The three witches, also known as The Weird Sisters, come together in scene i and make plans to meet again.

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2 Act I, scene i The three witches, also known as The Weird Sisters, come together in scene i and make plans to meet again. When do they plan on meeting? Where do they plan on meeting? Who do they plan to meet with? Act II, scene ii 1) As the captain relates the events of the battle to King Duncan, he explains that is a traitor but that and fought courageously for Scotland. 2) At this point in the play, how is Macbeth viewed by the other noblemen? What words are used to describe him? 3) What announcement does King Duncan make at the end of scene ii?

3 Act I, scene iii 1) List 3 things the witches have been doing or plan to do What impression do these deeds form of the witches? 2) In your own words, write a physical description of the Weird Sisters based on Banquo s words (lines 37-45). 3) When the witches first speak to Macbeth, they make three statements about him. The first statement is a fact, and the second two are predictions. What are the three statements the witches make about Macbeth? 1. Truth: 2. Prediction: 3. Prediction:

4 4) The witches also make three predictions about Banquo. What three predictions do they make regarding Banquo? 1. Prediction: 2. Prediction: 3. Prediction: 5) When Ross and Angus enter, one of the predictions regarding Macbeth comes true. Which prediction is fulfilled? Proof from the text: 6) What does Macbeth mean when he says If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir (line 143)? How does this line show his feelings about the witches predictions? IMPORTANT VOCABULARY: Aside: A character s speech, directed to the audience, that is not supposed to be heard by other actors on stage. An aside is used to let the audience know what a character is about to do or what he/she is thinking.

5 Why do you think the above line was said in an aside instead of in front of all the characters? Act I, scene iv At King Duncan s castle: Duncan hears news of confession of treason Duncan thanks and praises and for their courage during battle Duncan names his son as the heir to his throne (The Prince of ) Duncan plans to dine at Macbeth s castle, After Duncan names his son as the prince, and therefore the next king, Macbeth says in an aside: The Prince of Cumberland that is a step on which I must fall down or else overleap, for in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires. What is the literal meaning of this statement?

6 What are Macbeth s desires? Why do you think he feels these desires are black and deep? Act I, scene v Dear Lady Macbeth, The day we won the battle, I met with three witches, who I have been told hold the power to predict the future! The Weird Sisters then told me that not only would I be Thane of Glamis, but Thane of Cawdor and indeed, the King as well! I wanted badly to ask them more questions, but they vanished into thin air! Just as I was thinking I was going crazy, the King and his men appeared and hailed me Thane of Cawdor, as the witches had predicted. Does this mean I will be king as they predicted as well? I wanted to deliver this information to you, my great partner, so that you too could rejoice at the greatness that is coming not only in my direction, but in yours. Your husband, Macbeth

7 1) Why does Lady Macbeth fear that her husband is too full of the milk of human kindness? (line 16) 2) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says she will pour my spirits in thine ear and chastise with the valour of my tongue all that impedes thee from golden round? (lines 25-27) IMPORTANT VOCABULARY: Soliloquy: A speech given by a character who is alone one stage. The speech reveals thoughts and motivations to the audience. A soliloquy is different from an aside because during an aside, other characters remain on stage. 3) As soon as Lady Macbeth read the letter from her husband, it is clear that she decides to take over the plan to make the witches predictions come true. Read Lady Macbeth s soliloquy. Supply examples/references for each of the following:

8 Foreshadowing of Lady Macbeth s plan: Diction that provides an ominous/foreboding mood: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Proof of Lady Macbeth s ambition: 4) When Macbeth returns to his castle, what advice does Lady Macbeth give him about how to proceed while King Duncan is their guest? Include 3 main points. 5) In your opinion, what type of person does Lady Macbeth seem to be?

9 Act I, scene vi In scene vi, Duncan and his train arrive at Macbeth s castle. What is the dramatic irony present in this scene? Act I, scene vii 1) Read Macbeth s soliloquy (lines 1-27). Finish each of the following statements in your own words: Macbeth feels that if they are going to kill the King then the murder must be Macbeth fears that if he kills the king, then Macbeth feels the king is at his castle in double trust because Vaulting ambition means 2) Outline Lady Macbeth s plan to assassinate the king. END OF ACT I: False face must hide what the false heart doth know.