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Sample Answers Macbeth Act 1 & 2

The document provides sample answers for key scenes in Acts 1 and 2 of Macbeth, highlighting the significance of the witches, Macbeth's character development, and Lady Macbeth's ambition. It discusses themes such as ambition, guilt, and the supernatural, as well as the consequences of Macbeth's actions. The analysis emphasizes the contrast between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's reactions to Duncan's murder and the resulting disruption of natural order.

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25 views

Sample Answers Macbeth Act 1 & 2

The document provides sample answers for key scenes in Acts 1 and 2 of Macbeth, highlighting the significance of the witches, Macbeth's character development, and Lady Macbeth's ambition. It discusses themes such as ambition, guilt, and the supernatural, as well as the consequences of Macbeth's actions. The analysis emphasizes the contrast between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's reactions to Duncan's murder and the resulting disruption of natural order.

Uploaded by

pinocchio.15420as
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SAMPLE ANSWERS: Macbeth Act 1 & 2

ACT 1: Sample Answers

Scene 1: The Witches’ Prophecy Begins

1. What is the significance of the opening scene with the


witches?​
The opening scene introduces the supernatural element, setting a
dark and ominous tone for the play. The witches' chant, "Fair is
foul, and foul is fair," foreshadows the theme of appearance vs.
reality, suggesting that things may not be what they seem. Their
presence also hints at their influence over Macbeth’s fate, as they
are the first characters to mention him by name.

Scene 2: Macbeth’s Bravery in Battle

2. What do we learn about Macbeth’s character from the


Captain’s report?​
The Captain describes Macbeth as a fearless and brutal warrior,
praising him for his loyalty to King Duncan. He says Macbeth
"unseamed [Macdonwald] from the nave to th’ chops," showing
Macbeth’s violent nature. This scene portrays Macbeth as a hero,
which contrasts with his later transformation into a ruthless
murderer driven by ambition.

Scene 3: The Witches’ Prophecy

3. What are the three predictions made by the witches, and


how do Macbeth and Banquo react?​
The witches greet Macbeth with three titles: "Thane of Glamis,
Thane of Cawdor, and King hereafter." Macbeth is intrigued
because two of these are yet to come true. Banquo, however, is
more skeptical and warns that "The instruments of darkness tell
us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray's in deepest
consequence." His reaction shows his wisdom and suspicion,
while Macbeth’s growing fascination reveals his ambitious nature.

4. How does Banquo warn Macbeth about the witches?​


Banquo warns Macbeth that the witches may be deceiving him by
offering small truths to lure him into a greater downfall. His
caution contrasts with Macbeth’s growing ambition and
foreshadows how Macbeth’s blind trust in the witches will lead to
his downfall.

Scene 4: Duncan Names His Heir

5. Why is Macbeth disturbed when Duncan names Malcolm


as his heir?​
Macbeth sees Malcolm as an obstacle to his ambitions. He
acknowledges this in an aside: "That is a step on which I must fall
down, or else o'erleap." This moment marks the first time
Macbeth considers taking action to fulfill the witches’ prophecy.
His desire to become king begins to overshadow his loyalty to
Duncan.

Scene 5: Lady Macbeth’s Ambition

6. How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth’s letter? What


does this reveal about her character?​
Lady Macbeth is excited by the prophecy but worries that
Macbeth is "too full o’ the milk of human kindness" to take the
necessary actions. This reveals her ruthless and manipulative
nature. She immediately begins plotting how to convince Macbeth
to seize the throne.

7. What does Lady Macbeth mean when she asks the spirits
to "unsex" her?​
She asks the spirits to strip her of feminine qualities so she can
be more ruthless. She believes that compassion and weakness
are tied to womanhood and wants to replace them with cruelty
and strength to carry out the murder of Duncan.

Scene 6: Duncan’s Arrival at Macbeth’s Castle

8. Why is Duncan’s arrival at Macbeth’s castle ironic?​


Duncan praises the castle’s peacefulness, calling it "a pleasant
seat." This is dramatic irony because the audience knows that
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are plotting his murder. Duncan’s
trust in Macbeth makes his betrayal even more tragic.

Scene 7: Macbeth’s Doubts and Lady Macbeth’s Persuasion

9. Why does Macbeth hesitate to kill Duncan?​


Macbeth worries about the consequences in this world and the
afterlife, saying, "We still have judgment here." He also
acknowledges Duncan’s goodness and fears that killing him will
lead to his own downfall. His hesitation shows that he still has a
conscience at this point.

10. How does Lady Macbeth convince Macbeth to go through


with the murder?​
She questions his masculinity, calling him a coward and saying,
"When you durst do it, then you were a man." She also reassures
him that they will not fail if they are bold. Her manipulation
ultimately pushes Macbeth to commit to the murder.
ACT 2: Sample Answers

Scene 1: The Dagger Soliloquy

11. What does Macbeth’s vision of the dagger represent?​


The floating dagger represents Macbeth’s inner turmoil and guilt.
He is torn between his ambition and his morality. The dagger also
symbolizes fate guiding him toward Duncan’s murder, reinforcing
the theme of supernatural influence.

Scene 2: The Murder of Duncan

12. How does Macbeth react immediately after killing


Duncan?​
Macbeth is paranoid and overwhelmed with guilt. He hears voices
saying, "Macbeth does murder sleep," showing that he fears he
will never have peace again. He refuses to return the daggers to
the crime scene, showing his deep remorse.

13. How does Lady Macbeth react to the murder?​


She remains calm and practical, dismissing Macbeth’s fears. She
says, "A little water clears us of this deed," believing they can
simply wash away their crime. Her lack of immediate guilt
contrasts with Macbeth’s intense remorse.

Scene 3: The Porter’s Scene and Duncan’s Death Revealed

14. What is the significance of the Porter’s scene?​


The Porter provides comic relief after the intense murder scene.
He also unknowingly references Macbeth’s crime by joking about
hell and sinners. His speech subtly reinforces the idea that
Macbeth’s castle is now a place of evil.
15. How does Macbeth explain Duncan’s murder to the
others?​
Macbeth claims he killed Duncan’s guards out of grief and rage.
However, his overacting raises suspicion. His hasty actions also
prevent the guards from defending themselves, which makes
others question his true motives.

16. How do Malcolm and Donalbain react to their father’s


murder? Why do they flee?​
They flee to England and Ireland because they fear for their lives.
Malcolm says, "To show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the
false man does easy," suggesting that he suspects Macbeth.
However, their escape makes them look guilty to others.

Scene 4: Natural Disorder and Macbeth’s Coronation

17. What unnatural events occur after Duncan’s murder, and


what do they symbolize?​
The darkened sky during the day, an owl killing a falcon, and
Duncan’s horses eating each other symbolize how the natural
order has been disrupted. These events suggest that Macbeth’s
crime is so unnatural that even the world reacts in horror.

18. Why is Macbeth’s coronation significant?​


With Malcolm and Donalbain gone, Macbeth takes the throne
unchallenged. However, his rule is built on murder, foreshadowing
further violence and instability. This moment also marks his full
descent into tyranny.

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