done? What has been done to him and by whom? Did that end the problem with rebels (1.2.29-34)?
The effect of the witches in the beginning of the play is that it sort of seems like they are looking into the future. The witches are going to meet Macbeth on the heath. we learn that there was a war. macdonwald is one of the head soldiers in the rebel army. he is killed by macbeth. no they were'nt ended, instead it created new ones.
2. What do we learn from Ross and Angus (1.2.45-62)? Who was the traitor in this different revolt? What does King Duncan say about the traitor and about his title (1.2.63-65)?
That there was a war between norway and cawdor. the traitor in this revolt was the thane of cawdor. King Duncan says that the traitor is dead and that ross should go introduce himself w/ the traitors title.
1.31. What is the effect of what the witches tell each other in 1.3.1-27)? What is the effect of the specifics they tell? Are these details important to the plot of the play? Why are they here? What does the First Witch mean by line 9? Keep the line in mind; "do" is an important word in this play. How do the witches prepare for Macbeth's arrival, and what do they say (1.3.28-35)?
the effect of the what the witches tell each other is that it sort of paints the scene of where they are. they are on the ship in the ocean and the witches are giving the ship wind to sail. The effect of the specifics they give is so that way the audience can see that the witches can be everywhere not only on land but on sea. The witches are there to meet macbeth. the first witch means that she will follow macbeth. the witches prepare by giving wind to the sail.
2. Does Macbeth's first line (1.3.36) remind you of anything we have heard before? What do the witches look like (1.3.37-45)? What do they tell Macbeth (1.3.46-48). What happens to Macbeth then? How do we know? (See 1.3.49-55.) What does Banquo ask the witches and what do they tell him (1.3.55-67; notice the paradoxes in 1.3.63-65, similar in structure to 1.1.10-11 and 1.3.36). What do we know that Macbeth doesn't know in 1.3.68-76)?
It was what the witches said in the first scene. they look like "inhabitants not o' the earth" they are women who have beards. they tell macbeth that he is to be king. He becomes king we know because we found out in the second scene that the thane of cawdor died. he asks them if he is to be king as well in the future. they tell him yes. we know the the actual thane of cawdor is dead and there is an imposter taking his place.
3. How does Banquo explain the witches (1.3.77-78)? What does Macbeth learn from Ross and Angus (1.3.87-114)? What is Macbeth doing in lines 114-156? Note where he is speaking to himself, where he is speaking only to Banquo, and where he is speaking to everyone. How is Macbeth reacting to what the witches have said and to what Ross and Angus have said? Read Banquo's speech in lines 120-125 carefully for a statement related to the themes of the play. Then read Macbeth's speech at 1.3.126-141 carefully. What is he saying? What is he beginning to think about? Notice an echo of the paradox of "fair is foul" in lines 140-141.
he explains them as bubbles in earth. sorta like they exist but they dont. macbeth is kind of afraid of the witches. macbeth learns that he is to be the thane of cawdor. he reacts to the witches news and the news from banquo by his is excited about it because everything, so far, the witches have told him would happen to him has come true. he is thinking about how he is to become king.
4. How does Macbeth explain his behavior (1.3.148-149)? How much of his thought does he plan to share with Banquo (1.3.152-154)?
he was distracted. he
1.41. How did Cawdor die (1.4.1-11)? How does the King respond (1.4.11-14)? Keep these lines in mind.
cawdor died by he confessed his treasons, asked for forgiveness from the king and repented then he killed himself i think...i'm not enitrely sure... he responds by saying that he was a gentlemen he had built trust in.
2. How does the King greet Macbeth and Banquo (1.4.14-35)? Note the imagery of planting and growing. What announcement does the King make in lines 35-42? (Prince of Cumberland is the title of the Scottish heir apparent, like Prince of Wales for the English.) Where does the King intend to go (1.4.42-47)? How does he react in his aside to the King's announcement of his heir (1.4.48-53)? What is going on in Macbeth's mind?
he greets them by saying that macbeth is his worthiest of cousins and uses a lot of gardening imagery. he announces that the prince of cumberland is to be his heir. The king plans on going to Inverness. macbeth is upset by the news but he knows that it is in his fate that he is to be king.
