Macbeth

Act I Scene 3
Multiple Choice Questions :
1. What is the setting of Act I, Scene 3?
A) A castle
B) A battlefield
C) A forest
D) A heath
Ans : A heath.
2. What is the First Witch discussing at the beginning of this scene?
A) A plan to harm a sailor
B) A prophecy about Macbeth
C) A feast they will have later
D) A spell to gain power
Ans : A plan to harm a sailor.
3. Who is the woman that the First Witch encounters?
A) The Second Witch
B) The Third Witch
C) Macbeth’s wife
D) A random sailor’s wife
Ans : A random sailor’s wife.
4. What does the First Witch want from the sailor’s wife?
A) Chestnuts
B) Money
C) A ride
D) A spell
Ans : A spell.
5. What does the First Witch say she has?
A) A sailor’s wife
B) A pilot’s thumb
C) All the ports and quarters
 D) A spell
Ans : All the ports and quarters.
6. What do the other witches give the First Witch to help her in her plan
against the sailor?
A) Magical ingredients
B) A map
C) Wind
D) A potion
Ans : Wind.
7. What does the Third Witch say when she hears a drum?
A) A drum, a drum
B) The weather is changing
C) It’s time for dinner
D) Macbeth is coming
Ans : A drum, a drum.
8. What phrase do the witches chant before Macbeth and Banquo arrive on
the heath?
A) “Double, double toil and trouble”
B) “Thrice to thine and thrice to mine”
C) “By the pricking of my thumbs”
D) “Fair is foul, ad foul is fair”
Ans : “Thrice to thine and thrice to mine”.
9. How does Banquo describe the witches’ appearance?
A) Beautiful and enchanting
B) Young and innocent
C) Withered and wild
D) Old and wise
Ans : Withered and wild.
10. What is Banquo’s initial reaction to the witches in Act I Scene 3?
A) He is intrigued by their prophecies
B) He is frightened and wants to leave
C) He is sceptical and asks if they are real
D) He is angry and threatens them
Ans : He is sceptical and asks if they are real.
11. What title do the witches first address Macbeth with?
A) Thane of Glamis
B) Thane of Cawdor
C) King of Scotland
D) Duke of Northumberland
Ans : Thane of Glamis.
12. What title do the witches give Macbeth in their second prophecy?
A) Thane of Glamis
B) Thane of Cawdor
C) King of Scotland
D) Duke of Northumberland
Ans : Thane of Cawdor.
13. What is the witches’ final prophecy for Macbeth?
A) He will be Thane of Glamis
B) He will be Thane of Cawdor
C) He will be King of Scotland
D) He will be Duke of Northumberland
Ans : He will be King of Scotland.
14. What do the witches prophesise about Banquo’s future?
A) He will become King
B) His children will become Kings
C) He will die a noble death
D) He will become a powerful lord
Ans : His children will become Kings.
15. How does Macbeth react to the witches’ prophecies?
A) He is excited and eager for them to come true
B) He is confused and questions the witches further
C) He dismisses them as nonsense
D) He is terrified and wants to leave immediately
Ans : He is confused and questions the witches further.
16. What happens to the witches after they speak to Macbeth and Banquo?
A) They continue share prophecies
 B) They vanish into thin air
C) They transform into animals
D) They leave to attend a witches’ gathering
Ans : They vanish into thin air.
17. How does Banquo describe the witches after they vanish?
A) As dangerous temptations
B) As trustworthy guides
C) As harmless illusions
D) As bubbles of the earth
Ans : As bubbles of the earth.
18. What does Banquo suggest may be the cause of their encounter with
the witches?
A) Divine intervention
B) Fate
C) Eating the insane root
D) Witchcraft
Ans : Eating the insane root.
19. What news do Ross and Angus bring to Macbeth in Act I, Scene 3?
A) He has been named Thane of Glamis
B) He has been named Thane of Cawdor
C) He has been named King of Scotland
D) He has been named Duke of Northumberland
Ans : He has been named Thane of Cawdor.
20. What does Banquo say when he hers that Macbeth has been named
Than of Cawdor?
