What is the setting of the opening scene? What kind of mood does it immediately set for the play?
What are the three witches discussing?
Why does Duncan believe the soldier can provide them with news?
How did Macdonwald behave in battle?
When the Norwegians began a new attack, what did Macbeth and Banquo do?
What news does the thane of Ross bring?
How does Duncan respond to the news of Cawdor’s behavior?
In Act I, Scene 2, what are the characters’ opinions of Macbeth? What events have led to those opinions? Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support your response.
In structuring the scenes of Act I, Shakespeare chose not to have the main character appear until Scene 3. How do the first two scenes help build to the introduction of the main character?
How do the three witches greet Macbeth?
What do the three witches prophesy concerning Banquo?
What is Banquo’s reaction to the three witches?
What does Banquo mean when he says, “What, can the devil speak true?”
What is Macbeth’s impression of the three witches after learning he has been named
thane of Cawdor?
What is Macbeth’s attitude toward Duncan when the scene opens?
Duncan names his elder son as the Prince of Cumberland. Why is this a problem for
Macbeth?
Reread Scenes 3 and 4. What inference can you draw about Macbeth’s loyalty to King Duncan at this stage of the story? Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support your response.