Macbeth Reading Questions PDF

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Reading assignment related to Macbeth, Grade 10 Honors English...

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(Questions for Act 3 and 4 are towards the bottom. The chart is in the middle of the document.)

Act 1:

Scene 1: The play opens with the three witches rather than the principal characters in the drama. Why? What mood is created in this first scene?

By opening with the witches, a sense of impending supernatural doom is created, making the mood ominous. Their strange incantations and chants are unsettling: “Fair is foul and foul is fair, Hover through fog and filthy air” (1.1.12-13).

Scene 2: We learn about Macbeth through the other characters in this scene. Using their perspectives, provide a characterization of Macbeth.

Macbeth is indirectly characterized by the men who speak of him. They see him as noble and courageous: “For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name)” (1.2.18), “O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman!” (1.2.26).

Scene 3: A) What is the prophecy the witches deliver to Macbeth and Banquo?

Macbeth is the Thane of Glamis, and the witches state that he will be awarded the title of Thane of Cawdor by Duncan when he returns from battle. Then, they say that he will be king of Scotland, thereafter. They turn to Banquo and say that though he himself will not be of royalty, his children and all his descendants will be king.

B) When Macbeth hears he has, in fact, been named Thane of Cawdor, how does he react? What does he consider or ponder?

Macbeth realizes that the witches were right in their prophecy. Letting his ambition take over, he starts plotting what he wants to do to become king quickly. However, Malcolm, the King’s son, is awarded the title of prince of Scotland, which is now the only obstacle between Macbeth and the crown. He is also disturbed by the foretellings of the witches, believing, “This

supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good… If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair…” (1.3.144-148).

Scene 4: What news does Macbeth hear from Duncan that adds to his dilemma?

Duncan tells Macbeth that Malcolm is to be crowned the Prince of Cumberland. He must “o’erleap” this promotion of Malcolm’s, “for in [his] way it lies” (1.4.55-57). However, he must not make it obvious that he so desperately wants to be Thane of Cawdor.

Scene 5: In this scene, we meet Lady Macbeth. Provide a characterization as she presents herself in this scene. Focus on both her soliloquy and her conversation with Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth is characterized as greedy and power hungry. She is stripping herself of all lady-like behavior and letting her inner demons take over her, shown when she says, “Come, you spirits… unsex me here” (1.5.47-48). Succumbing to this darkness, she is asking to be evil and courageous enough for the task at hand.

Scene 6: When Duncan arrives, how is he greeted by Lady Macbeth?

Lady Macbeth puts on her “best hostess” act and is kind to the king, even though she wants his death, as it will make her queen. She addresses him as “Highness” (1.6.34) and is respectful to him.

Scene 7 A) What ideas about murdering Duncan does Macbeth express in his soliloquy?

Macbeth is conflicted about murdering Duncan. But he knows it must be done in order to get what he wants. He says, “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly” (1.7.1-2). He does not really want to hurt Duncan, and wants to get the murder over with as quickly as possible.

B) Why does Macbeth ultimately decide to murder Duncan?

In addition to the coercion from his evil wife, the power-hungry nature of a man tempted with authority led him to decide to murder Duncan.

Act 2:

Scene 1: Shakespeare incorporates the idea of madness into this play, in the portrayal of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. In his soliloquy, discuss how Macbeth is showing signs of madness.

Macbeth is first shown exhibiting signs of madness when he begins talking aloud to himself. As if this in itself is not enough, he mentions things such as a “heat-oppressed brain” (2.1.51), meaning he has become feverishly excited and psychotic about such a terrible deed as killing Duncan. Furthermore, he places emphasis on how gore, morbidity, and violence plague his mind. By implementing words such as “gouts of blood,” “bloody business,” and “cold breath,” he is clearly portrayed as becoming more and more panic-stricken and mad.

Scene 2: In this scene, the murder of Duncan is carried out. How does Macbeth stray from the plan they devised? Describe Macbeth’s emotions following the murders.