1.51. Has Macbeth reported accurately to his wife (1.5.1-12)? How does she respond? Read her speech in lines 13-28 carefully. How does she describe Macbeth? Does this match what we have seen of him?
no. she is excited about it. when she describes him its kind of strange because she starts out w/ saying he's a book and then says that he's a book that men would read of strange matters in. so its sort of a compliment but then it isnt.
2. How does Lady Macbeth respond to the news that the King is coming? Read her speech in lines 36-52 carefully. What does she intend to do? What does she have to do to herself to let that happen?
she welcomes him. she intends to kill the king. she has to think like a man..... i think
3. Who is in charge when Macbeth arrives (1.5.52-71)? Has Lady Macbeth decided what to do? Has Macbeth? What does she tell him to do, and what will she herself do?
lady macbeth. yes she has. no he hasnt. she tells him to put the nights great business into her hands. she will kill him.
4. What is Lady Macbeth's name? (A trick question-it's not in the play. But historical sources tell us her name was Gruoch and that she had a son by a previous marriage, named Lulach. See the Bedford Texts and Contexts edition of Macbeth, p. 128, with no source given there.)
1.61. Read the opening speeches (1.6.1-10) carefully, noting the imagery. How honest is Lady Macbeth's welcome (1.6.10-31)?
not very honest.
1.71. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 1.7.1-28 carefully. Notice the repetition of "done" in lines 1-2. How ready is Macbeth to kill the King? What is he worried about in lines 1-12? What special rules of hospitality is Macbeth violating (lines 12-16)? What motivation does Macbeth attribute to himself (lines 25-28)?
he does not seem ready to kill the king. he is worried about being punished and getting blamed for it all by himself. he is violating the rules of hospitality by killing his guest himself. his motivation is his ambition.
2. What is Lady Macbeth complaining about in lines 28-30? What does Macbeth then say, and how does Lady Macbeth reply? Read their discussion in lines 31-82 carefully to see what positions each holds and what means each uses to convince the other? Who is the stronger person in this scene?
she is complaining about why macbeth left the chamber. he asks if the king asked for him. and she practically said yes. lady is the stronger person in scene.
ACT 22.11. What is the purpose of the opening of 2.1 (lines 1-9)? Notice the references to time (lines 1-3), and think about the other references to time so far in the play (1.1.1-5; 1.3.56, 146, and 152; 1.5.8 and 56-62; 1.7.51 and 81). What is the function of the discussion about the witches in 2.1.20-29?
the purpose is to somewhat foreshadowing some evil.
2. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 2.1.33-64 carefully. What is happening to him? How does he explain it? What will he do about it? Notice references to time in line59 and to deeds and done in lines 61-62.
he is afraid to stab the king. he explains it analyzing the knife and how would kill the king.
2.21. What is Lady Macbeth's state of mind in her soliloquy (2.2.1-13)? What has she done? What does she assume Macbeth is now doing? Why didn't she do it (lines 12-13)?
she is awaiting the death of the king. she was drinking. she assumes that macbeth is killing them. she didnt do it because the king resembled her father.
2. What deed has Macbeth done (2.2.14)? What is Macbeth worried about in lines 17
killed the king. worried about the cries that were made by the king
-31? How does Lady Macbeth respond (lines 31-32)? Notice the heavy emphasis on the murdering of sleep in lines 33-41. What problem arises in line 46? How is it solved? Keep lines 44-45, 58-61, and 65 about washing in mind for later in the play.
she tells him not to worry. blood on him. washes it off.
2.31. What does the porter pretend to be doing? Notice the emphasis on equivocation in this speech and in the following dialogue with Macduff. Equivocation was a doctrine espoused by Jesuits living secretly in England (and in danger of arrest, torture, and death) that allowed them to swear oaths with double meanings in order to preserve their lives while also maintaining their faith but that looked to their opponents very much like lying under oath. Equivocation had recently been much discussed because of the trials surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of November 1605, a Catholic attempt to blow up Parliament while the members and the King were present. Watch how the idea of equivocation functions in the play.
pretends he's the gateskeeper in hell.