A) He is happy for Macbeth
B) He is jealous of Macbeth’s news title
C) He wonders if the witches prophecies are true
D) He questions the legitimacy of the title
Ans : He wonders if the witches prophecies are true.
21. What does Banquo warn Macbeth about the witches’ prophecies?
A) They can be trusted completely
B) They may be trying to deceive them
C) They should be ignored
D) They will bring them great fortune
Ans : They may be trying to deceive them.
22. How does Macbeth feel about the witches’ prophecies after learning he
is Thane of Cawdor?
A) He is eager to become king
B) He is fearful of the prophecies coming true
C) He dismisses them as coincidences
D) He becomes obsessed with making them come true
Ans : He is fearful of the prophecies coming true.
23. What does Macbeth decide about the prophecy that he will be king?
A) He will actively pursue it
B) He will let fate decide without any effort on his part
C) He will try to prevent it from happening
D) He does not believe it will come true
Ans : He will let fate decide without any effort on his part.
24. How does Banque respond when Macbeth mentions the witches’
prophecies about Banquo’s children?
A) He dismisses the prophecies as nonsense
B) He expresses excitement at the idea
C) He expresses concern and warns Macbeth
D) He remains indifferent to the prophecies
Ans : He expresses concern and warns Macbeth.
25. What does Macbeth ask Banquo to do after they discuss the witches’
prophecies?
A) Keep the encounter a secret
B) Help him become King
C) Speak freely about his thoughts
D) Confront the witches for more information
Ans : Speak freely about his thoughts.
26. What does Macbeth say is “wrought with things forgotten”?
A) His mind
B) The witches’ prophecies
C) His ambition
D) Banquo’s concerns
Ans : His mind.
27. Where do Macbeth and Banque decide to go at the end of Act I, Scene
3?
A) To the King
B) To find the witches
C) To celebrate Macbeth’s new title
D) To consult with their allies
Ans : To the King.
28. What does Banquo say in response to Macbeth’s invitation to speak
their free hearts to each other?
A) He refuses to discuss the matter further
B) He agrees to discuss it further
C) He says they should speak only to the King
D) He says they should forget that the encounter ever happened
Ans : He agrees to discuss it further.
29. What does Macbeth mean when he says, “Time and the hour runs
through the roughest day”?
A) Time will pass no matter how difficult the day is
B) They have limited time to fulfill their ambitions
C) Time will reveal the truth behind the witches’ prophecies
D) The future is uncertain and they must seize the day
Ans : Time will pass no matter how difficult the day is.
30. Who is Ross?
A) A rebel
B) A messenger
C) Macbeth’s enemy
D) A king
Ans : A messenger.
31. Who is Angus?
A) A rebel
B) A messenger
C) Macbeth’s enemy
D) A king
Ans : A messenger.
32. What is the reaction of the king to the news of Macbeth’s success?
A) He is pleased and impressed
B) He is angry and resentful
C) He is indifferent
D) He is sad and disappointed
Ans : He is pleased and impressed.
33. What title is Macbeth given by the king?
A) Thane of Cawdor
B) King of Scotland
C) Duke of Edinburgh
D) Prince of Wales
Ans : Thane of Cawdor.
34. How does Banquo react to the news of Macbeth’s new title?
A) He is excited
B) He is confused
C) He is sceptical
D) He is thrilled
Ans : He is sceptical.
35. What is the fate of the previous Thane of Cawdor?
A) He has been exiled
B) He has been executed
C) He has been imprisoned
D) He has been promoted
Ans : He has been executed.
36. What does Macbeth say about the “supernatural soliciting?
A) It cannot be good
B) It cannot be evil
C) It is sign of success
D) It is a sign of failure
Ans : It cannot be evil.
37. What does Banquo suggest to Macbeth in his aside?
A) That Macbeth should be king
B) That Macbeth should be careful
 C) That Macbeth should be honest
D) That Macbeth should be brave
Ans : That Macbeth should be Careful.
38. What is Macbeth’s attitude towards the possibility of becoming king?
A) He is excited
B) He is ambivalent
C) He is hesitant
D) He is determined
Ans : He is ambivalent.
