Macbeth Act 1 and 2 CFQ’s

Act 1: Scene 1

1. What weather accompanies the witches in the first scene?

A) Sunshine
B) Thunder and lightning
C) Rain and wind
D) Fog and mist
2. What do the witches say before they vanish in Scene 1?
A) “When the hurly-burly’s done.”
B) “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
C) “Sleep no more!”
D) “All hail, Macbeth!”

Act 1: Scene 2

3. Who reports Macbeth’s bravery in battle?

A) Lennox
B) Ross
C) A bleeding sergeant
D) Angus
4. How does Macbeth defeat Macdonwald?
A) By challenging him to a duel
B) By beheading him
C) By stabbing him in the heart
D) By hanging him
5. What is King Duncan’s first impression of Macbeth’s actions in battle?
A) He is cautious of Macbeth’s ambition.
B) He thinks Macbeth is acting foolishly.
C) He sees Macbeth as a hero and a loyal servant.
D) He suspects Macbeth of treachery.
6. What title is given to Macbeth as a reward for his loyalty?
A) Thane of Cawdor
B) King of Scotland
C) Thane of Fife
D) Earl of Glamis
Act 1: Scene 3

7. What is the second prophecy given by the witches to Macbeth?

A) That he will never be defeated in battle
B) That he will be king
C) That he will be killed by Banquo
D) That he will betray Duncan
8. Banquo’s prophecy states that his descendants will:
A) Be kings
B) Overthrow Macbeth
C) Live in peace
D) Die by Macbeth’s hand
9. How does Macbeth first react to the witches’ prophecies?
A) He is terrified.
B) He is indifferent.
C) He dismisses them as foolishness.
D) He is intrigued and starts thinking of the possibilities.
10. What is Banquo’s warning to Macbeth regarding the witches’ prophecies?
A) “Oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths.”
B) “All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!”
C) “Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all.”
D) “What are these so withered and so wild in their attire?”

Act 1: Scene 4

11. What is ironic about Duncan’s words regarding the former Thane of Cawdor:
“There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face”?
A) He soon places trust in Macbeth, who will also betray him.
B) He is able to see into Macbeth’s soul.
C) He suspects Macbeth of treachery at this point.
D) He believes Macbeth has no ambition.
12. What title does Duncan bestow upon his son Malcolm?
A) Thane of Fife
B) Prince of Cumberland
C) King of Scotland
D) Thane of Glamis
13. Why does Macbeth see Malcolm as an obstacle to his ambitions?
A) Malcolm is favored by the nobles.
B) Malcolm is named Duncan’s successor.
C) Malcolm is more skilled in battle.
D) Malcolm is more popular than Macbeth.
Act 1: Scene 5

14. What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction when she reads Macbeth’s letter?
A) She doubts the witches’ prophecies.
B) She immediately plans to murder Duncan.
C) She is content to let fate take its course.
D) She advises Macbeth to wait.
15. What does Lady Macbeth mean when she calls upon spirits to “unsex me here”?
A) She wishes to become a man to fight in battle.
B) She wishes to shed any feminine weakness to commit murder.
C) She wishes to become more charming and deceptive.
D) She wants to be free of guilt and conscience.
16. What does Lady Macbeth fear about her husband?
A) That he is too ambitious
B) That he will be caught
C) That he is not ruthless enough
D) That he will refuse to kill Duncan
17. What advice does Lady Macbeth give to Macbeth about hiding his true intentions?
A) “False face must hide what the false heart doth know.”
B) “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck.”
C) “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.”
D) “If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well it were done quickly.”

Act 1: Scene 6

18. How does Duncan describe Lady Macbeth upon arriving at the castle?
A) As a gentle and gracious hostess
B) As a suspicious and cunning woman
C) As someone who seems to be hiding something
D) As a powerful and ambitious figure
19. What is ironic about Duncan’s praise of Macbeth’s castle?
A) The castle is actually cold and inhospitable.
B) The castle is the place where he will be murdered.
C) The castle belongs to Banquo, not Macbeth.
D) Duncan is unaware that Macbeth plans to flee.

