Scene 1

1. What time is it at the beginning of this Act?

It’s nighttime when the scene opens, just as everyone is getting ready for bed.

2. Why can’t Banquo sleep?

Banquo is having trouble sleeping because he’s bothered by disturbing thoughts and dreams,
especially about the witches' prophecies.

3. What gift does the King give Lady Macbeth, and how was his mood before bed?

King Duncan gives Lady Macbeth a diamond as a thank-you gift for their hospitality. He’s in a really
good mood before heading to bed.

4. What does Macbeth lie about to Banquo?

Macbeth tells Banquo that he hasn’t been thinking about the witches' prophecies since their last talk,
even though he’s actually preoccupied with them.

5. What does Macbeth claim to have seen?

Macbeth says he saw a floating dagger leading him toward Duncan's room.

6. In his soliloquy, how does Macbeth hint that he’s been having nightmares?

In his soliloquy, Macbeth talks about being haunted by visions and having troubled sleep, which shows
he’s been having nightmares.

7. What does the bell signify?

The bell signals that it’s time for Macbeth to go through with killing King Duncan; it’s like a cue for him
to take action.
Scene 2

1. What does Lady Macbeth mean by “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold”?

Lady Macbeth is saying that the same drink that made the guards drunk has given her the courage to
go through with their plan to murder Duncan.

2. Why does Lady Macbeth say she couldn’t murder Duncan herself?

She claims she couldn’t kill Duncan because he resembled her father while he was sleeping, which
made her feel compassion.

3. What happened to spook Macbeth while he waited to kill Duncan?

Macbeth is spooked by a vision or hallucination, specifically the sight of a floating dagger that leads
him to Duncan’s chamber.

4. What does Macbeth think that he hears? Why do you think he “hears” this?

Macbeth thinks he hears a voice saying, “Sleep no more,” which reflects his guilt and the psychological
torment he feels about committing murder.

5. What mistake does Macbeth make?

Macbeth mistakenly brings the bloody daggers back with him after the murder instead of leaving them
with the guards to frame them.

6. How does Lady fix his mistake?

Lady Macbeth takes the daggers from him and goes back to smear the blood on the guards to ensure
they are implicated in Duncan’s murder.

7. What evidence from the murder upsets Macbeth the most?

Macbeth is most disturbed by the idea of hearing a voice that tells him he will never sleep again.

8. Lady Macbeth says, “A little water clears us of this deed, how easy is then!” Is this true? How does it
seem like an understatement?
 This isn’t true in the long run; while washing the blood off may seem easy, it underestimates the
psychological consequences of their actions. The guilt will haunt them far beyond just needing water to
cleanse themselves.

9. What line reveals that Macbeth is now regretting what they have done?

A line that reveals Macbeth's regret is when he expresses that he wishes he hadn’t killed Duncan

Scene 3

1. This scene with the Porter provides some comic relief. Why is this scene important to the audience at
this time?

The Porter’s scene gives the audience a brief moment of humor and a break from the intense
atmosphere after Duncan’s murder, easing the tension before the story becomes even darker.

2. What is ironic about his statement “but this place is too cold for hell”?

The irony is that Macbeth's castle, where Duncan is murdered, has become a place of evil, much like
hell, but the Porter doesn’t realize this. His statement contrasts with the fact that it’s the site of a
terrible crime.

3. According to the Porter, how is drink and “equivocator of lechery”?

The Porter describes alcohol as the “equivocator of lechery” because it causes people to act foolishly
or lose control of their desires, leading to inappropriate or lustful behavior.

4. Why is Macduff up so early?

Macduff is up early to wake King Duncan and report for duty, which is a normal part of his job.

5. Explain why Lennox said the night was “unruly.” (line 53)

Lennox describes the night as “unruly” because there were strange events, like violent storms and
unnatural occurrences, that suggested something terrible had happened.

6. Who found Duncan’s body?

Macbeth is the one who finds Duncan’s body.

Macbeth confesses to killing Duncan’s guards, saying he did it out of fury because he thought they
were responsible for Duncan’s death. He claims his emotions took over in the moment.

8. What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to hearing this? Do you think her reaction is sincere?

Lady Macbeth reacts by fainting, which seems like a way to distract others from suspecting her. Her
reaction doesn’t seem sincere; she may be pretending to be shocked to cover up her involvement.

9. What do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to do? Why?

Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee for their lives. They fear they could be the next targets after
their father’s murder, believing their safety is at risk.

Scene 4

1. What strange events have been happening?

There have been unnatural occurrences, such as an owl killing a falcon and horses eating each other.
These events suggest that nature itself is reacting to the crime of Duncan’s murder.

2. Who have become suspects in Duncan’s murder? Why?

Duncan’s guards are the main suspects because they were found dead, and it looks like they might
have been bribed or influenced to kill Duncan. However, Macbeth suggests that Malcolm and Donalbain
might also be guilty, though this is based on suspicion rather than any solid evidence.