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Macbeth: Speak, if you can. What are you? Witches: All hail, Macbeth!
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I, iii
Explain what has annoyed the first witch?
How does she get her revenge?
With what mythological women might the three “weird sisters” be
compared? (Note that the Anglo-Saxon word, “wyrd,” meant “fate.”)
Explain the significance of Macbeth’s first line in the play.
Compare this line with the witches’ second last line in scene one.
What three titles do the witches apply to Macbeth?
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| Glamis Castle |
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| Ruins of the Ancient Inverness Castle |
According to Banquo, what is Macbeth’s reaction to these titles? Why does Banquo request something from the weird sisters?
What is a “paradox”? Explain the paradoxical answers which the witches
What else does Macbeth ask the witches? Why does he ask this?
Why does Macbeth remind Banquo that his children shall be Kings?
What news does Ross bring Macbeth? Name two things.
What is indicated about Banquo’s opinion of the second part of Ross’
news, by his words, “What, can the devil speak true?”
Why was the first Thane of Cawdor stripped of his tile
What does Banquo suggest about the nature of the witches’ prophecies?
Paraphrase Macbeth’s aside speech, which begins, “Two truths are told”
and ends, “…chance may crown me/ without my stir.”
Identify the line which shows Macbeth may have previously thought of
being King?
Explain the book imagery in Macbeth’s second last speech in the scene.
What excuse does Macbeth provide for his inattention to the other men?
I, iv
What concerns Duncan at the beginning of the scene? Why? What did the Thane of Cawdor do before he died?
Paraphrase Duncan’s comment, “There’s no art…face.” What does Duncan mean by “More… can pay”? How does Macbeth respond to Duncan’s gratitude? Explain the imagery in Duncan’s next speech (to Macbeth). What important announcement does Duncan make about Malcolm? Why is this of concern to Macbeth?
Why is Duncan going to Inverness? Why does Macbeth say he will go there at once?
Contrast Macbeth’s attitude toward the third prophecy at the end of
Scene 4 with his attitude at the end of Scene 3.
