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Name________________________________ Date_________MACBETH STUDY GUIDEAct 1 Scn 1What do the witches mean when they say, “fair is foul, and foul is fair”?Act 1 Scn 2Macbeth is based on real people and real events in Scottish history. In the 11th century, there was a King Duncan who had two sons, Malcolm and Donald Bain. Duncan became king in 1034 when Scotland was forming into a nation. Early Scotland was invaded many times, mainly because of its location. Since Scotland is surrounded by the sea on three sides, invaders from Denmark and Norway found it easy prey. The English to the south also constantly waged war until the two countries were united under the same king (King James VI of Scotland and King James I of England) in 1603. So both the characters and the battle in the play are based on Scotland’s history. In this scene, notice how the outcome of a war could be decided by a battle between two warriors.What news does the Captain bring about the battle between Macdonwald and Macbeth?2. What is a thane?3. When King Duncan hears the battle report, he gives Ross two important commands. What does he order Ross to do?4. We have not yet met Macbeth, but we’ve heard about him. Predict what kind of man you think we will be. Explain WHY you reached these conclusions.Act 1 scn 3In this scene, the three witches call themselves the “Weird Sisters.” In Shakespeare’s time, the word weird meant more than strange-acting. It was still closely tied to the ancient word wyrd, which meant fate. Thus, Elizabethans saw the sisters as supernatural beings who could control people’s lives.Write the first words that Macbeth speaks. We have heard similar words spoken earlier in the play. Who spoke those words? Why might this be significant?2. When Macbeth orders the witches to speak, they address him by three different titles. What are these titles? Which one did Macbeth receive on the death of his father?3. Based on Banquo’s lines, infer Macbeth’s reaction when he first hears the witches’ predictions for his future.4. What message that matches the witches’ predictions does Ross bring?6. Why is Banquo suddenly fearful?7. Now Macbeth is both frightened and confused because he faces a hard choice. He can either let chance make him king or…Act 1 Scn 4In the 11th century, the Scots followed a special system for naming their kings. The current king would choose the next ruler, usually a male family member. This person would then be known as the Prince of Cumberland until he became king. In this way, the Scots would always have a leader ready to carry on after the current king. However, the system could lead to violence. Often the man next in line to the throne was tempted to speed things up by murdering the king. Ten Scottish kings were murdered by their successors. In this scene, notice how Duncan’s announcement causes problems for Macbeth.1. King Duncan announces that he has given his son, Malcolm, a new title. What is it? What is the significance of this title?2. Macbeth seems upset by the new honors given to Malcolm. Explain what Macbeth means when he says he must “o’er leap” this new step.Act 1 scn 5In early Scotland, men ruled both public and private life. The warriors, priests, mayors and merchants were all male. At home, too, they controlled their wives and children. In almost all situations, women were expected to obey men. The woman’s job was to keep the household and raise children. A noblewoman, such as Lady Macbeth, generally had it easier than a peasant woman. Upper-class women were often taught to read, write, and sing. Yet though they were praised in poems, songs and tales, their talents did not win them real respect. They were considered inferior to men. Lady Macbeth does not exactly welcome this image. In fact, in Scene v she wishes that her female traits of gentleness and mercy would disappear. Notice her strong personality as you read this scene.1. Why does Lady Macbeth fear that Macbeth cannot do what must be done to win the crown? Provide a quote as evidence.What news does the messenger bring her that surprises her?3. Shakespeare often uses the images of birds to create a special mood. What bird does he use in this scene? How might the mention of this bird make the audience feel?4. What does Lady Macbeth ask the spirits to do for her and why?5. What does Lady Macbeth tell her husband to do to when the King comes? Quote it then interpret it. Act 1 Scene 6-7Macbeth was written for King James I of England. James strongly believed in the divine right of kings. So Shakespeare made the slaying of a king a sinful and horrible action. Notice how he creates this horror in Scenes vi and vii.1. Lady Macbeth is warm and polite to the King and his companions. Write