?Act I. 1. What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play? Literally, the witches are deciding when they shall meet again. As the beginning of the EXPOSITION, this scene sets the mood for the entire play, and introduces several major motifs: the witches (supernatural influences in the play), the idea of fair being foul, and the stormy fate of Scotland. The main character, Macbeth, is also introduced by name, linking him to the witches’ predictions. 2. What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald? He calls him "valiant Cousin! Worthy gentleman!" (Ironic, cuz later Macbeth would be the man who takes his life.) 3. Who is sentenced to death? The Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death as a traitor. 4. What do the witches predict for Macbeth? For Banquo? They predict Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and the king. They predict that Banquo will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater, Not so happy, and yet happier" and that his son will be kings although he will not be one. 5. What news does Ross bring Macbeth? Ross tells Macbeth that Macbeth is now the Thane of Cawdor. 6. Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth's new title. He is, however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the "instruments of darkness"? He says they often tell of good things, which may happen without telling the bad consequences. 7. Malcolm describes Cawdor's last moments before execution. What is Duncan's reply? You can't tell what is in a person's heart by looking at his face.  (Things are not what they seem!) 8. Macbeth says, "Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires." What are Macbeth's desires? He now desires to be the king, and he realizes that something will have to be done with the present king before his desires can become reality.   9. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him? In short, Lady Macbeth thinks Macbeth could be a good king, but he lacks the hard heartedness, which would allow him to get to the position. She'll talk him into it. 10. What is Lady Macbeth's "prayer" to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming? She wants to be filled with evil power and cruelty in order to succeed in their conspiracy and make Macbeth king. 11. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home? She tells him he must learn to look innocent even when his heart is full of evil. He has to learn to hide his true feelings.  12. What are Macbeth's arguments to himself against killing Duncan? If Macbeth kills Duncan, then he is setting a precedent that subjects can kill kings and be rewarded with the kingship.  Macbeth is Duncan's kinsman and his subject, as well as his host. Duncan is a good king and virtuous man; he has done no particular evil. Duncan is a popular king, and his death would bring sorrow and unrest upon Scotland. 13. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder? She tells him not to be a coward. She tells him to be a man and go get what he wants. She says if she had made the promise to do so, that she would have killed her own baby to carry out that promise. 14. What is Lady Macbeth's plan? She will drug the king’s guards with their drink. Macbeth will then go into the king's room and murder him in his sleep.  They will place the weapons on the guards to make them appear guilty. Act II 1. What is Macbeth's lie to Banquo about the witches' predictions? He says he doesn't even think about them.   2. What is the signal Lady Macbeth is to give Macbeth to let him know that she has taken care of the guards (grooms)? She will ring a bell.   3. What excuse does Lady Macbeth give for not killing Duncan herself? He looked like her father sleeping there.   4. After Macbeth kills Duncan, he goes to Lady Macbeth and is concerned about not being able to say "Amen." What is her advice to him? She tells him not to think about it so much, or it will make them crazy.   5. Then, Macbeth is worried about hearing a voice saying, "Macbeth does murder sleep." What does Lady Macbeth then tell him to do? She tells him to go get some water and wash "this filthy witness" from his hands. In other words, get cleaned up and forget about it.   6. Why won't Macbeth take the daggers back to the scene of the crime? He can't bear to look at Duncan again.   7. Who was knocking? Macduff a