Act 1: Scene 7

20. In Macbeth’s soliloquy, what does he admit is the only thing driving him to commit
murder?
A) His love for Lady Macbeth
B) His sense of duty
C) His vaulting ambition
D) His fear of Banquo
21. Which of the following is not a reason Macbeth gives for hesitating to kill Duncan?
A) Duncan is his guest.
B) Duncan is a good king.
C) Duncan is too weak to defend himself.
D) He is Duncan’s kinsman.
22. How does Lady Macbeth mock Macbeth when he expresses doubts about their
plan?
A) She calls him a coward.
B) She tells him he is unworthy of being king.
C) She accuses him of loving Banquo more than her.
D) She threatens to kill Duncan herself.
23. What is Lady Macbeth’s plan for killing Duncan?
A) Poison him
B) Smother him in his sleep
C) Get his guards drunk and frame them
D) Stab him during the banquet

Act 2: Scene 1

24. What vision does Macbeth see as he is about to murder Duncan?

A) A dagger leading him to Duncan’s chamber
B) The witches laughing at him
C) Banquo’s ghost haunting him
D) Lady Macbeth covered in blood
25. What does Macbeth mean when he says, “Is this a dagger which I see before me”?
A) He is hallucinating out of guilt.
B) He is ready to commit the murder.
C) The witches have cursed him.
D) He is confused and frightened.
26. What does Banquo dream of before the murder?
A) The witches’ prophecies
B) His son becoming king
C) Macbeth’s rise to power
D) His own death

Act 2: Scene 2
 27. Why is Macbeth unable to say “Amen” after killing Duncan?
A) He feels too guilty and believes he is cursed.
B) He has forgotten how to pray.
C) He is distracted by Lady Macbeth.
D) He is proud of his actions and refuses to repent.
28. What does Macbeth hear after the murder?
A) A voice crying “Sleep no more!”
B) The witches mocking him
C) Banquo laughing
D) Duncan’s ghost cursing him
29. How does Lady Macbeth respond when Macbeth cannot bring himself to return to
Duncan’s chamber with the bloody daggers?
A) She returns the daggers herself.
B) She faints.
C) She screams and confesses the crime.
D) She orders Macbeth to flee immediately.
30. What does Macbeth wish after the murder?
A) That Duncan could come back to life
B) That he had not listened to Lady Macbeth
C) That the knocking at the gate would wake Duncan
D) That Banquo had helped him with the murder

Act 2: Scene 3

31. What is the Porter’s purpose in this scene?

A) To provide comic relief
B) To reveal Macbeth’s guilt
C) To expose the witches
D) To serve as a witness to the murder
32. What is Macduff’s reaction when he discovers Duncan’s body?
A) He screams in horror.
B) He exclaims, “O horror, horror, horror!”
C) He blames Macbeth immediately.
D) He calmly reports the news to the others.

33. What is Macduff’s reaction when he discovers Duncan’s body?

A) He screams in horror.
B) He blames Malcolm and Donalbain.
C) He remains calm and investigates.
D) He is stunned and immediately seeks justice.
34. How do Malcolm and Donalbain react to their father’s murder?
A) They accuse Macbeth.
B) They vow revenge.
C) They flee to England and Ireland.
D) They suspect Banquo of the murder.
35. How does Macbeth explain killing Duncan’s guards?
A) He claims they confessed to the murder.
B) He says he was driven by rage and grief.
C) He accuses them of plotting against him.
D) He denies having killed them.
36. What theme is emphasized by the discussion of unnatural events after Duncan’s
death?
A) The supernatural
B) The consequences of betrayal
C) The theme of fate
D) Disorder in the natural world
37. Which of the following is an example of dramatic irony in this scene?
A) The audience knows that Macbeth has killed Duncan, but the other characters do not.
B) Lady Macbeth pretends to be shocked by the murder.
C) Malcolm and Donalbain’s decision to flee seems suspicious to the others.
D) Banquo refuses to believe the witches’ prophecies.

