English Department

Drama Model Answer

Macbeth
Act 1
1: But often these ministers of darkness tell us truths in little things,to lead us
into doing evil. Comment
These words were said by Banquo to Macbeth after meeting the witches. The two
generals were back from the battle and they saw the witches. First, they knew
their names and then they gave them some predictions. They said that Macbeth
would be the Thane of Cawdor and then the coming king. They also said that
Banquo would be less than Macbeth but greater and that his sons would be kings.
The two men kept thinking of the prophecies , but Banquo advised Macbeth to
stop thinking about them because their prophecies may lead to evil and
destruction.
2” He is in a double trust. I am his kinsman and his subject. Strong both against
the deed, then as his host who should against his murderers shut the door not
bear the knife myself.” Comment
Macbeth said these words to his wife when she was convincing him to kill king
Duncan. Macbeth decided not to kill the king. He realized that killing him means
killing his chamberlains as well. He was also convinced that he is a guest in his
house and there is a blood relation that connects them. He found it very mean to
kill him in his house instead of defending him against any evil.

3-: The three witches’ prophecies were quite confusing for Banquo. Elaborate.
When Banquo and Macbeth met the witches, they were shocked because of their
prophecies. The witch said to Banquo that he would be lesser than Macbeth but
greater. She also told him that he wouldn’t be happy, yet much happier. She told
Macbeth that he would be the coming king and predicted that Banquo’s sons
would be kings. The two men kept thinking about what had happened. However,
Banquo was wiser and he didn’t believe them.
English Department

4- Lady Macbeth’s ambition led to catastrophic consequences. Explain

Or Lady Macbeth is an ambitious woman who lusts for power and position.
Lady Macbeth showed us the real example of betrayal and evil ambition. When
she knew about the prophecies, she couldn’t wait for the right time to be the
queen. She tried to convince her husband to kill the king to achieve her dream.
When he refused to kill him, she insulted him.

5-Macbeth has experienced an inner conflict. Discuss

Macbeth told his wife, Lady Macbeth about the witches' prophecies.
Lady Macbeth was ambitious and started to set a plan to get rid of King
Duncan in order to fulfill the third prophecy.

The king came to Macbeth's castle to honor him. Macbeth was

tormented by fears and doubts. The king was his kinsman and his guest
so how he could kill him.

He struggled hard against this temptation. He could not kill the king. He
had given him high honors and he was grateful to him.