Macbeth murders Duncan, but distracted by his guilty conscience and literal red hands, he accidentally takes the bloody daggers with him instead of leaving them in the room with the servants, as was the initial plan. He cannot bring himself to return the daggers to the other room, so his wife must do it for him, muttering comments about how he is foolish for being so torn up about the murder, remarking, “‘Tis the eye of childhood that fears a painted devil” (2.2.70-71). This means that she thinks he is foolish for being so caught up in his fears.

Scene 3: Why does Shakespeare incorporate the Porter, a seemingly irrelevant character at first glance, into the play at this point? Upon closer examination of his lines, he does convey some important ideas? Comment on them.

The drunken porter is implemented in the scene for comic relief. But at the same time, his presence doubles as a vector for creating a darker atmosphere. His constant knocking eventually becomes more unsettling than funny. Moving back to his lines, the porter makes points about

how easy it is to come to hell, especially by means of simple sinning and the pleasure of indulgence, or “the primrose way to th’ everlasting bonfire” (2.3.19). He also becomes tired of acting as a porter to the gates of hell in that scenario, saying the environment is too cold for hell. This insinuates that the darkness (due to all the murder and demonic intentions/behaviors of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth) is too much even for such an evil place as the hell he imagined he was the gatekeeper to.

Scene 4: In this scene, Ross and the old man discuss some of the strange happenings around them. What are they? What do these occurrences have to do with Macbeth and the events that precede this conversation?

Ross and the old man converse about the odd occurrences around them. They say that night has become more powerful than day with the remark, “Is’t night’s predominance or the day’s shame that darkness does the face of earth entomb when living light should kiss it?” (2.4.10-12). This means that darkness and evil, which is sometimes associated with night, is more potent than the goodness and light of the daytime. This relates to the succession of murders and accusations involving Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. In addition, Duncan’s horses broke out of their stalls and acquired their freedom. This could represent the hunger for vengeance that Duncan’s son might want to have for the terrible deed done to his father.

Complete the following chart as your read through the play. There should between 2-4 examples per act.

Things that motivate Macbeth to commit Murder…(in your own words)

Specific lines from the play which indicate Macbeth’s motives (including act, scene, and line)

Act 1: Lady Macbeth coerces Macbeth into murdering Duncan so he will assume the position of Thane of Cawdor, so she will be queen. Macbeth succumbs easily to her persuasion since she is the dominant one in the relationship. She ridicules him for being so afraid to carry out the murder.

“The raven himself is hoarse and croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements” (1.5.45-47).

Act 2: The forceful ambition of his wife is still a motivating factor in Macbeth’s reason to kill Duncan. However, this time, he is forced to carry it out himself because his wife could not do it out of the fact Duncan looked like her father. This is Macbeth’s first murder, and it affects him profoundly.

“I go, and it is done. The bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell that summons thee to heaven or to hell” (2.1.75-77).

“If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly” (1.7.1-2). “What beast was’t then, that made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man” (1.7.54-56).

“Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done’t” (2.2.16-17). “I am afraid to think what I have done. Look on’t again I dare not” (2.2.66-67). “My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white” (82-83).

Act 3: This time, Macbeth decides Banquo must be terminated, since he suspects that Macbeth was responsible for the murder of Duncan. Macbeth also wants to kill Fleance to ensure that only he will become king. He does not even tell Lady Macbeth of his plans. He decides to have murderers carry out the deed so he feels less guilty about being responsible for another death. Act 4: Macbeth decides to kill Macduff since the prophecy states to beware of him. Even though he feels there is not

“Both of you know Banquo was your enemy” (3.1.130). “It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight, if it find heaven, must find it out tonight” (3.2.161-162). “...we must lave our honors in these flattering streams and make our faces vizards to our hearts, disguising what they are” (3.2.38-39). “O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Thou know’st tha Banquo and his Fleance lives” (3.2.41-42).

“Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee? But yet I’ll make assurance double sure and take a bond of fate. Thou shalt not live” (4.1.93-95).

much to worry about, he decides to kill him and his family as a precaution.

“The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give t th’ edge o’ th’ sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line” (4.1.171-174).

Act 5: Macbeth battles Malcolm out of defense after he abandons his Dunsinane castle. He also still tries to fight Macduff in battle, but is slain because Macduff was not born of woman on technical terms.

