The tragedy of Macbeth Act 1 test answers and terms to learn
betrayal
What is the central theme of Act 1?
to create an effect of natural speech
For which of the following reasons did Shakespeare probably choose to write Macbeth in blank verse?
a desire for power
What appears to be Macbeth’s character flaw?
it has ten syllables with the stress falling on every second syllable
Which of the following characterizes the line “This night’s great business into my dispatch” as blank verse?
they foreshadow events
What important role do the witches play in Act 1?
he places a high value on bravery and loyalty
Based upon the information in Act 1, what can you infer about King Duncan?
tortured ambivalence
Which of the following best describes Macbeth’s feelings about the possible assassination of King Duncan?
his ambition is not of a ruthless nature
Why does Lady Macbeth think Macbeth has a poor chance of achieving power?
he has contemplated assassinating King Duncan
Why are Macbeth’s words to King Duncan hypocritical?
his wife’s encouragement
Throughout Act 1, Macbeth’s plans and actions seem to be motivated most of all by:
furbished
brighten; polished
prophetic
having the power to predict or foreshadow
surmise
to form an opinion from inconclusive evidence
liege
lord or king
chastise
to condemn sharply; scold
metaphysical
very abstract
sovereign
supreme in power, rank, or authority
metaphysical
Lady Macbeth wants her husband to possess the golden crown which fate and _______ aid stem ready to give him.
furbished
After Macbeth’s first victory, the Norwegian lord, with __________ arms and new supplies of men, began a fresh assault.
liege
My _______ Malcolm says to Duncan
prophetic
Macbeth calls the predictions a _________ greeting
chastise
Lady Macbeth plans to _______ with the valor of her tongue.
What is the central theme of Act 1 in Macbeth?
The main theme of Macbeth—the destruction wrought when ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints—finds its most powerful expression in the play’s two main characters.
Macbeth Act 1 Summary
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