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Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Comprehension Questions - Act 1
Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper in full sentences.
If you are referring to a line in the play, use
“Act #, scene #, line #” (e.g. Act 1, scene 1, line 1)
Act 1, scene 1
1. How does the play open in the first scene? What mood does Shakespeare create?
2. Explain the possible significance of line 12 - “Fair is foul and foul is fair.”
Act 1, scene 2
3. What does the Captain report about the battle to King Duncan?
4. What punishment is given to the Thane of Cawdor? Why?
5. What title is given to Macbeth for bravery in battle?
6. Although Macbeth does not appear in this scene, we learn a great deal about him
about him. What impressions of Macbeth do you gain from this scene?
Act 1, scene 3
7. As Macbeth enters the scene, he says, “So foul and fair a day I have not seen (line
36). Why is this significant?
8. How do Macbeth and Banquo react upon meeting the witches?
9. What three messages do the witches bring to Macbeth?
10. What do they promise Banquo?
11. How does Macbeth react when he receives the news that he is Thane of Cawdor?
12. By the end of the scene, Macbeth decides not to kill King Duncan (lines 158-159).
What does his speech reveal about his character? Why is this aspect of his character
important to establish early in the play?
Act 1, scene 4
13. Duncan appears to be a kind and generous King; however, he can be seen as
having at least one major fault. What is it?
14. How does Macbeth react upon hearing Duncan name his eldest son as heir to the
throne?
Act 1, scene 5
15. Lady Macbeth provides the audience with more information about her husband’s
character. What does she say? From what you know thus far of Macbeth’s character,
would you agree?
16. Carefully read Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy in lines 36-52. What is she attempting to
do? What does this speech suggest about her psychological state?
17. Summarize Lady Macbeth’s plan in lines 58-71.
Act 1, scene 6
18. Why are Duncan comments about Macbeth’s castle ironic? (lines 1-3)
19. How does Lady Macbeth greet her guests when they arrive? What part of her plan
is this (look at question 17)?
Act 1, scene 7
20. In the opening soliloquy, Macbeth offers numerous reasons why it would
be wrong to kill King Duncan. Paraphrase these reasons.
21. How does Lady Macbeth convince her husband to go through with the murder?
22. What does this scene reinforce about Lady Macbeth’s character?