2. What is the thematic function of Lennox's conversation with Macbeth about the unruly night (lines 50-59). What is the theatrical function of the scene? Why does something need to be here?
the function is to make macbeth nervous maybe. and possibly its to show the audience the other characters new something had happened that evening but they arent sure what happened aside from them thinking it was really rough weather.
3. What news does Macduff report at line 59? How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respond? What does Macbeth report in lines 103-104 that he did? What do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to do and why (lines 116-121 and 131-142)? Where will they go? What do they seem to expect will happen if they don't leave?
macduff reports that the king had been murdered. macbeth respond by saying how sad he is that the renowned king is dead. lady macbeth responds by acting shocked. macbeth reports that he killed them. they decided to keep quiet. malcolm will go to england and donalbain will go to ireland. if they dont leave they believe that they will be in danger.
2.41. What is the function of the dialogue between the Old Man and Ross (lines 1-20)? What do we learn from Macduff about Malcolm and Donalbain? About Macbeth? Where has Macbeth gone? Where will Macduff go? (Macbeth was historically a member of the royal family; his mother and Duncan's mother were sisters, daughters of Duncan's predecessor as king; both Duncan and Macbeth were historically about the same age. Duncan ruled from 1034 to 1040 and Macbeth from 1040 to 1057.) Notice that many of the key words and ideas we have been tracing appear in this scene.
the function of the conversation is to give a sense of foreshadowing. we learn that they are suspects in the murder. that he is to be king. macbeth went to scone. macduff will go to fife.
ACT 33.11. How does Banquo react to Macbeth's being King (3.1.1-10)? What does he suspect has happened to Duncan?
he seems somewhat jealous...but he sees that what the witches had said about macbeth had come true. so he is hopeful that they will come true for him as well.
2. What does Macbeth learn from Banquo in lines 19-38? Why does he want to know it? What does he say about Malcolm and Donalbain in lines 31-34?
3. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 3.1.49-73 carefully. What is bothering Macbeth?
he's worried about how brave and noble banquo is.
4. How does Macbeth get the two murderers to agree to kill Banquo? Has he told them the truth about Banquo and himself? What has brought the murderers to be willing to do a deed like this?
by saying that it was banquo that had made their lives a living hell and telling them that banquo is their enemy. no he hasnt told the truth. their hatred for banquo.
3.21. How much does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth about his fears? How much does he tell her about what he plans to do? Does she know as much as we know at this point?
he tells her that he fears that banquo is going to do something to take away his title. he tells her very little about what he is about to do. no she does not.
3.31. How do the two murderers respond to the third one? How does the third one explain his presence?
they accept him. he explains that macbeth sent him.
2. How successful is their mission?
they failed half of their mission. they killed banquo and forgot his son.
3.41. During the banquet, what does Macbeth learn from the First Murderer (3.4.11-31)? How does that affect Macbeth's participation in the banquet?
that banquo is dead and that his son escaped. this affects macbeth's participation at the banquet by it makes him keep to himself and he did not entertain his guests.
2. What appears at 3.4.36? Who can see it? What "trick" does it play on Macbeth (3.2.36-46)? How does Macbeth respond? How does Lady Macbeth explain his response to him? To the guests? What does Macbeth find strange (3.4.74-82)? What happens to the banquet?
banquo's ghost. only macbeth. the trick it plays on macbeth is that it makes him afraid. macbeth responds by telling asking those around him who played this trick on him. lady macbeth explains that its just a hallucination that occurs when he's afraid. to the guests, she says that its a convulsion that he gets every now and then and that he's had it ever since he was a child. he finds it strange that nobody but him can see banquo. the banquet is ruined in way.
