Mss141: Questions for MacBeth, Acts I-III

1.  Why does Duncan bestow the title of Thane of Cawdor upon MacBeth?  

2.  How is MacBeth described in battle?

3.  What predictions do the Weird Sisters make to MacBeth and Banquo?
How do these two react to this information?

4.  Describe Lady MacBeth.  How does she influence her husband?

5.  What is the plan that MacBeth is to carry out?  Why does he hesitate?  

6.  "Is this a dagger which I see before me..." (Act 2, Sc.1 line 44): Explain what is happening in this scene.

7.  Why did Lady MacBeth not kill Duncan herself when she had the chance?

8.  How is Duncan's murder discovered?  What happens to the two servants whom Lady MacBeth framed?  What do Malcolm and Donalbain do?

9.  Why does MacBeth now plot Banquo's murder?  Does he have hesitations similar to those he experienced before murdering Duncan?

10.  In what ways is MacBeth haunted by the murder of Duncan and Banquo?

11.  Only MacBeth can see Banquo's ghost: why? What does Lady MacBeth make of it?

12.  Note the numerous references to sleep--both literal and metaphorical.  What picture of sleep does the play present?  How does the play use sleep to advance the story, reveal the characters' personalities and mindsets?