1. “Fair is foul – Hover through the fog and filthy air.” What does this mean?
This means that in good, there is evil, and in evil, there is good. It foreshadows the events of the
story; Macbeth, a respectable and good man, ends up doing evil things out of greed.
2. Who is king of Scotland?
The king of Scotland is Duncan.
3. Who has the general, Macbeth defeated in battle?
Macbeth defeated Macdonwald in battle.
4. Whose armies did Macbeth Conquer?
Macbeth conquered the Norwegian armies, led by the King of Norway, Sweno.
5. What new title will be given to Macbeth? Why?
Macbeth is going to become Thane of Cawdor for his role in defeating the Norwegians
6. The fact that Macbeth is “disdaining fortune” shows what about him?
It shows that Macbeth is daring and fearless on the battlefield despite the danger he throws
himself into.
7. Who is Macbeth’s cousin?
Macbeth’s cousin is King Duncan.
8. What are the three prophecies of the witches – for Macbeth?
The witches call Macbeth the Thane of Glamis (which is already true), the Thane of Cawdor
(which comes true shortly after), and the King of Scotland.
9. What spell does the First Witch perform?
The First Witch casts a curse upon the sailor husband of a woman who did not share chestnuts
with the witch, causing his ship to wreck and draining him of both sleep and hydration.
10. “Though his bark cannot be lost – yet it shall be tempest tost” is said by the witches. What
does this mean?
The sailor’s ship won’t be destroyed, but she’s sending storms to attack him and to cause more
suffering.
11. “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” Macbeth is echoing the witches line in scene I…
Why is it significant that Macbeth and not Banquo speak this line?
Having Macbeth, not Banquo, speak this line shows that Macbeth will be an example of the
virtue found in the line, “fair is foul and foul is fair;” in all of his fairness, he will show that he’s
equally foul.
12. What does Banquo notice about the witches in his description of them?
Banquo notices that the witches look otherworldly, and while their appearances suggest
femininity, the beards on their faces suggest otherwise.
13. Compare Macbeth’s and Banquo’s reactions to the prophecies. Describe them?
Both men are curious about the witches and why they make such bold predictions, however once
the witches vanish, they realize how crazy it all sounds and dismiss the wild claims.
14. What do the witches predict for Banquo? What do their predictions mean?
They predict that Banquo is “Not so happy, yet much happier,” and tell Banquo that “Though
shalt get kings, though thou be none.” This means that in ways, he is less fortunate than
Macbeth, yet more fortunate at the same time. They also say that while Banquo will not be king,
his children will be.
15. What does the audience know that Macbeth does not?
The audience knows that the previous Thane of Cawdor is dead and King Duncan plans to give
the title to Macbeth.
16. “What can the devil speak true?” What does this mean? Who said it – and to whom”
This line was spoken by Banquo and is directed towards the audience (meaning none of the
characters could hear this exclamation; it’s almost like the audience can hear Banquo’s
thoughts), and it means that the breaking news has caused Banquo to question the validity of the
witches claims and if the evil beings were telling the truth after all.
17. What is an aside in drama?
An aside in drama is when certain dialogue is only heard by the audience and not by the other
characters on-stage. It’s like the character is speaking directly to the audience.
18. What is Macbeth’s greatest ambition?
His greatest ambition is to become the King of Scotland.
19. What is he thinking about doing to ensure that this ambition comes true?
Macbeth begins to think about murdering Duncan in order to claim the throne.
20. Who does King Duncan unexpectedly name as heir to the throne?
King Duncan unexpectedly names his eldest son, Malcolm, as the heir to the throne.
