Macbeth Acts I, II, & III
This quiz goes over the plot details of acts I, II, and III of MACBETH
Questions and Answers
- 1.
MACBETH opens with the scene of the three witches discussin their next meeting. The scene concludes with "Fair is foul, and foul is fair..."What does this indicate about the rest of the play?
- A.
That the witches are good at inversion
- B.
That alliteration will play a big part in thier lines
- C.
Things are not what they seem
Correct Answer
C. Things are not what they seemExplanation
the inversion of "fair is foul and foul is fair" indicates that what seems to be good is in fact not and what seems to be foul is in fact not--apply this inversion to Macbeth and Malcolm.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Act I of MACBETH sees our tragic hero awarded which titles for his valor in battle?
- A.
Thane of Glamis
- B.
Thane of Cawdor
- C.
Thane of Inverness
Correct Answer
B. Thane of CawdorExplanation
In Act I of MACBETH, our tragic hero is awarded the title Thane of Cawdor for his valor in battle. This title is given to him as a reward for his bravery and success on the battlefield, further elevating his status and power. The title Thane of Cawdor holds significant importance in the play as it foreshadows Macbeth's eventual downfall and the corrupting influence of ambition.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Macbeth sends a letter to his wife explaining his encounter with the witches. She in turn fears that Macbeth is "too full o the milk of human kindness..." (I,v). Who does she call upon to make her cruel enough and ruthless enough to follow through with the plan of murder?
- A.
Supernatural agents
- B.
The witches
- C.
Her own child
Correct Answer
A. Supernatural agentsExplanation
Lady Macbeth calls upon supernatural agents to make her cruel enough and ruthless enough to follow through with the plan of murder.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is Macbeth's tragic flaw?
- A.
He listens to his wife
- B.
He is overly ambitious
- C.
He is impatient
Correct Answer
B. He is overly ambitiousExplanation
Macbeth's tragic flaw is his excessive ambition. This flaw drives him to commit heinous acts and ultimately leads to his downfall. His ambition blinds him to the consequences of his actions and causes him to become power-hungry, leading to his demise.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What does Lady Macbeth accuse her husband of lacking in order to convince him to follow thorugh with her plan?
- A.
Ambition
- B.
Manliness
- C.
Reason
Correct Answer
B. ManlinessExplanation
Lady Macbeth accuses her husband of lacking manliness in order to convince him to follow through with her plan. She manipulates his ego and masculinity, suggesting that only a real man would have the courage and strength to carry out the plan. By questioning his manliness, she appeals to his pride and pushes him to prove himself, ultimately convincing him to go along with her scheme.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In Macbeth's soliloquy of act II, scene i, he imagines he sees what?
- A.
A bloody hand
- B.
A dagger
- C.
His own death
Correct Answer
B. A daggerExplanation
In Macbeth's soliloquy of act II, scene i, he imagines he sees a dagger. This is significant because the dagger symbolizes Macbeth's internal conflict and his descent into madness. It represents the temptation and desire for power that drives him to commit the heinous act of regicide. The hallucination of the dagger also foreshadows the murder of King Duncan and highlights Macbeth's growing paranoia and guilt.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What reason does Lady Macbeth offer for her not doing the deed?
- A.
She was afraid of being caught by the guards
- B.
She was not physically strong enough to kill Duncan
- C.
Duncan looked like her father as he slept
Correct Answer
C. Duncan looked like her father as he sleptExplanation
Lady Macbeth offers the reason that Duncan looked like her father as he slept. This implies that she was unable to go through with the deed because it would have felt like killing her own father. This explanation suggests that Lady Macbeth's conscience and personal connections played a significant role in her decision not to commit the murder.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which is the stronger motif in Act II, scene i?
- A.
Sleep
- B.
Blood
- C.
Manliness
Correct Answer
A. SleepExplanation
sleep is the stronger motif because of the mutliple references to Macbeth killing sleep, unable to sleep, duncan unable to awake, the time of night, and the references to the sleeping guests in the castle. Blood is strong, but sleep is strongerRate this question:
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- 9.
The drunken porter serves what purpose in the play?
- A.
As a refection of Macbeth
- B.
To provide comic relief
- C.
To show that Duncan was never really safe
Correct Answer(s)
A. As a refection of Macbeth
B. To provide comic reliefExplanation
The drunken porter serves as a reflection of Macbeth because both characters struggle with guilt and the consequences of their actions. The porter's drunkenness and comedic behavior provide a contrast to the seriousness and darkness of the play, offering a momentary relief from the tension. Additionally, the porter's monologue about the consequences of excessive drinking can be seen as a metaphor for Macbeth's moral decline and the chaos that ensues.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following was NOT part of the "unruly" night?
- A.
Chimneys blown down
- B.
Strange lamentations in the air
- C.
Earthquakes
- D.
A blood red moon
Correct Answer
D. A blood red moonExplanation
The correct answer is "a blood red moon". The passage mentions several unusual events that occurred during the "unruly" night, such as chimneys being blown down, strange lamentations in the air, and earthquakes. However, there is no mention of a blood red moon being part of these events.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Who does Macbeth kill and why?
- A.
The grooms because the witnessed his murder of Duncan
- B.
The grooms because they were drugged and Macbeth didn't want anyone to find out
- C.
The grooms because Macbeth was filled with rage at their regicide
- D.
