Macbeth – Guided Reading Questions ENG3UI

These questions are intended to give you some practice in approaching the play
in a detailed manner. Use the following guidelines in your approach to
understanding the play.

 Read the questions for each scene carefully before you attempt to read the
scene.
 On the basis of what you already know about the play, think about what
the answer to each question might be.
 Read the summary of the scene.
 Read the scene.
 Write brief answers to the reading questions in your notebooks.
 Write down any questions, comments or predictions you have after
reading the scene.

Act I, scene i

1. What is the atmosphere created in this scene? How is it created?

2. What is the significance of “Fair is foul and foul is fair”?

Act I, scene ii

1. What impression forms in your mind of Macbeth even before he appears in

person? Which lines contribute most to your impression?
2. The Sergeant uses several comparisons to convey the progress of the battle.
Select the two which you think work the most effectively. For each of your
choices, identify the kind of comparison, and then explain why you think it
works effectively.
3. How secure does Duncan’s position as King of Scotland appear to be? Why
do you think so?

Act I, scene iii

1. What significance would you attach to the first words which Macbeth speaks
on stage?
2. Compare the reactions which Banquo and Macbeth have to the Witches’
prophecies.
3. By the end of the scene, Macbeth has decided to wait for chance to make him
king. What does this suggest about his character?
4. What example is there of dramatic irony is this scene?
Act I, scene iv

1. Find two examples of dramatic irony in this scene and explain what they add
to the play.
2. What two major announcements does Duncan make in the latter part of this
scene.
2. Now that you have seen Duncan in two scenes, what strengths and
weaknesses does he have as a ruler?

Act I, scene v

1. What news does Macbeth send Lady Macbeth in his letter? What information
does he leave out of his letter?
2. In Lady Macbeth’s view, what are her husband’s weaknesses? How does she
plan to overcome them?
3. How does the imagery of Lady Macbeth’s second soliloquy affect your view
of her character?

Act I, scene vi

1. What is the impression created by Macbeth’s castle on Duncan and Banquo as

they approach?
2. How does Lady Macbeth behave towards Duncan as she greets him?
3. Why, in your opinion, does Lady Macbeth come forth to meet Duncan rather
than Macbeth?

Act I, scene vii

1. What reasons does Macbeth reveal in his soliloquy for not proceeding with
the murder of Duncan? What reasons does he give Lady Macbeth? How do you
account for the difference?
2. What strategies does Lady Macbeth use to win her husband over? Which
appears to be the most successful?
3. How does this last scene of Act I end the conflict that has been going on in
Macbeth’s mind? How do we know this?