Macbeth Acts 1-5 QUIZ
By Sandra Nash
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Last updated 2 months ago
26 Questions
5
1.
Which word best describes the mood Shakespeare tries to create in the opening scene of Act 1?
Which word best describes the mood Shakespeare tries to create in the opening scene of Act 1?
5
2.
Macbeth getting the title of thane of Cawdor is ironic because…
Macbeth getting the title of thane of Cawdor is ironic because…
5
3.
BANQUOGood sir, why do you start; and seem to fear
Things that do sound so fair? I' the name of truth,
Are ye fantastical, or that indeed
Which outwardly ye show? My noble partner
You greet with present grace and great prediction
Of noble having and of royal hope,
That he seems rapt withal: to me you speak not.
If you can look into the seeds of time,
And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear
Your favours nor your hate.
What is Banquo referring to when he says “why do you start; and seem to fear things that do sound so fair?”
BANQUO
Good sir, why do you start; and seem to fear
Things that do sound so fair? I' the name of truth,
Are ye fantastical, or that indeed
Which outwardly ye show? My noble partner
You greet with present grace and great prediction
Of noble having and of royal hope,
That he seems rapt withal: to me you speak not.
If you can look into the seeds of time,
And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear
Your favours nor your hate.
What is Banquo referring to when he says “why do you start; and seem to fear things that do sound so fair?”
5
4.
MACBETHStay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis;
But how of Cawdor? the thane of Cawdor lives,
A prosperous gentleman; and to be king
Stands not within the prospect of belief,
No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence
You owe this strange intelligence? or why
Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you. Witches vanish
By Macbeth’s initial reaction to the prophecies, we know…
MACBETH
Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis;
But how of Cawdor? the thane of Cawdor lives,
A prosperous gentleman; and to be king
Stands not within the prospect of belief,
No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence
You owe this strange intelligence? or why
Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you. Witches vanish
By Macbeth’s initial reaction to the prophecies, we know…
5
5.
MACBETHStay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis;
But how of Cawdor? the thane of Cawdor lives,
A prosperous gentleman; and to be king
Stands not within the prospect of belief,
No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence
You owe this strange intelligence? or why
Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you. Witches vanish
When the witches give Macbeth his prophecy, this is a form of dramatic irony because…
MACBETH
Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis;
But how of Cawdor? the thane of Cawdor lives,
A prosperous gentleman; and to be king
Stands not within the prospect of belief,
No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence
You owe this strange intelligence? or why
Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you. Witches vanish
When the witches give Macbeth his prophecy, this is a form of dramatic irony because…
5
6.
What is an aside?
What is an aside?
5
7.
Lady Macbeth’s ambitious character trait first shows when she…
Lady Macbeth’s ambitious character trait first shows when she…
5
8.
Macbeth’s Soliloquy in Act I Scene 7:If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
To our own lips. He's here in double trust;
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;
And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on the other.
What is soliloquy?
Macbeth’s Soliloquy in Act I Scene 7:
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
To our own lips. He's here in double trust;
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;
And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on the other.
What is soliloquy?
5
9.
Macbeth’s Soliloquy in Act I Scene 7:If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
To our own lips. He's here in double trust;
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;
And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on the other.
We know that Macbeth is unsure about killing the king because of the aftermath that might occur when he says…
Macbeth’s Soliloquy in Act I Scene 7:
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
To our own lips. He's here in double trust;
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;
And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on the other.
We know that Macbeth is unsure about killing the king because of the aftermath that might occur when he says…
5
10.
What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction when Macbeth tells her, “we will proceed no further in this business”?
What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction when Macbeth tells her, “we will proceed no further in this business”?
5
11.
In Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act II Scene 1, Macbeth and the reader realize that Macbeth is on the verge of insanity because…
In Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act II Scene 1, Macbeth and the reader realize that Macbeth is on the verge of insanity because…
5
12.
Lady Macbeth had a detailed plan for the murder of Duncan. Which part of the plan did Macbeth mess up?
Lady Macbeth had a detailed plan for the murder of Duncan. Which part of the plan did Macbeth mess up?
5
13.
After Lady Macbeth corrects Macbeth’s mistake, she says, “My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white” this can best be paraphrased to say…
After Lady Macbeth corrects Macbeth’s mistake, she says, “My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white” this can best be paraphrased to say…
5
14.