“What’s he that was not born of woman? Such a one am I to fear, or none” (5.7.2-4). “Tell thee Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped” (5.8.19-20). “Accursed be the tongue that tells me so, for it hath cowed my better part of man!... I’ll not fight with thee” (5.8.21-26).

Macbeth Close Read with Focus Questions Act III and Act IV Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Act III, Scenes i-iii 1. What does Banquo’s short soliloquy at the start of Act III tell us? What are his thoughts about the prophecy and the murder of Duncan? Banquo has seen the truth in the witches’ prophecy, since Macbeth became Thane of Cawdor as predicted. He is aware that next, his kin will hold royal positions. But he fears that Macbeth only fulfilled the prophecy by killing Duncan. He remarks, “thou hast it now… and I fear thou played’st most foully for’t” (3.1.1-3). 2. What has Macbeth decided to do about Banquo, and how will he do it? What does this say about Macbeth and power? Macbeth has decided to send murderers to kill Banquo. He cannot carry out the murder himself because of his guilty conscience, as exemplified in the murder of Duncan. So in order to rationalize the act, he sends two men who regard Banquo as an enemy, so the deed is “justified” in the eyes of the murderers themselves. This shows that Macbeth exemplifies more human qualities than his evil counterpart Lady Macbeth, but it also shows that power corrupts. Lady Macbeth’s ambition has rubbed off on her husband, and now he will not let anything, not even a friend, stand in his way of assuming full power.

3. Lady Macbeth states, “‘Tis Safer to be that which we destroy / Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.” What is the meaning of this couplet, and what is its thematic importance to the play? What does it indicate about Lady Macbeth’s character? Lady Macbeth explains the philosophy that it it better to be destroyed than to destroy others and remain apprehensive and guilty about exemplifying a facade of happiness. The thematic importance centers around the fact that a man with a guilty conscience cannot ever live happily or soundly. This shows that Lady Macbeth may still embody some of her husband’s characteristics, and is not as much of a demon as she was portrayed as in the previous act. 4. How does Macbeth urge his wife to behave toward Banquo? Why does he tell her to do so? Macbeth wants Lady Macbeth to treat Banquo in an extra friendly manner; almost with a fake, syrupy kindness. He suggests she should “present him eminence both with eye and tongue: unsafe the while that we must lave our honors in these flattering streams and make our faces vizards to our hearts, disguising what they are” (3.2.35-39). He tells her to do so because they need to maintain clean reputations, especially after the murder of Duncan. They need to seem like it would be impossible such kind people would have killed or would want to kill a person, so Banquo drops the idea that they are in truth responsible for Duncan’s death. 5. What happens to Banquo and his son, Fleance? Does this change anything about the witches’ original prophecy? Explain. Banquo is murdered by Macbeth’s appointed hitmen, but Fleance manages to evade any personal harm. He is told by his dad to seek revenge. The prophecy states that Banquo would be bigger in death, since the first witch says he will be “lesser than Macbeth and greater” (1.3.68). This means that in the world as all life knows it, he would be dead and therefore below Macbeth. But in reality, he would be greater either in the afterlife, or because he would not have to suffer with a guilty conscience like Macbeth would. This does not change anything about the witches’ prophecy, since the death of Banquo and the continued existence of Fleance were all predicted and integrated into the prophecy.