3. Who is the next problem person mentioned (3.2.127-129)? How well does Macbeth trust his followers (3.4.130-131)? Where will he go tomorrow and what does he want to find out (3.4.131-134)? How does Lady Macbeth diagnose his infirmity (3.2.140)?3.51. What is Hecate's complaint to the witches? What does she tell them to do? What will happen tomorrow? Where?
macduff. he doesnt trust his followers very well. he will go see the witches to find out whats the worst thing that is going to happen to him. by sayin that he hasnt slept. hecate's complaint is that he wasnt properly informed of the witches using their magic and that they used their magic and gave power to a macbeth, who in his eyes is spoiled. he tells them to go and meet macbeth. he will prepare something horrible for macbeth. he will curse him with illusions. they are to meet at the pit by river in hell.
3.61. Why is Lennox talking in such an indirect way to the other lord? What is Lennox trying to tell him? What might he be trying to learn about him?
2. What has happened to Macduff? 3. What is the function of this scene in the play?
macduff is trying to bring honor back to his king. the function of the scene is to give the audience another p.o.v. of what is going on.
ACT 44.11. How many witches appear in this scene?
like 6 plus hecate.
2. What messages does Macbeth get from the witches and their apparitions? Does he feel safe after the first three apparitions? Should he? How does he feel after the fourth, the line of kings?
from the first apparition, macbeth is warned about macduff thane of fife. the second apparition tells macbeth to be violent, bold, and firm, because no man born from a woman can hurt him. the third apparition tells him to be brave for he shall not be defeated until birnam wood marches to fight him at dunsinane hill. the fourth vision shows 7 dead kings holding mirrors and the ghost of banquo. he does feel safe after the 1 three apparitions. no he shouldnt. he dislikes the vision of the kings.
3. What does Macbeth learn from Lennox at line 158? What does he plan to do about it?
that macduff has fled to england
4.21. What is Lady Macduff's reaction to her husband's departure for England (4.2.1-30).
she is upset with him for leaving. she says that he lacks the ability to protect his family.
2. What is the function of the scene between Lady Macduff and her son (4.2.30-64)?
maybe to show how much loyalty his wife has in her husband and how smart he son is.....i'm not really sure what the purpose of this scene is.
3. What happens to Lady Macduff and her son?
they are both killed.
4.31. What do we know at the beginning of the scene that Macduff doesn't know?
that his wife and his son are dead.
2. What is the main issue between Malcolm and Macduff in the first part of the scene (4.3.1-32)? Why might Malcolm be suspicious of Macduff? How does Macduff respond (4.3.32-38)? What changes when Macduff starts to leave at line 35?
The main issue is that the homeland has fallen. Malcolm is suspicious because he thinks Macduff is going to betray him in Macbeth's favor. Macduff tells him that he isn't treacherous
3. What does Malcolm say about himself, and how does Macduff respond (lines 38-115)? What bothers Macduff more in a king, lust or avarice? Why does this character of Malcolm's surprise Macduff (lines 106-112)? (Malcolm's mother was the daughter of the Old Siward mentioned in line 135, which might explain why he is helping. The description of his mother sounds more like St. Margaret of Scotland, who in fact was later this Malcolm's wife.)
that Macbeth compared to him looks like an angel and that you couldn't find a worse devil than Macbeth. Avarice bugs Macduff more because you can't out grow it. It surprises him because he finally sees what a horrible man Malcolm is.
4. How does this threat to leave by Macduff change Malcolm's story? What is Malcolm's explanation for his behavior (lines 115-133)? What was Malcolm about to do when Macduff arrived (lines 134-138)?
everything he said was a lie now. His explaination is that he wasn't sure he could trust Macduff. Malcolm was about to have siward over.
5. What is the purpose of the discussion of King Edward's healing powers? How does this compare to the present King of Scotland in the play? Note lines 155-157: King James, who was from Scotland and who as a Stuart was considered one of those descendants of Banquo, had recently revived this practice when the play was written, which gives another reason for including it in the play.
macbeth is tainting it while king of scotland is healing it
6. What message does Ross bring? How long does it take for him to tell it? How does Macduff respond? Note lines 214-217: Who "has no children"? We assume he means Macbeth, but could he mean Malcolm, who is perhaps too hasty in telling him to "Be comforted"? Notice the mentions of "man" in lines 221-223 and 237 and compare the use of the word earlier in the play (as at 1.7.46-51 abd 72-74; 3.1.92-102; and 3.4.57, 72, 98, and 107). What does it mean to be a "man" in this play?
that scotland is where they will die. macduff. and man means to be violent.