39. What is the main theme of the scene?
A) The power of ambition
B) The consequences of treason
C) The nature of truth
D) The relationship between Macbeth and Banquo
Ans : The power of ambition.
40. At the end of Act I, Scene 3, what does Macbeth tell Banquo about the
prophecy?
A) They’ll discuss it when they have time
B) They shall not repeat it
C) Banquo can speak to him whenever he wishes
D) They’ll discuss it at midnight.
Ans : They’ll discuss it when they have time.
Logical Reasoning Questions :
1. The witches decide to meet on a heath because
Macbeth and Banquo are to return to Forres by that route after the
battle. The venue is also an allusion to Act I Scene I.
2. The First witch proposes to disguise as a rat because
She was turned away and dispelled by the sailor’s wife when she
asked for a few chestnuts. She plans to exact her revenge by tormenting
her husband who is a sailor away at sea.
3. The witches conspire to torment the sailor because
His wife refused to share some of her chestnuts with the witch. The
witches conspire together to torment the sailor for eighty - one weeks by
raising tempests that he will have to endure.
4. Banquo believes the witches to be non - inhabitants of the Earth
because
Of their weak and withered appearance and their wild attire. He also
questions whether they are really women, since they seem to have beards
like men.
5. Macbeth is startled because
The witches greet him as the Thane of Cawdor and predict that he shall
be the King of Scotland soon.
6. Banquo probes the witches for a prophecy because
He intends to examine the accuracy of their prophecies.
7. Macbeth questions the soundness of his new title (Thane of Cawdor)
because
The former Thane of Cawdor is still alive and while he is, Macbeth cannot
uphold the title.
8. Macbeth is discontent because
He wishes to further implore the witches about the prophecy, but they
vanish without answering him.
9. The former Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death because
He committed treason by colluding with the Norwegian King and which
has been proved and confessed by him.
10. After Ross relays him his new title, Macbeth believes two truths were
told because
The part of witches’ prophecy of him attaining the tile of ‘Thane of
Cawdor’ came true and hence, he started to contemplate about the
prophecy of claiming the throne.

Short Essay Type Questions :

1. In Act I, Scene 3 what is Macbeth’s reaction to the witches’ prophecies?
Ans : At first Macbeth is sceptical of the witches’ prophecies, but he
becomes increasingly intrigued as their words begin to come true. He is
taken aback by their strange appearance and their bizarre language, and he
questions the legitimacy of their claims. However, when the witches predict
that he will become the king, Macbeth’s interest is piqued. He becomes
increasingly intrigued by the idea of achieving greatness and becoming king,
and the thought begins to take hold over his mind. The witches’ prophecies
plant the seed of ambition in Macbeth’s mind and he becomes obsessed
with the idea of becoming king.
As the play progresses, Macbeth’s obsession with power and his desire to
fulfil the witches’ prophecy leads him down a dark path. He becomes
consumed with ambition leading him to commit terrible acts of violence and
betrayal in order to gain and maintain power. Macbeth ‘s reaction to the
witches’ prophecies ultimately drives the plot of the play, as his actions and
decisions are motivated by his desire for power and his belief that the
prophecies are fated to come true.
2. In Act I, Scene 3, how does Banquo react to the witches’ prophecies?
Ans : Banquo believes that the witches are not inhabitants of Earth because
of their wild and withered appearance. Banquo is initially sceptical of the
witches’ prophecies but he is also intrigued by them. He is sceptical of them
and asks them to prophesise his future in order to test their truthfulness
about that of Macbeth’s. While he is initially intrigued by the witches’
predictions, Banquo does not allow himself to become consumed by his
ambition in the same way that Macbeth does. He recognises that the
witches’ prophecies could be a trap or a ploy to manipulate Macbeth, and
he warns his friend to be wary of their influence.
Banquo’s measured response to the witches’ prophecies serves a a stark
contrast to Macbeth’s increasing obsession with the idea of becoming king.