two of her kind remarks to the King. 2. Macbeth gives several reasons why he shouldn’t kill the king. Read the list below and circle the fears that Macbeth expresses. You may circle more than one answer.a. If I use bloody ways, then I will be treated violently.b. If I commit murder, I will not be good enough to wear the crown.c. Since I’m Duncan’s subject and kinsman, I cannot commit such a crime.d. Duncan has been a cruel king and his followers will be cruel to me.e. Duncan has been a good king. This will make his murder even more frightful.f. Murdering Duncan will destroy my chances for eternal salvation.3. At the end of his soliloquy, what does Macbeth credit with giving him the courage to do the deed?4. What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to her husband when he says they will no longer “proceed in this business”?5. Explain the steps in Lady Macbeth’s plan for killing the King.First, Duncan will …Then, his two servants will …Finally, she and Macbeth will …Blame for the murder will fall upon …Act 2 scn 1In earlier times, the duties of a host were very important. A host was expected to provide a guest with food, shelter, and protection. Harming a guest was considered a terrible crime. A visitor also followed strict codes of behavior. He or she was expected to honor the host, often by giving fine gifts. Notice how the King repays Macbeth and Lady Macbeth for their hospitality. Then contrast the King’s words and actions with Macbeth’s plans for him.1. Banquo is exhausted but cannot go to sleep. What keeps him from sleeping?2. Give an example of the King’s generosity towards Lady Macbeth.3. When Banquo mentions the Weird Sisters, what is Macbeth’s reply? Why is this ironic?4. When Macbeth is alone, he sees a “deadly vision.” Describe what he sees.5. Macbeth worries that his passion will be cooled by his …6. Find two lines in Macbeth’s soliloquy that suggest he knows he is about to do a terrible deed. Write Macbeth’s words below. List the line and page numbers for each example.Act 2 scn 2Lady Macbeth is frantically waiting for Macbeth to return from Duncan’s bedroom. He soon enters and reports the outcome of their plan.1. Why doesn’t Lady Macbeth kill Duncan when she has the chance?2. What does Macbeth call “a sorry sight”?3. Lady Macbeth warns Macbeth that they must not think so seriously about the deeds or they will …4. Macbeth reports that he thought he heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more! Macbeth has murdered sleep.” Read the lines following this quote. Why do you think Macbeth may not be able to sleep?Act 2 scn 3-4In Shakespeare’s time, people believed that there was a perfect order to their universe. Everything fell neatly into the place God assigned it. Elizabethans pictured God’s plan as a chain or ladder. God, of course, was at the top. Angels and then humans followed. Next came beasts, fowl, fish, and insects. In the “great chain of being,” even the smallest insect was linked to God. Among humans, their rank—especially of the ruler—was a part of the ladder as well. The Elizabethans thought that any change in God’s order could set off horrifying reactions. Thus the murder of a monarch, the supreme ruler, would deeply upset the harmony of the universe. Disasters—including terrible storms—might follow such an act. Notice the frightening events that follow Duncan’s death.1. The porter opens the scene with a long comic monologue. Why might Shakespeare have inserted a piece of low comedy here?2. Lennox reports that the night has been unlike anything he remembers. List four strange events that took place.3. What fake reason does Macbeth give for killing the two guards?5. Macbeth says the dead King’s wounds looked like “a gap in the natural creation through which destruction could enter.” Explain what Macbeth means (look at the historical context for this section of the study guide).6. Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, decide to leave Scotland. Where will they go? Why do they feel it is unwise to stay?7. Macduff believes that the guards were bribed to kill the King. In his opinion, who paid them?8. Who will be king now that Duncan’s sons have fled?9. According to Macduff, how will the rule of the new King compare to Duncan’s?Act 3 scn 1Macbeth is now King of Scotland. In Scottish history, the real King Macbeth reigned from 1040 to 1057. He became king after leading a rebellion against King Duncan and slaying Duncan in battle. For ten years, Macbeth was an excellent monarch and Scotland enjoyed a rare period of peace. But in the last seven years of his rule, he became suspicious and cruel.1. Find words spoken by Banquo that show he is suspicious of Macbeth. Write the words below, and list the page and line numbers.Circle the reasons that