Review of Act One, Scenes 4 – 7.
Act One, Scene 4
Q1. Why does Macbeth call Malcolm “a step on which” he “must fall down or else o’er leap” ? Which of these alternatives do you expect Macbeth to choose and how might he do it?
Act One, Scene 5
Q1. What does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband, after she has read his letter?
Q2. Lady Macbeth tells her husband to “look like the innocent flower/ But be the serpent under it”. Explain what she means (either generally or specifically or both, as you think appropriate).
Act One Scene 6
Q1. What is the purpose and effect of Duncan’s and Banquo’s comments when they approach Macbeth’s castle?
Q2. Explain what you understand by ‘Dramatic Irony’.
There are several instances of ‘dramatic irony’ in this scene. Locate the examples and consider the effect they have.
Act One, Scene 7
Q1. Why, in Macbeth’s opinion, is the murder of Duncan so wrong?
Q2. How does Lady Macbeth make sure that her husband murders King Duncan?
Saturday, October 07, 2006;
the end
the end