Act IV

scene i

  1. What is the time for?
  2. The witches throw all kinds of incredibly disgusting ingredients into the cauldron to increase the potion’s evil powers. What effect do these lines have on you?
  3. “How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags! What is’t you do?” What does this greeting imply about Macbeth?
  4. What should a leader’s first consideration be?
  5. What is the first of the witches’ three messages?
  6. What does the second apparition predict?
  7. How does Macbeth react to the second prediction?
  8. What precaution will Macbeth take?
  9. What is the third prophecy?
  10. Why is Macbeth pleased with the third prophecy?
  11. What does Macbeth learn from the appearance of the kings and Banquo?
  12. What should he learn from these prophecies, but apparently does not?
  13. What does Macbeth’s decision about attacking Macduff’s castle tell us about his continuing moral decline?
  14. In what way are these murders worse than those he has already committed?

sene ii

1.  What argument does Lady Macduff make against her husband’s flight?

2.  What is the temper of Scotland and its people?

3.  Why might Shakespeare have includes the scene between Little Macduff and his mother?

4.  Of what significance is the discussion of traitors—beyond showing us how clever and bright the young Macduff is?

5.  What can we judge of Lady Macduff’s character? Compare her with Lady Macbeth.

scene iii

  1. What concern does Malcolm voice about Macduff?
  2. Why does the fact that Macduff left his family unprotected in Scotland give Malcolm doubts?
  3. Why does Malcolm pretend to have all of the Macbeth’s bad characteristics and more?
  4. What convinces Malcolm that Macduff is trustworthy?
  5. What is Malcolm’s good news for Macduff and all of Scotland?
  6. Why is Ross reluctant to share the news of Macduff’s family?
  7. Whom does Macduff blame? Why?
  8. How does Malcolm encourage Macduff to deal with his grief?
  9. Based on his reaction to the vicious murder of his wife and son, how would you describe Macduff’s character?

Act V

scene i

  1. Does Macbeth seem to be tempting fate to fortify himself at Dunsinane?
  2. Why might he have a little concern about this prophecy?
  3. Why are the doctor and gentlewoman waiting?
  4. Why does the gentlewoman not want to tell the doctor what she knows?
  5. Why is it ironic that Lady Macbeth is now afraid of the dark?
  6. List the specific events that Lady Macbeth recalls during her sleepwalking speech.
  7. Is there wisdom in the doctor’s conclusion that Lady Macbeth has more need of spiritual help than medical/physical help?
  8. What signs are pointing towards a mental collapse?
  9. What does the doctor mean when he says to move the means of all “annoyance?”
  10. What does the doctor anticipate for Lady Macbeth?

scene ii

1.  What is about to happen at Birnam Wood?

2.  Why is this significant?

scene iii

1.  What is happening as Macbeth prepares for battle?

2.  Why does Macbeth claim to have no fear? Is he sincere?

3.  What does it indicate about Macbeth’s state of mind that he will put on his armor before it is needed?

scene iv.

1.  Why doesn’t Macbeth meet these opposing forces in battle, rather than let them lay to the castle?

2.  What is Macbeth’s claim as the siege begins? Is this realistic?