ACT I

Scene i
1. What does the opening scene of the play suggest about the events that are about to unfold?
It suggests that there will be a war and chaos will occur in the future.

Scene ii
2. What impression of Macbeths character is created in this scene?
Macbeths character is seen as valiant and brave. He is also shown as a loyal subject to King Duncan
and is liked by many because of the many great deeds he did in order to protect his country.

Scene iii
3. List the witches prophecies for Macbeth and Banquo
- Macbeth will become Thane of Glamis, then Thane of Cawdor and soon after King
- Banquo will have heirs to the throne his dynasty will live forever

4. How does each character react to the prophecies?
Macbeth seems very interested as a result of hearing the prophecies and tells them to elaborate more
on it whereas Banquo react surprised and dumbfounded.

5. How does each character react when they learn of Macbeths new title?
- Macbeth becomes ambitious and begins to really think about the idea of him being King and that
everything the witches said must be true
- Banquo is somewhat hesitant at the prophecies even though Macbeths had come true due to the
fact that back in those days, witches were seen as people who were similar to the devil

Scene iv
6. How does Macbeth react when Duncan appoints his son, Malcolm, as his successor?
When Malcolm is appointed the successor to the throne, Macbeth feels threatened and angry that he
was not named Thane of Cawdor. He felt that Malcolm would be an obstacle which he would have to
get rid of before becoming king.

Scene v
7. After reading Macbeths letter, Lady Macbeth expresses fear about him. What are her fears?
She feared for Macbeths nature because he was too kind to take the easiest path to the throne nor
did he have enough evil in him to seize what he may be presented with.

8. What does this scene reveal about the relationship of Macbeth and his wife?
The scene reveals that Lady Macbeth knows Macbeth very well because she knew that he was too kind
to kill King Duncan; when she heard that the king will be coming to their palace, she immediately
plotted against King Duncan in order for Macbeths dream to come true as well as gain a lot of power.

Scene vi
9. What is so ironic about King Duncans comments on Macbeths castle?
King Duncan stated that the castle is most favourably situated and that the air was fresh and sweet,
despite that later on, the events that occur will make that statement the exact opposite
Scene vii
10. List the reasons Macbeth gives for not murdering Duncan. What do his deliberations reveal about his
character?
- Duncan is a part Macbeths family (his cousin)
- His role is to protect the king from being murdered, not murder him
- King Duncan has never abused his power and has been a good and kind king so there is no
necessity to kill him
- It reveals that Macbeth does not want to kill Duncan and is still loyal to him.

11. List the arguments lady Macbeth uses to persuade Macbeth to murder Duncan.
- Being afraid of action
- Testing his strength as a man asking him whether he wanted to live as a coward

ACT II
Scene i
12. Banquo cannot sleep. Why is he so uneasy?
Banquo cannot sleep and is suspicious because there are no stars in the sky. He felt as though
something suspicious at would happen and therefore not be able to get any sleep at night- the murder
of Duncan


13. Explain how Macbeth is affected by the vision of the dagger. How does this make him feel about killing
Macbeth?
He is confused at the dagger that appeared due to his own mind because he is still waiting for Lady
Macbeth to ring the bell. Also, the dagger leads him to King Duncans chamber, to where he would
commit a crime that would make him King.
Scene ii
14. What reason does Lady Macbeth give for not killing Duncan? What does this reveal about her?
Macbeth explains that because King Duncan looked too much like her father when he was sleeping,
she couldnt kill him. This reveals that she really did love her family.

15. Macbeth is a famous warrior, used to killing. Why is he so frightened and distracted now?
Macbeth was frightened and distracted because of the crime he just committed and would never
forget the blood on his hands from that night.

16. Lady Macbeths behavior is in stark contrast to that of her husband. How do you explain this?
Unlike Macbeth who is very worried and saddened by his doing, Lady Macbeth is very calm and
collected about the situation. She tells him to wash the blood with water and says that it would be
disgraceful to if she had a weak heart like her husband.

Scene iii
17. Why are we told about the strange events of the night?
It almost implies that something else occurred which was also strange and unusual.

18. How does Macbeths behavior in this scene contrast with the way he acted in the previous one?
In this scene, Macbeth acts normal towards the other generals as they came to wake up the King. He
also acted calm and showed no dread towards anything unlike in the scene before.