Act 2: Scene 4

38. Who does Ross discuss the unnatural events with in this scene?
A) Macduff
B) Duncan’s ghost
C) The Old Man
D) Lennox
39. What unusual event does Ross mention happening after Duncan’s murder?
A) Horses eating each other
B) The sun disappearing from the sky
C) A storm destroying part of the castle
D) A wolf howling through the night
40. What does Macduff decide at the end of this scene?
A) To support Macbeth’s claim to the throne
B) To stay away from Macbeth’s coronation
C) To lead an army against Macbeth
D) To accuse Lady Macbeth of Duncan’s murder

41. What trait of Macbeth is most evident when he hesitates to kill Duncan?
A) His cowardice
B) His sense of loyalty
C) His guilt
D) His ambition
42. How does Banquo serve as a foil to Macbeth in Act 1 and 2?
A) Banquo is loyal to the king, while Macbeth plots to betray him.
B) Banquo is more ambitious than Macbeth.
C) Banquo seeks out the witches, while Macbeth avoids them.
D) Banquo is more trusting than Macbeth.
43. What role does Lady Macbeth play in Macbeth’s decision to kill Duncan?
A) She leaves the decision entirely to Macbeth.
B) She persuades him by questioning his manhood.
C) She tries to talk him out of it.
D) She remains silent about the matter.
44. How does Macbeth’s character begin to change after Duncan’s murder?
A) He becomes more determined and ruthless.
B) He regrets his actions and seeks redemption.
C) He is filled with overwhelming guilt and paranoia.
D) He becomes suspicious of Lady Macbeth’s motives.
45. How does Lady Macbeth’s demeanor change after Duncan’s murder?
A) She becomes anxious and worried.
B) She remains calm and composed.
C) She shows signs of guilt.
D) She begins to fear Macbeth’s ambition.

46. What is the significance of the metaphor “vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps
itself”?
A) It illustrates the theme of excessive ambition.
B) It shows Macbeth’s fear of failure.
C) It refers to Macbeth’s relationship with Lady Macbeth.
D) It describes Macbeth’s loyalty to Duncan.
47. In Act 1, Scene 3, the witches greet Macbeth with three titles: Thane of Glamis,
Thane of Cawdor, and “King hereafter.” What literary device is being used here?
A) Alliteration
B) Foreshadowing
C) Hyperbole
D) Irony
48. The line “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” is an example of:
A) Simile
B) Paradox
C) Metaphor
D) Alliteration
49. The phrase “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t” is an
example of:
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Personification
D) Allusion
50. What literary device is used in Macbeth’s soliloquy “Is this a dagger which I see
before me”?
A) Imagery
B) Hyperbole
C) Simile
D) Personification
51. The porter’s scene is an example of:
A) Irony
B) Comic relief
C) Foreshadowing
D) Allegory
52. What theme does Shakespeare explore through Macbeth’s hallucinations?
A) Ambition
B) Supernatural influence
C) Guilt
D) Fear

53. How does the setting of the witches’ scenes contribute to the mood of the play?
A) It emphasizes the theme of loyalty.
B) It creates a sense of foreboding and mystery.
C) It contrasts with the events in the castle.
D) It makes the witches seem more approachable.
54. How do the witches’ prophecies affect Macbeth’s actions in Act 1 and 2?
A) They confirm his desire to become king.
B) They make him hesitant to act.
C) They create confusion in his mind.
D) They lead him to trust Banquo.
 55. How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in Act 1 and Act 2?
A) The audience knows that Macbeth will become king, but Duncan does not.
B) The audience is unaware of Macbeth’s ambition until after Duncan’s murder.
C) The audience knows of Macbeth’s guilt, while the other characters believe him innocent.
D) The audience believes Banquo will kill Macbeth, but Macbeth kills Banquo first.
56. How does the theme of “appearance vs. reality” manifest in Lady Macbeth’s
character?
A) She presents herself as a loyal subject, but secretly plots murder.
B) She shows genuine remorse for her actions.
C) She is portrayed as weak but is actually strong-willed.
D) She never lies about her true intentions.
57. In what way does Macbeth’s “dagger soliloquy” (Act 2, Scene 1) reveal his internal
conflict?
A) It shows his struggle between ambition and guilt.
B) It reveals his desire to abandon his plans.
C) It reflects his love for Lady Macbeth.
D) It shows his determination to kill Banquo.

