Question

questions for macbeth acts 1 and 2 (2 points each)
act 1:

1. what statements do the witches and macbeth make about \foul and fair\? explain the meaning of each remark.
2. describe in your own words macbeths and banquos reactions to the witches.
3. in his soliloquy at the beginning of scene 7, what arguments against killing duncan does macbeth express?
4. which of these arguments seems to influence him the most? explain.

act 2:

1. describe macbeths and lady macbeths reactions to the murder just after it is committed. compare and contrast their reactions to the deed.
2. what kind of gate does the porter imagine he is tending?
3. in what way is the porters playful fantasy a comment on macbeths situation? explain

Explanation:

1. The witches' "foul and fair" is a paradox suggesting that things are not as they seem. Macbeth's use of it reflects his growing moral confusion.
2. Macbeth is initially shocked and intrigued by the witches, while Banquo is more skeptical.
3. Macbeth argues that Duncan is his kinsman, his guest, and a virtuous king.
4. His loyalty as a kinsman and host seems to influence him most as he emphasizes his duty - bound relationship to Duncan.

Act 2:

1. Macbeth is shaken and remorseful, while Lady Macbeth is more composed and tries to keep him focused.
2. The porter imagines he is tending the gate of hell.
3. The porter's fantasy comments on Macbeth's situation by creating a parallel between the chaos of hell and the moral chaos Macbeth has unleashed through murder.

Answer:

1. Witches' "foul and fair" is a paradox; Macbeth's reflects confusion.
2. Macbeth: shocked - intrigued; Banquo: skeptical.
3. Duncan is kinsman, guest, and virtuous.
4. Loyalty as kinsman/host.

Act 2:

1. Macbeth: shaken - remorseful; Lady Macbeth: composed.
2. Gate of hell.
3. Parallel between hell's chaos and Macbeth's moral chaos.