While Macbeth becomes consumed by his ambition and ultimately commits
terrible acts of violence and betrayal, Banquo remains true to his principles
and resists the temptation of unchecked ambition. Banquo ultimately meets
a tragic end at the hands of Macbeth, but his character serves as an
important reminder of the dangers of greed and ambition.
3. In Act I, Scene 3, how does Ross and Angus praise Macbeth for his
success in battle?
Ans : In Act I, Scene 3 of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Ross and Angus praise
Macbeth for his success in battle. They acknowledge him as a valiant
warrior who has defended Scotland against their enemies. They commend
his bravery and his skill on the battlefield, and they recognise his vital
contribution to their cause. Ross notes that even the king is impressed by
Macbeth’s personal bravery and skill in battle, which implies that the King
may reward Macbeth for his service. This recognition and praise have a
significant impact on Macbeth’s character. He is already ambitious and
intrigued by the witches’ prophecies, but the recognition he receives from
his peers and superiors strokes his ambition further, making him even more
determined to achieve greatness and become king. The praise Macbeth
receives from his fellow soldiers and from the king’s court ultimately sets
him on a dangerous path, leading him to commit terrible acts of violence
and betrayal in order to gain and maintain power.
4. In Act I, Scene 3, how does Ross and Angus praise Macbeth for his
success in battle?
Ans : In Act I, Scene 3 of Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth”, Banquo warns
Macbeth to be cautious and measured in his response to the witches’
prophecies. Banquo is initially sceptical of the witches and their predictions
recognising that they could be a trap or a ploy to manipulate Macbeth. He is
concerned that the witches might have an ulterior motive and he urges
Macbeth to be wary of their influence.
Banquo’s warning is significant because it highlights the theme of ambition
and its potential dangers. Banquo recognises that ambition can be a driving
force for good but it can also lead to destruction if is not moderated by
reason and morality. Banquo serves as a foil to Macbeth, demonstrating the
dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of maintaining a sense
of perspective and morality.
Banquo’s warning also hints at the tragic events that unfold later in the play.
Macbeth’s ambition lead him to commit terrible acts of violence and
betrayal, ultimately leading to his downfall. Banquo’s warning is a reminder
that the prophecies of the witches are not necessarily to be trusted and
that Macbeth should be cautious in his pursuit of power.
Long Essay Type Questions :
1. In Act I Scene 3, how does Macbeth feel about the witches’ prophecies?
Ans : In Act I, Scene 3 of Macbeth, Macbeth initially dismisses the witches’
prophecies as he is loyal subject to King Duncan and does not have any
aspirations to become the King. However, as the idea of becoming the King
begins to take hold in his mind, Macbeth becomes increasingly intrigued by
the witches’ prophecies. His deep - seated ambition begins to cloud his
judgement, and he becomes obsessed with the idea of becoming King. He
is fascinated by the prospect of achieving greatness and becoming
powerful, which is in stark contrast to his initial scepticism.
Macbeth’s internal struggles about his desire for power and the
consequences of his actions are a central theme of the play. He is plagued
by guilt and anxiety about the violent and treacherous acts he must commit
in order to gain and maintain power. Macbeth recgnises that his ambition is
dangerous and may ultimately lead to his downfall, yet he cannot resist its
allure.
Macbeth’s fascination with the witches’ prophecies ultimately drives him to
commit terrible acts of violence and betrayal. He murders King Duncan to
ascend to the throne and he becomes increasingly paranoid and ruthless as
he seeks to maintain his power. His internal struggles and the
consequences of his actions make Macbeth a complex and tragic character,
and his story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked
ambition.
2. Who are the three witches and what do they want with Macbeth and
Banquo?
Ans : The three witches, also known as the “Weird Sisters”, play a critical
role in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth. They are depicted as
otherworldly creatures who possess supernatural abilities and knowledge
beyond human understanding. The witches’ appearance in the play is
significant as thy serve as a catalyst for the main character’s downfall.
The witches are interested in Macbeth and Banquo as they see them as
potential subjects for their prophecies. They know that the two men are
highly ambitious and that their predictions will appeal to their desire for
power and greatness. The witches us their supernatural powers to entice
and manipulate the two men. They promise Macbeth that he will become
King and tell Banquo that he will father a line of kings, implying that his
descendants will eventually inherit the throne. The witches’ predictions
spark Macbeth’s ambition, and he becomes increasingly obsessed with the
idea of becoming king.