58. What does the weather in Act 1 and Act 2 signify about the events taking place?
A) It represents the calm before the storm.
B) It foreshadows the chaos and disorder caused by Duncan’s murder.
C) It symbolizes peace and harmony in the kingdom.
D) It has no real significance.
59. What does the appearance of the witches in the opening scene suggest about their
role in the play?
A) They are harbingers of chaos and evil.
B) They are minor characters.
C) They represent the forces of good.
D) They serve as comic relief.
60. Why is Banquo’s reaction to the witches’ prophecy different from Macbeth’s?
A) Banquo is more rational and skeptical of the witches.
B) Banquo is more ambitious than Macbeth.
C) Banquo already suspects Macbeth’s ambitions.
D) Banquo has no desire for power.

61. What is the primary difference between Macbeth’s ambition and Banquo’s
ambition?
A) Macbeth’s ambition leads him to murder, while Banquo remains loyal.
B) Banquo’s ambition is stronger than Macbeth’s.
C) Macbeth is less ambitious than Banquo.
D) Banquo is willing to betray Duncan to gain power.
62. How does Duncan’s trusting nature contribute to his downfall?
A) He is unable to see Macbeth’s true intentions.
B) He believes Banquo’s loyalty over Macbeth’s.
C) He underestimates Lady Macbeth.
D) He relies too much on his sons.

63. How does Macbeth’s character change from the beginning of Act 1 to the end of Act 2?
A) He becomes more determined to commit murder.
B) He becomes more paranoid and guilt-ridden.
C) He becomes more confident in his role as king.
D) He starts to mistrust Lady Macbeth.

64. Why is Lady Macbeth more confident than Macbeth in carrying out the murder of
Duncan?
A) She has no remorse or guilt.
B) She is driven by ambition and believes fate will protect them.
C) She is used to committing violent acts.
D) She trusts Banquo to help them.

65. How does Banquo's reaction to the witches’ prophecies contrast with Macbeth’s?
A) Banquo seeks to fulfill his prophecy actively, while Macbeth ignores his.
B) Banquo is cautious and suspicious, while Macbeth is more easily tempted.
C) Banquo immediately believes the witches, while Macbeth does not.
D) Banquo dismisses the prophecy as impossible, while Macbeth embraces it.

66. How does Macduff's reaction to Duncan’s murder differ from the other characters?
A) He is the only one who immediately suspects Macbeth.
B) He grieves deeply but remains composed.
C) He is horrified and suspicious, choosing not to attend Macbeth’s coronation.
D) He plans to avenge Duncan’s death by seeking Banquo’s help.

67. What does Macbeth’s inability to sleep after Duncan’s murder symbolize?
A) His fear of being discovered.
B) The loss of peace and innocence due to his guilt.
C) His growing ambition and desire for more power.
D) His regret for following Lady Macbeth’s orders.
68. What literary device is used when Duncan refers to Macbeth as “valiant cousin, worthy
gentleman” in Act 1, Scene 2?
A) Irony
B) Metaphor
C) Simile
D) Allusion

69. In the line "Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" (Act 2,
Scene 2), what is the blood a symbol of?
A) Macbeth’s courage
B) Lady Macbeth’s betrayal
C) Macbeth’s guilt
D) The future battle for the throne

70. The line "Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more!’" is an example of:
A) Foreshadowing
B) Personification
C) Alliteration
D) Hyperbole

71. What is the significance of the Porter’s joke about the "equivocator" in Act 2, Scene 3?
A) It foreshadows the witches' deceptions.
B) It refers to Macbeth’s lies and deceit.
C) It symbolizes the political chaos in Scotland.
D) It highlights Banquo’s role in the play.