19. Why do you think Lady Macbeth feels faint at this point, given her earlier behavior?
Shes beginning to experience the guilt after murdering King Duncan and continuously visualizing blood
on her hands, even when she finished washing them

20. Why do the kings sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee?
Duncans sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee as they feel that it was not safe to stay in Scotland and
that the murders next target was to kill them .

Scene iv
21. What does this scene contribute to the plays development?
It foreshadows the plays future unnatural and chaotic events that would occur

ACT III
Scene i
22. How do Banquos speeches in the first part of the scene reveal a different view of him to that previously
presented?
Banquos speech in the first part of the scene shows that he was suspicious of Macbeth for the murder
of King Duncan and also as the prophecies become reality, Banquo becomes excited and begins to
really question what the weird sisters told him.

23. What are Macbeths reasons for killing Banquo?
He felt that Banquo was like thorns that stuck deep into Macbeth as well as being a mockery of the
cleverness of his plan and therefore had to get rid of Banquo and his son.

24. How does he persuade the murderers to assassinate Banquo?
Macbeth persuades the murderers to kill Banquo firstly by telling them that it was Banquo that made
them poor and lowly, making them hate and resent him very much. He also promises them that if they
complete the task of Banquos assassination, he would free them from poverty.

Scene ii
25. This is the first time Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have been seen alone for some time. What does the
scene reveal about them and their relationship?
The scene reveals the trouble that is coming about in their relationship due to the time when they
carried out their plan to murder King Duncan, despite the attempts of Lady Macbeth to comfort
Macbeth he would never forget the blood they spilled

Scene iii
26. Why do you think the third murderer was sent?
The third murderer was sent to ensure that Banquo was killed. As Banquo and Macbeth were both
soldiers in the army, Macbeth knew that it would take more than two people to get rid of him.



27. What is the significance of Fleances escape?
It was a part of the witches prophecy that Banquo would have a line of heirs, hence the prophecy
coming to life once more and Macbeths position as King continuing to be in danger

Scene iv
28. What do we learn about Macbeths state of mind from this scene? Consider the way he welcomes his
guest, his response to the news of Banquo's death and fleances escape, the apparition and his decision
to visit the witches.
In this scene, we see Macbeth very uneasy and worried, even though he seems very calm and kind
towards his guest, when Macbeth hears the news of Banquos death and Fleances escape, he is both
at ease and worried for his future as Fleance may come back for revenge of his father; due to these
delusions, Macbeth decides to visit the weird sisters so that he will know what other obstacles he will
face, showing his determination and will to remain on the throne.

29. How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth and the guests at the banquet?
Lady Macbeth welcomes the guests and greets them with confidence at the banquet

Scene v
30. In folklore, Hecate, the goddess of the moon, earth and the underground, was also patroness of
witches. This scene underlines the supernatural elements of the play and provides an explanation of the
means used to bring about Macbeths downfall. Select the key quotes.
- And at the pit of Acheron meet me i the morning: thither he will come to know his destiny
- And that, distilld by magic sleights as, by the strength of their illusion, shall draw him on to his
confusion
- And you all know, security is mortals chiefest enemy

Scene vi
31. By this stage of the play, Macbeth has been guilty of three shocking crimes: killing Duncan and the
grooms and employing murderers to kill Banquo. Do we feel any sympathy for such a man and if so
why?
No we do not

32. How do you feel towards Lady Macbeth? Is Macbeth just a victim of his wifes evil manipulations?
In my opinion, Lady Macbeth is a deceitful and greedy character because she goes out of her way to
make her husband the king which also gives her power. Macbeth is not just a victim of his wifes evil
purposes; instead, she is a powerful force that helps Macbeth fulfill his ambitions and desires to be
king.

ACT IV
Scene i
33. Why does Macbeth visit the witches? What is the outcome of his visit?
Macbeth visits the witches to find out if there are any other people that would hold him back from
embracing his position as King and if so, he would get rid of them. The outcome of his visit ended in
disaster after finding out that he would descend from being King as a result of Macduff overthrowing
him.

34. What does his final speech reveal about his state of mind?
He is confident that no one would ever take the throne from him because no man cannot be born of
woman and believing that the woods could not move by themselves.