Macbeth fears Banquo. You may circle more than one answer.a. Banquo has always been dishonest.b. Banquo is Prince of Cumberland.c. Banquo is kingly and noble.d. Banquo is cautious and wise.e. Macbeth knows that Banquo is suspicious of him.f. Banquo’s children will inherit the crown, according to the witches.3. Explain why Macbeth says the witches put “a sterile crown on my head and a barren scepter in my fist.”4. How does Macbeth convince the murderers to kill Banquo?Act 3, sn 2-3Some people are fearful when a black cat crosses their path. This old superstition is linked to the notion that cats were helpers of witches and devils. People in the Middle Ages and the Elizabethan era held many such beliefs about animals. Like cats, hares that crossed your path were unlucky because they, too, were linked with witches. The meat of the hare was not good for you, either; it was thought to produce sadness. Another unlucky sign was the crowing of a hen. Such a sound supposedly meant that someone would die soon. Ravens could be unwelcome birds as well. Their appearance was said to foretell disease, starvation, and death. Among other animal beliefs, it was said pelicans fed their young with their own blood. Deer were believed to shed tears. And toads were thought to have a great jewel in their heads that would cure poison. As you read Scenes ii and iii, notice if the insects and animals mentioned bring good fortune or bad.1. What advice does Lady Macbeth give to her husband?2. What is spoiling Macbeth’s peace? What does he mean when he refers to the “wounded snake”?3. Why does Macbeth envy the dead king?4. What is Macbeth hiding from his wife?5. Macbeth makes several statements about darkness or creatures of the night in this scene. Write at least three of these phrases.6. Explain the mood or feeling created by the phrases you listed in question 5.In Scene 3, three murderers wait in hiding for Banquo and Fleance to return to the castle.1. What goes wrong as the murderers try to carry out Macbeth’s plan?Act 3, scn 4-5 Several of Shakespeare’s plays feature supernatural creatures. Yet none are more terrible than the ghost Macbeth will meet. The thought of a ghost was even more frightening to Elizabethans than it is to horror fans today. Some people who thought they had been visited by a ghost went mad. Most Elizabethans believed that ghosts returned to earth for a reason. Usually that reason was thought to be revenge. The Church of England had its own beliefs about ghosts. Clergymen insisted that spirits were really devils that took on the shape of a dead person. This notion was naturally very alarming. People feared that these demons could drag them to hell.As you read Scene iv, notice how Macbeth reacts to the horrifying shape that haunts him.When Macbeth learns of the killers’ success, he says, “The adult snake is killed, but the young snake that fled has the sort of nature that will eventually produce poison.” Who is the “young snake”? What is Macbeth worried about?2. Describe the ghost that appears to Macbeth. What does it look like and what does it do?3. Macbeth tries to explain his strange behavior to his guests. Which one of the following excuses does he give?a. He mistook Lennox for the dead Banquo.b. He has had too much wine.c. There is a real ghost haunting the palace.d. He has an unusual illness.4. After the guests leave, Macbeth wonders about the absence of whom from the banquet?5. Which statement of Macbeth’s shows that he is suspicious of the nobility? The three witches appear again in Scene 5. This time, Hecate, the Queen of the Witches, is with them.1. How does Hecate describe Macbeth?2. Hecate plans Macbeth’s destruction. She says that he will …Act 3 scn 6Northumberland was an English county on the border between Scotland and England. For centuries, English and Scottish nobles fought over this land. Finally, in the tenth century an English king tried to settle the dispute by giving the northern part of Northumberland to Scotland. However, the English nobles never accepted losing part of their land. Siward is another historic name. He was the English Earl of Northumberland during Macbeth’s reign. Siward agreed to help Malcolm take the Scottish throne from Macbeth. Perhaps Siward hoped to regain the northern portion of Northumberland as his reward. Shakespeare portrays him as an honest general who bravely defends Malcolm against the cruel Macbeth.In this scene, watch for hints that Macbeth’s role in Duncan’s murder is now suspected by the nobles.1. Lennox appears to be praising Macbeth, but he actually believes the opposite of what he says. Thus, he is using irony. One example is when Lennox says, “…things have been oddly managed” (line 3). Find three other phrases in which Lennox is speaking