The witches also seem to have their own agenda. They enjoy creating
chaos an disruption and revel in the destruction they cause. They
manipulate Macbeth and Banquo in order to set in motion a chain of events
that will lead to their own destruction. The witches’ predictions set off a
series of violent and tragic events that ultimately lead to Macbeth’s
downfall.
In addition to their supernatural abilities the witches are also associated
with darkness chaos and evil. Their presence in the play creates an
atmosphere of foreboding and dread. They are often depicted as hags or
crones, and their appearance and behaviour are meant to be unsettling and
disturbing.
3. What is the significance of the Witches’ prophecies and how do they
affect Macbeth’s behaviour?
Ans : The witches’ prophecies have a significant impact on Macbeth’s
behaviour throughout the play. When they first hail him as Thane of Cawdor
and King, it sparks an ambition in him that he had not previously entertained.
He becomes consumed with the idea of becoming King, and the prophecy
fuels his ambition and sens of entitlement.
As Macbeth becomes more paranoid and ruthless in his quest for power,
the Witches, prophecies continue to play a role in his behaviour. When he
hears the prophecy that “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth”, he
becomes emboldened and even more confident in his ability to maintain
power. Similarly, when the Witches tell him that he cannot be defeated until
Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane, he is reassured and feels invincible.
In addition to shaping Macbeth’s behaviour, the Witches’ prophecies also
serve as a commentary on the nature of fate and free will. While Macbeth
initially sees the prophecies as a guarantee of his future, they ultimately
prove to be both ambiguous and unreliable. In the end, Macbeth’s own
choices and actions lead to his downfall, despite the prophecies he
received from the Witches.
4. How does Banquo react to the Witches’ prophecies and what does this
reveal about his character in Act I, Scene 3?
Ans : Banquo reacts to the Witches’ prophecies with scepticism and
caution. He is wary of their supernatural power and the potential
consequences of trusting them. Unlike Macbeth, who is immediately
consumed with ambition and the desire for power Banquo is more
measured in his response to the Witches’ prophecies.
This reveals a key difference between Banquo and Macbeth’s characters.
Banquo is more level - headed and rational, and he is not easily swayed by
the lure of power and ambition. He is also more attuned to the dangers of
trusting the Witches and their supernatural powers and he warns Macbeth
to be cautious in his dealings with them.
Banquo’s scepticism and caution are also a reflection of his moral character.
He is a loyal and honourable man who is not willing to compromise his
values for personal gain. This is evident in his interactions with Macbeth,
where he is hesitant to go along with his friend’s plans for murder and
treachery. Banquo’s character serves as a foil to Macbeth, highlighting the
dangers of ambition and the importance of remaining true to one’s moral
principles.
5. What is the significance of Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act I, Scene 3?
Ans : Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act I, Scene 3 is significant because it reveals
the inner turmoil and ambition of his character. Macbeth has just been told
by the witches that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the
King of Scotland, and his initial disbelief has given way to a deep sense of
ambition and desire. He is torn between his desire for power and his sense
of morality, which tells him that murder is wrong.
In the soliloquy, Macbeth acknowledges the temptation that the witches’
prophecies have presented to him. He imagines himself as King and begins
to consider the possibility of murdering King Duncan to make the prophecy
a reality. He recognises the gravity of such a act, calling it “bloody” and
“unholy”, but at the same time he is unable to resist the allure of power.
The soliloquy also reveals Macbeth’s internal struggle between loyalty and
ambition. He acknowledges that Duncan is a good and virtuous king and
that he himself has no real reason to kill him other than his own desire for
power. He recognises that the murder would be a betrayal of trust and a
violation of the social order but he is unable to quell his ambition.
Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act I, Scene 3 is significant because it provides
insight into his character and sets the stage for the moral and ethical
struggles he will face throughout the play. It highlights the power of
ambition and the lengths to which people will go to achieve it, even if it
means betraying those closest to them and violating societal norms.