Scene ii
35. Lady Macduff and Lady Macbeth are the only women of rank in the play. What obvious contrasts are
there between them?
Lady Macduff treasures her family over wealth, whereas Lady Macbeth who has no family is greedy
and will do anything to get what she wants; even if it comes to murdering someone.

36. Is Macduff to be condemned for going to England, leaving hide family behind?
Yes

Scene iii
37. How does Malcolm test Macduffs loyalty?
Malcolm asks Macduff if he is fit to be king and listens intently to his answer

38. What impression is given of King Edward of England?
King Edward of England is shown as a merciful and friendly king because he was willing to lend
Malcolm thousands of his soldiers so that Malcolm can go back to Scotland and overthrow Macbeth,
the tyrant.

39. What is the purpose of providing such an impression?
It shows that Malcolm and the King of England are allies, therefore they are able to work together to
overcome dictators such as Macbeth
40. How does Macduff respond to the news that his family is dead?
In hearing that his family was dead, Macduff was filled with rage and hatred towards Macbeth as well
as feeling guilty as he was the reason for their deaths. As a result, it made Macduffs desire to kill
Macbeth greater.

ACT V
Scene i
41. Lady Macbeth appears for the first time since the banquet scene in the third act. How does her
behavior in that scene contract with her condition in this one?
In the banquet scene Lady Macbeth had more confidence, whereas during this scene, she appears to
have developed a sickness where the only person that can cure it is Lady Macbeth herself. However, it
does not get any better throughout the remainder of the play.
Scene ii
42. What does the dialogue in this scene tell you about the situation in Scotland? What does it tell you
about Macbeths own problems?
In Scotland, many of Macbeths subjects are beginning turn their back towards Macbeth. They
believed that the title of King no longer fits Macbeth and that crown should go to someone worthy for
it. Macbeths major problem now is that there is no one on his side to support him and help him fight
back against Malcolm and the English army when they attack.

Scene iii
43. Macbeths moods fluctuate wildly between resolution and confidence and disillusionment and despair.
Find examples of his differing moods.
Resolution- his loyalty towards King Duncan, being known as a brave warrior in Duncans army
Confidence- after he discovers that the recent Thane of Cawdor has been killed and he is to be named
Thane of Cawdor, he is marveled at the idea and even sends a letter to his wife and is ambitious to see
that it comes true
Disillusionment- the realization of his downfall as King of Scotland
Despair- after Macbeth murders King Duncan and Banquo, he begins to lose control of his mind and
starts to hallucinate

44. What is the significance of Macbeths putting on his amour before it is really necessary?
In putting on his amour before it is necessary, Macbeth shows that he is ready to fight against anything
that gets in his way and that he was determined to keep his crown. In addition, he was willing to
sacrifice anything in order for him to survive.

Scene iv
45. Why cant the doctor help Lady Macbeth?
Lady Macbeth was troubled by terrible thoughts that pile one on top of the other rather than by being
ill, and that kept her from getting any rest. In matters like those, only the patient could cure
themselves.

46. To what use is burnam wood put?
Birnam Wood is used as a strategic plan to hide his troops from Macbeth while they invade Dunsinane.
Malcolm orders his troops to cut down and carry a branch from the woods.

Scene v
47. What does Macbeths speech following the cry of women reveal of his state of mind?
It reveals that Macbeth continues to think about those who are trying to overthrow Macbeth and his
tyranny by penetrating Dunsinane as well as experiencing emotions that he had never come across
since he was little- fear.

Scene vi, vii, viii
48. That battle for Dunsinane continues as Macduff seeks revenge. Why do you think that Macbeth
remains confident of victory?
When Dunsinane is surrounded by Malcolms troops, Macbeth still remains charged and confident
because of the prophecy that no man of woman born can harm him.

49. When Macduff finally faces the man who destroyed his family, Macbeth refuses to yield, despite
learning that Macduff was technically not of woman born. How does this affect our opinion of
Macbeth?
It just means that Macbeth is stubborn and cannot accept his downfall even though it will come true

50. What does Malcolm propose to do as the king? Will be a good ruler?
As king, Malcolm proposes to make thanes earls and tell those who fled from the Scotland during the
rule of Macbeth. Malcolm wanted to become a good king like his father King Duncan and be fair to
everyone unlike the tyrant Macbeth.