Macbeth – Act 1 Memorandum

Exercise 1
1.1.1. Good vs evil
Appearance vs reality
Winning and losing

1.1.2. Good vs evil as well as winning vs losing are themes presented when the second
witch indicates that they will meet again when “the hurly-burly’s done” and “when the
battle is lost and won.” When the witches chant “fair is foul, and foul is fair”, they
introduce the theme of appearance vs reality.

Exercise 2
2.1. The simile in line 9 compares the Scottish soldiers to two exhausted swimmers (1) who
rely on one another to remain afloat. This image is effective as it suggests the soldiers
fought in a unified manner despite being exasperated. (1)
2.2. Macdonald is the leader of the rebel forces fighting against Scotland (1). He is described
as “merciless” as he is ruthless and relentless (1).
2.3. The captain describes Macbeth “Valour’s minion” (1) suggesting that he is courageous
and a favourite to bravery (1). As “Bellona’s Bridegroom” (1), Macbeth is considered skilled
on the battlefield like the husband to the Roman Goddess of War (1)

Exercise 3
3.1. Scotland’s enemies in battle are Ireland and Norway.
3.2. Ross is responsible for the capture of the Scottish traitor as the King instructs him to “go
pronounce his present death”
3.3. The King announces the Thane of Cawdor’s immediate execution and the King of
Norway pays the King of Scotland ten thousand dollars in an effort to create peace.
3.4. King Duncan’s words are ironic because he states that Macbeth will now be rewarded
with what the Thane of Cawdor has lost: The King’s trust, his life and his title. (1) This is
ironic as Macbeth will betray the King’s trust, just as the Thane of Cawdor has. (1)

Exercise 4
4.1. The first witch compares the sailor’s eyelid to a “penthouse lid”, indicating that his eyes
will not close and he will be sleep deprived (1). In the play, sleep represents peace. The
sailor’s peace will be disturbed as long as he is unable to sleep (1).
4.2. The Elizabethan’s believed in magic, good and bad. They believed in supernatural
powers that had the ability the cast spells, cure disease and foretell the future. (1)
Exercise 5
5.1. Macbeth’s opening words resemble those said by the witches in Act 1, scene 1 which
suggest the witches potential influence over Macbeth (1). Macbeth claims he has never
witnessed a day “so fair” as he has claimed victory against both Ireland and Norway (1).
Macbeth refers to the day as “so foul” due to the ominous weather that foreshadows the evil
presence of the witches (1).
5.2. Banquo is a man of high moral standards and goodness (1). He is loyal to Macbeth and
refers to him as “my noble partner” (1). Macbeth appears both fearful and intrigued (1) by the
witches as he requests that they “tell me more” and refers to them as “imperfect speakers”
(1)
5.3. The witches deliver Macbeth’s prophecies by announcing that he is the Thane of Glamis
(1), he will be named the Thane of Cawdor (1) and he will be King thereafter (1). The witches
tell Banquo that he will have less than Macbeth (1) and not be as fortunate as Macbeth (1).
Lastly, the witches inform Banquo that he will not be crowned King (1) however he will father
many Kings (1).

Exercise 6
6.1. Banquo states that Macbeth’s new title does not quite fit him (1) just yet like “strange
garments, cleave not to their mould” (1) implying that he will have to take some time to
become accustomed to it (1).
6.2. Banquo warns Macbeth that agents of evil often tell simple truths to make them appear
trustworthy (1), only to deceive them in the future. (1)
6.3.1. Macbeth is conflicted as he states that the prophecy cannot be good as it has resulted
in him imagining the King’s death (1) but it cannot be terrible as it has led to his success as
he was recently titled the new Thane of Cawdor (1).
6.3.2. The horrible imaginings have caused Macbeth’s hair to stand up (1) and his heart to
beat furiously against his ribs. (1)
6.4. Macbeth claims he will allow fate (1) to take its course and not interfere in it’s plans (1)