Macbeth Act 1 Practice Quiz

1 “Yes; As sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion. If I say sooth, I must report they were As cannons overcharged with double cracks; So they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe. Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, Or memorize another Golgotha, I cannot tell— But I am faint; my gashes cry for help.”

Answer Speaker: The Captain Speaking to: The King What’s happening: The Captain is describing how brave Macbeth was in battle

2 “Stay you imperfect speakers, tell me more: By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis; But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman; and to be King Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence You owe this strange intelligence?”

Answer Speaker: Macbeth Speaking to: The witches What’s happening: Macbeth is asking the witches to explain their predictions about his future

3 “Sons, kinsmen, thanes, And you whose places are the nearest, know, We will establish our estate upon Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter The Prince of Cumberland: which honor must Not unaccompanied invest him only, But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine On all deservers.”

Answer Speaker: King Duncan Speaking to: His men (Macbeth and Banquo) What’s happening: King Duncan has just declared Malcolm as his heir

4 “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great, Art not without ambition, but without The illness should attend it.”

Answer Speaker: Lady Macbeth Speaking to: Herself/The Audience What’s happening: She has just read Macbeth’s letter telling her the witches predictions, and she is afraid he is too weak to go through with it

5 “We will proceed no further in this business: He hath honored me of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.”

Answer Speaker: Macbeth Speaking to: Lady Macbeth What’s happening: Macbeth is having second thoughts about killing Duncan now that he is there in his house.