Macbeth: Act 1 Questions

Name:

These questions help you stay on track with the plot as well as build your reading comprehension.

Directions: Answer these questions on a separate piece of paper as you read.

Act I, Scene I

1. What is the setting of the opening scene?

2. What are the three witches discussing?

Act I, Scene II

1. Why does Duncan believe the soldier can provide them with news?

2. How did Macdonwald behave in battle?

3. When the Norwegians began a new attack, what did Macbeth and Banquo do?

4. What news does the thane of Ross bring?

5. How does Duncan respond to the news of Cawdor’s behavior?

Act I, Scene III

1. How do the three witches greet Macbeth?

2. What do the three witches prophesy concerning Banquo?

3. What is Banquo’s reaction to the three witches?

4. What does Banquo mean when he says, “What, can the devil speak true?”

5. What is Macbeth’s impression of the three witches after learning he has been named

thane of Cawdor?

Act I, Scene IV

1. What is Macbeth’s attitude toward Duncan when the scene opens?

2. Duncan names his elder son as the Prince of Cumberland. Why is this a problem for

Macbeth?

Act I, Scene V

1. How does Lady Macbeth react to her husband’s letter?

2. What does Lady Macbeth say will happen to Duncan when she learns that he is

coming to Inverness?

3. Why does Lady Macbeth tell her husband to leave all of the plans to her?

Act I, Scene VI

1. Who greets Duncan at Inverness?

Act I, Scene VII

1. What does Macbeth mean when he says Duncan is “here in double trust”?

2. Why does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth that they will not follow through with their

plans?