The porter because he was drunk and therefore a disgrace to Macbeth and his Lady
Correct Answer
B. The grooms because they were drugged and Macbeth didn't want anyone to find outExplanation
Macbeth kills the grooms because they were drugged and he didn't want anyone to find out about his murder of Duncan. This suggests that Macbeth was willing to go to extreme measures to cover up his crime and protect his newfound power. By eliminating the grooms, who were potential witnesses, Macbeth ensures that there would be no evidence or testimonies against him. This action highlights Macbeth's paranoia and his descent into darkness as he becomes consumed by his ambition and fear of being exposed.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Where will Duncan be buried?
- A.
Fife
- B.
Scone
- C.
Colmekill
Correct Answer
C. ColmekillExplanation
Duncan will be buried in Colmekill.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Act III opens with Banquo suspicious of whom?
- A.
Lady Macbeth
- B.
Macbeth
- C.
Malcolm
- D.
Donalbain
- E.
Macduff
Correct Answer
B. MacbethExplanation
In Act III, Banquo becomes suspicious of Macbeth. This is because he starts to suspect that Macbeth may have been involved in the murder of King Duncan. Banquo's suspicions arise from the fact that Macbeth has gained the throne so quickly after the death of Duncan, and also because he remembers the witches' prophecy that Macbeth would become king. Banquo's suspicions are further fueled when he realizes that Macbeth has invited him to a banquet, but has also hired murderers to kill him and his son Fleance.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Why does Macbeth plan to dispatch Banquo?
- A.
He doesn't like him
- B.
He doesn't trust him
- C.
He is jealous of him
Correct Answer(s)
B. He doesn't trust him
C. He is jealous of himExplanation
Macbeth plans to dispatch Banquo because he doesn't trust him and is jealous of him. Macbeth sees Banquo as a potential threat to his power and believes that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne. Macbeth's paranoia and ambition drive him to eliminate anyone who poses a risk to his reign, including Banquo, whom he views as a rival.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Who is sitting in Macbeth's seat at the banquet?
- A.
Banquo's ghost
- B.
Duncan's ghost
- C.
Fleance's ghost
Correct Answer
A. Banquo's ghostExplanation
During the banquet scene in Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Banquo's ghost appears and sits in Macbeth's seat. This is a pivotal moment in the play as it symbolizes Macbeth's guilt and paranoia, as he is the only one who can see the ghost. The appearance of Banquo's ghost serves as a reminder of Macbeth's crimes and the consequences he will face.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who does Macbeth plan to visit after the ghost's appearance?
- A.
Hecate
- B.
The devil
- C.
The weird sisters
Correct Answer
C. The weird sistersExplanation
After the ghost's appearance, Macbeth plans to visit the weird sisters. The weird sisters, also known as the three witches, have previously given Macbeth prophecies that have influenced his actions. Macbeth believes that seeking their guidance again will provide him with further insight and potentially help him secure his position as king.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What affliction is a physical manifestation of Macbeth's guilt?
- A.
He develops a tick
- B.
He does not sleep
- C.
He begins to stutter
Correct Answer
B. He does not sleepExplanation
Macbeth's inability to sleep is a physical manifestation of his guilt. As the play progresses, his conscience becomes burdened with the guilt of his heinous actions, particularly the murder of King Duncan. This guilt haunts him and prevents him from finding peace in sleep. The lack of sleep not only affects his physical well-being but also exacerbates his mental anguish, leading to further deterioration of his character and actions.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What does Hecate plan to do to decieve Macbeth?
- A.
Show him false images
- B.
Tell him that he will win
- C.
Make false prophecy
Correct Answer(s)
A. Show him false images
C. Make false prophecyExplanation
Hecate plans to deceive Macbeth by showing him false images and making false prophecies. By doing so, she intends to manipulate Macbeth's perception and lead him astray. These tactics aim to misguide Macbeth and make him believe in illusions, ultimately contributing to his downfall. Hecate's plan involves exploiting Macbeth's ambition and vulnerability, using deceit as a means to control and manipulate him.Rate this question:
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- 19.
How do the Thanes regard Macbeth at the end of Act III?
- A.
As a fair and just ruler
- B.
As a leaderamong men
- C.
As a tyrant
Correct Answer
C. As a tyrantExplanation
At the end of Act III, the Thanes regard Macbeth as a tyrant. This is evident from their growing discontent and opposition towards his rule. Macbeth's ruthless actions, such as the murder of Banquo and his attempt to kill Fleance, have caused the Thanes to view him as a cruel and oppressive leader. Additionally, Macbeth's paranoia and obsession with maintaining power further solidify their perception of him as a tyrant.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Act IV will see which of the following events in MACBETH?
- A.
The hero will be killed
- B.
The hero's enimies will plot against him
- C.
There will be a character who goes mad
- D.
The hero will become overconfident
Correct Answer(s)
B. The hero's enimies will plot against him
C. There will be a character who goes madExplanation
In Act IV of Macbeth, the hero's enemies will plot against him. This is evident in the play when Macbeth visits the witches for more prophecies and they conjure apparitions that warn him of impending danger. Additionally, Macbeth's enemies, led by Macduff, gather an army to overthrow him and restore order to Scotland. Furthermore, Act IV also features a character who goes mad, namely Lady Macbeth. Her guilt and remorse over the crimes committed by her and her husband drive her to madness, as she sleepwalks and obsessively tries to wash the imaginary bloodstains from her hands.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 11, 2010Quiz Created by
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