ironically. Write those phrases below and the line numbers for each one?2. Why has Macduff gone to England?According to Lennox, why should Macduff “keep his distance” from Macbeth?Act 4 scn 1 What does the first apparition tell Macbeth?What does the second tell him?The third?What does Macbeth see from the last vision of the witches? How should Macbeth interpret this?What does Lennox tell Macbeth and what does Macbeth decide to do because of the news?Act 4, scn 2In the 11th century, an honorable Scotsman was expected to be a loyal defender of his king and clan. The worthiest men died in battle. A man who died in bed was thought to be weak and cowardly. Shakespeare’s audience also understood the importance of loyalty and bravery. Soldiers were expected to die in battle rather than surrender. The safety of king, country, and family came before their own lives. When going into battle, the soldier was expected to follow the creed of the ancient Spartan warrior, to “return with his shield or on it.” In this play, Macduff faces a difficult choice. Should he protect and defend his family, his country, or his king? As you read Scene ii, see if you can decide what Macduff honors the most.1. List three reasons why, according to Lady Macduff, her husband fled to England.2. According to Ross, how has Macbeth’s rule affected people?3. Does Macduff’s son believe that there are most honest men or liars in the world? According to him, which of the two groups should do better in the world and why?Act 4 SCENE 3: summaryOutside King Edward’s palace, Malcolm speaks with Macduff, telling him that he does not trust him since he has left his family in Scotland and may be secretly working for Macbeth. To determine whether Macduff is trustworthy, Malcolm rambles on about his own vices. He admits that he wonders whether he is fit to be king, since he claims to be lustful, greedy, and violent. At first, Macduff politely disagrees with his future king, but eventually Macduff cannot keep himself from crying out, “O Scotland, Scotland!” (4.3.101). Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland leads him to agree that Malcolm is not fit to govern Scotland and perhaps not even to live. In giving voice to his disparagement, Macduff has passed Malcolm’s test of loyalty. Malcolm then retracts the lies he has put forth about his supposed shortcomings and embraces Macduff as an ally. A doctor appears briefly and mentions that a “crew of wretched souls” waits for King Edward so they may be cured (4.3.142). When the doctor leaves, Malcolm explains to Macduff that King Edward has a miraculous power to cure disease.Ross enters. He has just arrived from Scotland, and tells Macduff that his wife and children are well. He urges Malcolm to return to his country, listing the woes that have befallen Scotland since Macbeth took the crown. Malcolm says that he will return with ten thousand soldiers lent him by the English king. Then, breaking down, Ross confesses to Macduff that Macbeth has murdered his wife and children. Macduff is crushed with grief. Malcolm urges him to turn his grief to anger, and Macduff assures him that he will inflict revenge upon Macbeth.Act 5 Scenes 1-2What is Lady Macbeth doing in this scene? What could this indicate?Agnus tells his crew that they will meet where? Why is this significant?What does Agnus say about the people who fight behind Macbeth?Act 5 scenes 3-4Why is Macbeth not worried about the incoming attack?What kind of leader does Macbeth prove to be in the scene? Write down a line that shows this trait.What is the English army’s plan (led by Malcom and Siward) to get to Macbeth’s castle? Why is this significant/ironic? Act 5 scn 5 Has Macbeth changed since the beginning of the play? If so, how? Write a line from this scene that proves your answer?What is Macbeth’s view of life and death based on lines 17-28 in this scene? What does the messenger tell Macbeth? What is his reaction to this news?Act 5 scene 6-7What are the trumpets announcing according to Macduff?What does Macbeth mean when he says the following to Young Siward? “Thou wast born of woman but swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, brandished by man that’s of a woman born.”Are Macbeth’s men loyal to him in the fight? How do you know?Act 5 Scene 8What does the following quote by Macbeth tell you about his character? “Why should I play the Roman fool and die/on mine own sword? Whiles I see lives, the gashes/ do better upon them.” Who kills Macbeth and why is Macbeth surprised at his being slain?Who will assume the throne of Scotland? Macbeth: Lens StudyQuotes/Notes/Observations pertaining to Psychoanalytic LensQuotes/Notes/Observations pertaining to Feminist Lens? ................
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