Reading Guide for Macbeth

1. The opening scene establishes an atmosphere of foreboding. What does the riddle "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" hint about coming events?
2. In scene 2, the Sergeant recounts Macbeth’s actions in battle. What images does he associate with Macbeth?
3. From the Sergeant’s description, how would you characterize Macbeth?
4. During scene 3, what prophesies do the witches make for Macbeth and Banquo?
5. When Macbeth enters in scene 3, why does he say "So foul and fair a day I have not seen"?
6. Before Macbeth returns home, what indications are there that he already has some evil purpose in mind?
7. When Lady Macbeth reads Macbeth’s letter in scene 5, her reactions to the letter show that she is eager for her husband to be king. What are her criticisms of Macbeth?
8. How do Lady Macbeth’s speeches characterize her?
9. How does Lady Macbeth greet her guests in scene 6?
10. With "double trust" (scene 7, line 12), Duncan comes to Macbeth’s house. Name three relationships that bind Duncan and Macbeth.
11. In scene 7, Macbeth is on the verge of giving up his plan to murder Duncan. How does Lady Macbeth encourage him?

Act 2

12. At the beginning of Act 2, how does Banquo show that he is already on guard and fears for his life?
13. What sign do you see that, even before the murder, Macbeth is losing touch with reality?
14. In scene 2, why is Macbeth still in possession of the murder weapons?
15. What happens to the daggers?
16. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth comment on the stains of Duncan’s blood. Compare their reactions.

Act 3

17. When Act 3 opens, what is Banquo thinking about?
18. Macbeth says that he fears no one but Banquo. Why does Macbeth fear Banquo?
19. In scene 2, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth voice regret for their actions. How are their thoughts similar?
20. Why does Macbeth want to kill Banquo’s son Fleance? What happens to Fleance in scene 3?

Act 4

21. In the opening scene, the three witches show Macbeth four Apparitions. What pronouncements do they make?
22. How does Macbeth react to the news that Macduff has left for England?
23. How is the anticipated murder of Macduff’s family different from Macbeth’s previous murders?
24. In scene 2, what is Lady Macduff’s reaction to her husband’s leaving her and her family alone and unprotected?

Act 5

25. In scene 1, a Doctor and a Gentlewoman observe Lady Macbeth. How has Lady Macbeth’s mental condition deteriorated?
26. Why does Lady Macbeth wash her hands repeatedly?
27. During scene 2, Macbeth’s enemies discuss his mental condition. What is their appraisal of Macbeth’s sanity?
28. How have Macbeth’s subjects reacted to their new king’s actions?
29. In scene 3, Macbeth laments his impending death, listing the things to which he might have looked forward. What are they?