Shakespeare expertly ties in the hand-washing scene back into Act V by…
Shakespeare expertly ties in the hand-washing scene back into Act V by…
5
15.
Malcolm and Donalbain…
Malcolm and Donalbain…
5
16.
BANQUOThou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and, I fear,
Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them--
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine--
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
And set me up in hope? But hush! no more.
We know that Banquo suspects Macbeth for King Duncan’s death because he says…
BANQUO
Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and, I fear,
Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them--
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine--
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
And set me up in hope? But hush! no more.
We know that Banquo suspects Macbeth for King Duncan’s death because he says…
5
17.
To be thus is nothing;
But to be safely thus.--Our fears in Banquo
Stick deep; andin his royalty of nature
Reigns that which would be fear'd: 'tismuch he dares;
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdomthat doth guide his valour
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear: and, under him,
My Genius is rebuked; as, it is said,
Mark Antony's was by Caesar. He chid the sisters
When first they put the name of king upon me,
And bade them speak to him: then prophet-like
They hail'dhim father to a line of kings:
Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,
And put a barren sceptre in my gripe,
Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand,
No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so,
For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind;
For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd;
Put rancours in the vessel of my peace
Only for them; and mine eternal jewel
Given to the common enemy of man,
To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!
Rather than so, come fate into the list.
And champion me to the utterance! Who's there!
What is the central idea of this passage?
To be thus is nothing;
But to be safely thus.--Our fears in Banquo
Stick deep; andin his royalty of nature
Reigns that which would be fear'd: 'tismuch he dares;
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdomthat doth guide his valour
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear: and, under him,
My Genius is rebuked; as, it is said,
Mark Antony's was by Caesar. He chid the sisters
When first they put the name of king upon me,
And bade them speak to him: then prophet-like
They hail'dhim father to a line of kings:
Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,
And put a barren sceptre in my gripe,
Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand,
No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so,
For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind;
For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd;
Put rancours in the vessel of my peace
Only for them; and mine eternal jewel
Given to the common enemy of man,
To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!
Rather than so, come fate into the list.
And champion me to the utterance! Who's there!
What is the central idea of this passage?
5
18.
Select the detail that best supports the central idea of the passage in question 17.
Select the detail that best supports the central idea of the passage in question 17.
5
19.
Why doesn’t Macbeth think he has a seat at the head of the table of his solemn supper?
Why doesn’t Macbeth think he has a seat at the head of the table of his solemn supper?
5
20.
Lady Macbeth covers for her husband’s actions at his solemn supper by…
Lady Macbeth covers for her husband’s actions at his solemn supper by…
5
21.
Which answer to why Macbeth revisits the witches best sums up his reason as well as one of his flaws?
Which answer to why Macbeth revisits the witches best sums up his reason as well as one of his flaws?
5
22.
How does the witches’ second apparition seemingly contradict the first apparition?
How does the witches’ second apparition seemingly contradict the first apparition?
10
23.
MACBETHThen live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee?
But yet I'll make assurance double sure,
And take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live;
That I may tell pale-hearted fearit lies,
And sleep in spite of thunder…MACBETHThat will never be
Who can impress the forest, bid the tree
Unfix his earth-bound root? Sweet bodements! good!
Rebellion's head, rise never till the wood
Of Birnam rise, and our high-placed Macbeth
Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath
To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart
Throbs to know one thing: tell me, if your art
Can tell so much: shall Banquo's issue ever
Reign in this kingdom?ALLSeek to know no more.LENNOX'Tis two or three, my lord, that bring you word
Macduff is fled to England.MACBETHFled to England!LENNOXAy, my good lord.MACBETHUnless the deed go with it; from this moment
The very firstlings of my heart shall be
The firstlings of my hand. And even now,
To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done:
The castle of Macduff I will surprise;
Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o' the sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;
This deed I'll do before this purpose cool.
But no more sights!--Where are these gentlemen?
Come, bring me where they are.
What is Macbeth’s fatal flaw that is highlighted the most in the first two stanzas?
MACBETH
Then live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee?
But yet I'll make assurance double sure,
And take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live;
That I may tell pale-hearted fearit lies,
And sleep in spite of thunder…
MACBETH
That will never be
Who can impress the forest, bid the tree
Unfix his earth-bound root? Sweet bodements! good!
Rebellion's head, rise never till the wood
Of Birnam rise, and our high-placed Macbeth
Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath
To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart
Throbs to know one thing: tell me, if your art
Can tell so much: shall Banquo's issue ever
Reign in this kingdom?