7. What are Malcolm, Macduff, and Ross ready to do at the end of the scene?
they are ready to kill macbeth.
ACT 55.11. What has the gentlewoman seen Lady Macbeth do (5.1.1-15)? Why won't she tell the Doctor what Lady Macbeth said?
saw her sleep walking. because she's afraid that he will think she is lying
2. What does Lady Macbeth reveal in her sleepwalking speeches and actions (5.1.23-58)? To what does the Doctor relate this in 5.1.61-69? What is he suggesting in lines 66-67?5.21. Where are the soldiers heading in 5.2? Whose side are they on? What do the mentions of Birnam Wood (line 5) and Dunsinane (line 12) remind us of?5.31. What reports are the servants bringing to Macbeth (5.3.1)? Why does Macbeth say he is not afraid? What does he think about himself in lines 20-29?
that she was apart of king duncans murder. he relates it to a sickness. he wants her to go see a priest to confess. the soldiers are heading toward birnam woods. they are on malcoms side. reminds us of the apparitions warnings. because no man born from a woman can kill him.
2. What does the Doctor say about Lady Macbeth (lines 39-46)? What does Macbeth wish the Doctor could do (lines 52-58)?
that she is troubled w/ endless visions. wish he could cure his country
5.41. What does Malcolm tell the soldiers to do (5.4.4-7)? What effect do you expect this to have on Macbeth?
tells them to conceal themselves using branches. he will be afraid.
5.51. What does "the cry of women" signify (5.5.7.1, 15)? Read Macbeth's famous speech in lines 16-27 carefully. What is he saying? How does he feel about life at this point?
it signifies the death of the queen. he says that w/ each day everyone is closer and closer to death. that life is no more than an illusion.
2. What news does the messenger bring in lines 28-33? How does Macbeth react to this news? What does he now think of the witches (lines 40-46)? (Notice the return of "equivocation" in line 41.) Yet what is his mood at the end of the scene (lines 49-50)? Will he go out with a whimper?
We learn that the battle is going to begin. Siward and his son are mentioned because one of them is going to die.
5.61. What do we learn in this scene? Why are Siward and his son mentioned?
Macbeth is afraid of nobody except the man not born of a woman. Macbeth kills Young Siward.
5.71. What is Macbeth's attitude at the beginning of the scene (lines 1-4)? What happens in his encounter with Young Siward?
fears nobody
5.8 (5.7 continues in most editions)1. Who is Macduff looking for and why (lines 1-10)?
macbeth so that way he can kill him
5.9 (5.7 continues in most editions)1. How is it that Malcolm and Siward are able to enter the castle so easily (lines 1-6)?
b/c their enemy isnt trying to beat them.
5.10 (5.8 in most editions)1. What unwished-for information does Macduff have for Macbeth (lines 1-16)? How does Macbeth respond? What will happen if he doesn't fight? Why does he fight?
that he was not born naturally but that he was cut out of his mothers stomach. he told him that he should not have said that. if he doesnt fight then he is going to be embarassed. if he does fight he dies. he fights because he refused to kiss the ground that macduff walks on.
5.11 (5.8 continues in most editions)1. How upset is Siward at his son's death? Why?
not very upset because his son died in a honorable way.
2. What does Malcolm promise his followers (lines 26-41)? What does he tell us about Lady Macbeth's death (line 36-37)? Should we believe him? (He is her enemy, after all-but remember the Doctor's instructions in 5.1.66-67.)
he promises his followers to be named earls. He tells us that Lady Macbeth committed suicide. Yeah, he's believable because Lady Macbeth's guilt probably got to her and she killed herself.
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