William Shakespeare pp. 193–277

Macbeth Act I

Introduction Scene I Three witches discuss their plans to meet with Macbeth when the battle has ended.

Introduction Scene II King Duncan receives successive reports on the brave exploits of Macbeth and Banquo.

Introduction Scene II Macbeth has slain Macdonwald He has captured Cawdor and forced his confederate to accept terms of peace.

Introduction Scene III The witches discuss their evil and unnatural deeds. They hail Macbeth and Banquo with chilling prophecies.

Introduction Prophecies Macbeth: shall be Thane of Cawdor and finally king Banquo: shall be father to kings though never king

Introduction Scene III Banquo expresses disbelief and Macbeth muses over the words. Duncan bestows on Macbeth the title, Thane of Cawdor.

Introduction Scene III Banquo warns Macbeth that malevolent creatures often tell half-truths in order to ensnare men into evil.

Introduction Scene III Macbeth’s soliloquy: his ambition tempts him & he is thinking about murder He concludes he will wait upon fate

Introduction Scene III Macbeth asks for the favor of the other lords and proposes to Banquo that they discuss these strange events later.

Introduction Scene IV Malcolm describes Cawdor’s execution to Duncan. Duncan greets Macbeth, Banquo, and their party with praise.

Introduction Scene IV Macbeth & Banquo in turn pledge their loyal support. Duncan announces his son Malcolm to be heir to the throne.

Introduction Scene IV Macbeth deliberates over the obstacle that lies in his way to the kingship. He leaves to prepare for the royal visit.

Introduction Scene V Lady Macbeth reads a letter in which Macbeth informs her of his strange encounter and the prophetic fulfillment.

Introduction Scene V She expresses her ambitions and fear. After hearing of Duncan’s coming, she invokes the power of darkness for aid.

Introduction Scene V She begins to work toward breaking down Macbeth’s resistance to evil and advises him to cloak their intentions:

Introduction Scene V Beneath the appearance of gracious hospitality She takes charge of laying the plans for his demise

Introduction Scene VI Duncan, with his sons and attendants, arrives at the Macbeths’ castle. He finds it pleasant and welcoming.

Introduction Scene VI Lady Macbeth, playing the part of the polished and humble hostess, conducts him inside.

Introduction Scene VII Macbeth reveals his indecisiveness concerning the assassination planned by his wife.

Introduction Scene VII She mocks him. He succumbs to her skillful manipulation and assents to the crime.

Introduction Scene VII They return to the banquet, hiding their false hearts behind the mask of hospitality.

Thought and Discussion 1. How do the witches effectively introduce the play? What do you think they represent?

Thought and Discussion 1. What paradoxical statement made by the witches in the first scene does Macbeth reiterate in the third scene when he first . . .

Thought and Discussion 1. meets the witches? How do Banquo’s words in lines 122–26 in Scene iii support your ideas on the witches’ function?

Thought and Discussion 2. Which of the witches’ three prophecies is the only one not fulfilled by the end of Act I?

Thought and Discussion 2. At what point does Macbeth first entertain thoughts of murder, and how does he suppress them?

Thought and Discussion 2. Why does he say in lines 130–31 of Scene iii that “This supernatural soliciting/Cannot be ill, cannot be good”?

Thought and Discussion 2. Do you agree with his conclusion?

Thought and Discussion 3. To whom is Duncan referring in Scene iv, lines 14–15?

Thought and Discussion 3. What does he mean when he says, “There’s no art/To find the mind’s construction in the face”?

Thought and Discussion 3. What is ironic about Macbeth’s entrance at this particular time?

Thought and Discussion 3. What is the “step” to which Macbeth refers in line 48, and how does he react to the thoughts which resurface?

Thought and Discussion 4. How does Lady Macbeth first learn of the witches’ prophecy, and how does her initial reaction differ from that of Macbeth?

Thought and Discussion 4. What traits does she consider weaknesses in her husband?

Thought and Discussion 4. How does she react to the news that Duncan is coming to Inverness, and what does her reaction tell you about her character?

Thought and Discussion 5. What misgivings does Macbeth reveal in his soliloquy at the beginning of Scene vii?

Thought and Discussion 5. How does Lady Macbeth convince him that he should lay aside his fears and proceed with the murder, and how does he react . . .

Thought and Discussion 5. to the plan she reveals? Do you think that her influence is greater than that of the witches?

Assignment Type assignment here.