Scenes iv-vi 1. How does Macbeth react when he learns Fleance has escaped? Why does he react this way? Macbeth says he will be thrown into a fit again of worries, stating, “but now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in to saucy doubts and fears” (3.4.26-27). He reacts this way because he is paranoid by nature and is prone to feeling much more guilt than his wife, for example, feels. Macbeth is also afraid that Fleance will seek revenge for his father, and that he will be the one who suffers. 2. During the feast, Lady Macbeth asks her husband, “Are you a man?” How is this similar to a tactic she employed earlier in the play, and what does it tell us about them and their marriage? Previously, Lady Macbeth criticized her husband for being weak and exhibiting what she felt were irrational fears. For example, in Scene 2 of Act 2 she remarks irritably, “My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white” (2.2.82-83). Essentially, she is saying that though she is guilty or “red-handed” just like him, she is not a coward and harbors no apprehension regarding the murder. This also shows that Lady Macbeth is the dominant one in the marriage, and that she expects a lot from her beta male husband. 3. What is Lady Macbeth’s explanation for her husband’s episode at dinner? What is the actual explanation? Lady Macbeth explains to the guests that from his youth, Macbeth has been prone to episodes of panic and odd outbursts, or what could be characterized as schizophrenia, (which usually is not diagnosed until at least age 18 in males. However, the guests would not be aware of this.) She says, “my lord is often thus and hath been from his youth” (3.4.64-65). The actual explanation for Macbeth’s outburst is due to the fact he thinks he has seen Banquo’s ghost, which is visible only to him. Most likely, it is his guilty conscience and paranoia that causes him to act up. 4. What is the discussion between Lennox and the Lord about? How do they regard Macbeth now?

Lennox and the lord converse on the topic of Scottish politics. Lennox brings up the fact that Macbeth was most likely responsible for the murder of Duncan since the circumstances would be in his favor to do so. He speaks sarcastically, commenting on all the reasons why against the favorable odds, it certainly could not be Macbeth: “The gracious Duncan was pitied by Macbeth; marry, he was dead. And the right valiant Banquo walked too late” (3.6.5-6). The two men know that Macbeth is most likely the guilty party in the murders of Duncan and Banquo.

Act IV, Scenes i-iii 1. What do the floating apparitions tell Macbeth? What is the witches’ purpose in only revealing this limited information to Macbeth? The floating apparitions deliver more details of the prophecy to Macbeth. The first apparition tells him to beware of Macduff, the second tells him that we will not be harmed by anyone born of woman, and the third explains that he will only be defeated if the trees of Birnham Wood come to his castle. After Macbeth asks about Banquo and his line of descendants, they are more hesitant to show Macbeth the truth, because they know it will upset him. However, he insists that he must know: “Deny me this, and an eternal curse fall on you!” (4.1.119-120). Reluctantly, they show him, even though they know it will bring him sorrow: “Show his eyes and grieve his heart” (4.1.125). 2. How does Macbeth react when he learns that Macduff has fled? When Macbeth learns of Macduff’s escapade to England, he resolutely remarks that he will seize his lands and kill his family and heirs to the throne: “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line” (4.1.171-174). 3. How is the murder of Lady Macduff different from the previous murders Macbeth orders or carries out? What does this say about the progression of his character? Macbeth hardly thought twice about his decision to initiate the deaths of Macduff’s wife and kin to secure his own position of power. His course of action was also not influenced by the coercion from his evil and ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth. He simply chooses what to do and does not dwell on it any further: “No boasting like a fool; this deed I’ll do before this purpose cool” (4.1.174-175). This new mindset signifies that he has developed an ego, lost the severity

of his conscience, and has become much more corrupt and blinded by the lust for power than ever before. 4. What is Malcolm’s attitude toward becoming king? How does he think he would differ from Macbeth as a ruler, and why? What is ultimately revealed? Malcolm believes that his country is in his best interests, and he must put his people first: “What I am truly is thine and my poor country’s to command” (4.3.151). He would not succumb to the evils and corruption of power that Macbeth suffered, either, nor fall victim to any devious behaviors: “[I] would not betray the devil to his fellow, and delight no less in truth than life” (4.3.148). Essentially, he reveals himself to be a capable, promising ruler. 5. What does Malcolm urge Macduff to do with his grief over the loss of his family and castle? Which of the play’s most common motifs reemerges here, in Malcolm’s advice to “dispute it like a man”? Malcolm suggests Macduff should get revenge, which is the best medicine: “Be comforted. Let’s make us med’cines of our great revenge to cure this deadly grief” (4.3.254). The recurring idea that a man of power or potential power should be strong and unyielding or unaffected by personal grief holds true in this instance. This is the same principle that Lady Macbeth expresses to her husband when she sees he is succumbing to his guilty conscience and exhibiting irrational fears....