ALL
Seek to know no more.
LENNOX
'Tis two or three, my lord, that bring you word
Macduff is fled to England.
MACBETH
Fled to England!
LENNOX
Ay, my good lord.
MACBETH
Unless the deed go with it; from this moment
The very firstlings of my heart shall be
The firstlings of my hand. And even now,
To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done:
The castle of Macduff I will surprise;
Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o' the sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;
This deed I'll do before this purpose cool.
But no more sights!--Where are these gentlemen?
Come, bring me where they are.
What is Macbeth’s fatal flaw that is highlighted the most in the first two stanzas?
5
24.
Which passage best reveals this fatal flaw?
Which passage best reveals this fatal flaw?
5
25.
Historical Context from BBC News:Shakespeare would often perform his plays for the court. During the time-period in which he wrote and performed Macbeth (1606), James VI of Scotland, who then became James I of Britain, was the ruling monarch. The backing and sponsorship of the King and court were extremely valuable to Shakespeare. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses various methods to flatter the king. Macbeth, who “usurps the place of a lawful King, is shown as losing everything as a result – he becomes hated and demonized by all his subjects, as does his wife, who supports him in his crime” (“BBC-Higher Bitesize English Background”) Also, during his reign as King of Scotland, James is known to have been directly involved in witch trials. Women were regularly burnt as witches, and Shakespeare portrays his witches as powerful and evil ambassadors of the devil. Given King James’ background, this would have certainly pleased him.
In addition, religious thinkers during the Middle Ages had endorsed the idea of 'The Great Chain of Being'. This was the belief that “God had designed an ordered system for both nature and humankind within which every creature and person had an allotted place” (“BBC-Higher Bitesize English Background”). It was considered an offense against God for anyone to try to alter their station in life. One of these was the so-called 'divine right of kings. This was the belief that the power of monarchs was given directly by God; thus, monarchs were answerable only to God. Any resistance to the King was an attack on God himself, an extremely wicked and sacrilegious sin. After death, however, all would be raised in the kingdom of heaven if they respected God's will. Since God bestowed royal rank, it was a sin to aspire to it. This doctrine – a convenient one for King James – was still widely held in Shakespeare's day.
"BBC - Higher Bitesize English - Background :Revision." BBC News. BBC, 2014. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.
According to the informational text above, why might the audience during Shakespeare’s time find it satisfying that Lady Macbeth goes mad in the end?
Historical Context from BBC News:
Shakespeare would often perform his plays for the court. During the time-period in which he wrote and performed Macbeth (1606), James VI of Scotland, who then became James I of Britain, was the ruling monarch. The backing and sponsorship of the King and court were extremely valuable to Shakespeare. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses various methods to flatter the king. Macbeth, who “usurps the place of a lawful King, is shown as losing everything as a result – he becomes hated and demonized by all his subjects, as does his wife, who supports him in his crime” (“BBC-Higher Bitesize English Background”) Also, during his reign as King of Scotland, James is known to have been directly involved in witch trials. Women were regularly burnt as witches, and Shakespeare portrays his witches as powerful and evil ambassadors of the devil. Given King James’ background, this would have certainly pleased him.
In addition, religious thinkers during the Middle Ages had endorsed the idea of 'The Great Chain of Being'. This was the belief that “God had designed an ordered system for both nature and humankind within which every creature and person had an allotted place” (“BBC-Higher Bitesize English Background”). It was considered an offense against God for anyone to try to alter their station in life. One of these was the so-called 'divine right of kings. This was the belief that the power of monarchs was given directly by God; thus, monarchs were answerable only to God. Any resistance to the King was an attack on God himself, an extremely wicked and sacrilegious sin. After death, however, all would be raised in the kingdom of heaven if they respected God's will. Since God bestowed royal rank, it was a sin to aspire to it. This doctrine – a convenient one for King James – was still widely held in Shakespeare's day.
"BBC - Higher Bitesize English - Background :Revision." BBC News. BBC, 2014. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.
According to the informational text above, why might the audience during Shakespeare’s time find it satisfying that Lady Macbeth goes mad in the end?
5
26.
By writing the final plot twist scene with Macduff and Macbeth, which two central themes of the play relate directly to its historical context?
By writing the final plot twist scene with Macduff and Macbeth, which two central themes of the play relate directly to its historical context?