72. The use of "darkness" throughout Acts 1 and 2 represents:

A) The coming of war.
B) The fall of Macbeth’s enemies.
C) The moral corruption and evil acts Macbeth will commit.
D) Lady Macbeth’s inner conflict.

73. How does Shakespeare use the concept of fate versus free will in Macbeth’s actions in
Act 1 and Act 2?
A) Macbeth believes fate will lead him to power, but he takes matters into his own hands.
B) Macbeth relies entirely on fate to guide him.
 C) Macbeth’s actions are determined solely by the witches’ prophecies.
D) Macbeth ignores fate and believes in his own power to control the future.

74. How does the juxtaposition of Macbeth’s public image and private guilt play a role in Act
2?
A) It shows that he is both a loyal servant and a treacherous murderer.
B) It highlights the contrast between Duncan’s reign and Macbeth’s ambition.
C) It reveals that Macbeth is unsure of his own abilities.
D) It emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality.

75. How do the unnatural events following Duncan’s murder emphasize the themes of the
play?
A) They suggest that Duncan was a tyrant and nature is celebrating his death.
B) They show how Macbeth’s reign will restore balance.
C) They reflect the disruption of the natural order due to the murder.
D) They have no connection to Duncan’s murder.

76. How does the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth evolve by the end of Act
2?
A) Lady Macbeth becomes less influential, while Macbeth takes more control.
B) Macbeth becomes increasingly dependent on Lady Macbeth for guidance.
C) They grow closer in their shared guilt.
D) Lady Macbeth loses trust in Macbeth’s leadership abilities.

77. What role does foreshadowing play in Macbeth’s "dagger soliloquy" (Act 2, Scene 1)?
A) It foreshadows Macbeth’s eventual downfall.
B) It hints at Banquo’s betrayal of Macbeth.
C) It reveals Macbeth’s future as a tyrant.
D) It predicts the witches’ return.

78. What does Banquo’s refusal to act on the witches’ prophecies suggest about his
character?
A) He is afraid of being punished for treason.
B) He lacks ambition.
C) He has strong moral integrity and loyalty to the king.
D) He is less intelligent than Macbeth.

79. How does Macbeth’s hallucination of the dagger symbolize his mental state?
A) It shows he is ready to take decisive action.
B) It reflects his growing guilt and fear.
C) It indicates his fear of being betrayed.
 D) It reveals his jealousy of Banquo.

80. Where does Donalbain flee to after Duncan’s murder?

A) England
B) Wales
C) Ireland
D) France

81. Who is the first to suspect Macbeth of treachery after Duncan’s death?
A) Banquo
B) Ross
C) Macduff
D) Lennox

82. What position does Macbeth gain after Duncan’s death?

A) Thane of Fife
B) King of Scotland
C) Thane of Cawdor
D) Prince of Cumberland

83. Why does Macduff refuse to attend Macbeth’s coronation?

A) He is loyal to Malcolm.
B) He believes Macbeth is guilty of treason.
C) He is afraid for his own life.
D) He does not trust Lady Macbeth.

84. What is Macbeth’s initial reaction to Duncan’s murder in Act 2?

A) Calmness
B) Paranoia and guilt
C) Relief
D) Anger at the guards

85. How does Lady Macbeth respond when Macbeth expresses guilt after Duncan’s murder?
A) She tries to comfort him.
B) She criticizes him for his weakness.
C) She advises him to confess.
D) She dismisses his feelings and focuses on their plan.
86. What does Banquo suspect after Duncan’s murder?
A) That Donalbain and Malcolm are responsible
B) That Macbeth is involved
C) That Lady Macbeth planned it
D) That the witches were behind the crime

87. What motivates Macbeth to murder Duncan despite his doubts?

A) His belief in fate
B) His desire to please Lady Macbeth
C) His overwhelming ambition
D) His fear of the witches

88. What is the effect of the frequent use of night and darkness imagery in Acts 1 and 2?
A) It highlights the secrecy and evil of Macbeth’s actions.
B) It creates a hopeful atmosphere for the characters.
C) It emphasizes the power of the witches.
D) It symbolizes the end of Macbeth’s ambitions.

