MACBETH ACT

1 SCENE 3 & 4

Key vocabulary:
•Ambition
•Fate
•Heir
•Treason
•Prophecy

Look up and write down the

definitions of any unfamiliar
words.
 ACT 1 SCENE 4

Read Act 1 Scene 4 by

clicking the link below:

https://www.sparknotes.com/
nofear/shakespeare/macbeth/
page_24/
 COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Now you have read the scene answer these questions in full sentences.

1. How does Malcolm describe the Cawdor’s execution? How does Duncan respond?

2. How does Duncan regard Macbeth has done for him? What does Macbeth think
about the services he has provided?

3. What is the significance of Duncan naming Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland?

4. How does Macbeth react to the announcement in his last speech in this scene? What
does he reveal?
 ACT 1 SCENE 4: QUOTE MATCH-UP
Summary
• King Duncan asks his son, Malcolm, to confirm that the Thane of Cawdor has been executed. Read the summary and try to match 1 quote
• He is told that Cawdor died with dignity, repenting his actions. to each event. The quotes are not written
• Macbeth and Banquo enter and are thanked by Duncan for their efforts in the war. down in the correct order so you will need
to work out which quote matches to which
• Duncan proclaims that Malcolm will be his heir. He also says that he will visit Macbeth at
home.
event in the scene.
• Macbeth says he will write to his wife and prepare for the arrival of the king. He is unhappy
Once you have matched them up, write
about Duncan’s announcement that Malcolm is next in line to the throne.
down all of the summary points, with the
• In Macbeth’s absence, Duncan praises him to Banquo. relevant quote written next to each of them.

Quotes
• ‘He is full so valiant.’
• ‘With one that saw him die, who did report that very frankly he confessed his treasons, implored your highness' pardon, and set
forth a deep repentance.’
• ‘Is execution done on Cawdor?’
• ‘I’ll be myself the harbinger and make joyful the hearing of my wife with your approach.’
• ‘We will establish our estate upon our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter the prince of Cumberland.’
• ‘That the proportion both of thanks and payment might have been mine! Only I have left to say, more is thy due than more than
all can pay.’
 ACT 1 SCENE 4

Why is this scene important?

• The King’s announcement that Malcolm will be the next king provides Write this
Macbeth with motivation to prevent this happening by committing murder and
treason. down!
• Shakespeare shows how Macbeth’s attitude has changed and hardened when he
sees that Malcolm is in his way.
• Macbeth’s character is contrasted with those of Duncan, Banquo and even the
executed Thane of Cawdor.
Macbeth’s character is revealed through contrasts

Duncan and Banquo are open and direct, whereas Macbeth hides his desires and
intentions.
What could the light and dark
Typically, for Duncan, ‘Stars, shall shine,’ whereas for Macbeth they ‘hide’ so imagery used here, highlight about
that darkness prevails. Macbeth in comparison to Duncan?
Write down your ideas.