89. What literary device is used in Macbeth’s line "Blood will have blood" in Act 2?
A) Irony
B) Foreshadowing
C) Metaphor
D) Personification

90. How does Macbeth’s internal conflict contribute to the overall theme of the play in Act 1
and Act 2?
A) It reflects the struggle between good and evil within himself.
B) It shows how easily he is manipulated by others.
C) It emphasizes his desire for peace.
D) It undermines the supernatural elements of the plot.

91. What do the witches represent in Acts 1 and 2?

A) Ambition
B) The natural order
C) Chaos and evil
D) Honor and loyalty
92. How does the theme of power corrupting manifest in Macbeth’s actions in Act 1 and Act
2?

A) Macbeth starts as a loyal and honorable warrior, but his desire for power drives him to
murder and betrayal.
B) Macbeth shows no ambition for power and remains loyal to Duncan.
C) Macbeth refuses to act on the witches’ prophecies, showing his moral integrity.
D) Macbeth maintains his honor and loyalty, despite his growing ambition.

. How does Lady Macbeth contribute to Macbeth’s downfall by the end of Act 2?
A) She directly commits Duncan’s murder.
B) She manipulates Macbeth into committing the murder and begins to unravel herself.
C) She confesses the crime.
D) She opposes Macbeth’s actions.
94. What does Banquo’s growing suspicion toward Macbeth signify in Act 2?
A) His loyalty to Macbeth
B) His desire to become king himself
C) His increasing distrust of Macbeth’s motives
D) His understanding of the witches’ true intentions
95. Why does Lady Macbeth faint after the discovery of Duncan’s body?
A) She is genuinely shocked by the murder.
B) She pretends to faint to distract attention from Macbeth.
C) She feels guilty for her role in the crime.
D) She faints out of fear for her own life.
96. Why is Banquo seen as a threat by Macbeth after Duncan’s murder?
A) Banquo knows too much about the witches’ prophecies.
B) Banquo is more popular among the people.
C) Banquo is plotting against Macbeth.
D) Banquo has been named Duncan’s successor.
97. Why does Macbeth refuse to wash the blood off his hands after killing Duncan?
A) He believes that no amount of water can cleanse him of the guilt.
B) He is afraid of being caught in the act.
C) He is paralyzed by fear.
D) He wants to keep the evidence to frame someone else.

98. The line “Out, out, brief candle!” is an example of which literary device?
A) Metaphor
B) Irony
C) Hyperbole
D) Simile
99. In Act 2, Scene 2, Lady Macbeth says, “My hands are of your color, but I shame to
wear a heart so white.” What does she mean?
A) She regrets participating in the murder.
B) She feels her guilt is greater than Macbeth’s.
C) She mocks Macbeth for feeling guilty, even though they are equally involved in the crime.
D) She believes they should not fear being caught.
100. The repeated knocking at the gate after Duncan’s murder symbolizes:
A) The arrival of justice
B) The disruption of the natural order
C) The inevitability of punishment
D) All of the above

Answers:

1. B
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. A
7. B
8. A
9. D
10. A
11. A
12. B
13. B
14. B
15. B
16. C
17. C
18. A
19. B
20. C
21. C
22. A
23. C
24. A
25. A
26. A
27. A
28. A
29. A
30. C
31. A
32. B
33. D
34. C
35. B
36. D
37. A
38. C
39. A
40. B
41. B
42. A
43. B
44. C
45. B
46. A
47. B
48. B
49. B
50. A
51. B
52. C
53. B
54. A
55. C
56. A
57. A
58. B
59. A
60. A
61. A
62. A
63. B
64. B
65. B
66. C
67. B
68. A
69. C
70. B
71. B
72. C
73. A
74. D
75. C
76. A
77. A
78. C
79. B
80. C
81. C
82. B
83. B
84. B
85. B
86. B
87. C
88. A
89. B
90. A
91. C
92. B
93. B
94. C
95. B
96. A
97. A
98. A
99. C
100. D