Friday, October 21, 2011

Macbeth Comprehension Questions: Act 1 Scene 2

1. Who is Macdonwald? What happened to him?
  • He was the former Thane of Cawdor, who betrayed the Scotland. He was killed by Macbeth, sliced open from his navel to his jaw.

2. What does the description of Macbeth's action emphasize?
  • It emphasizes on his courage and bravery; how valiant he is

3. What other captain is fighting alongside Macbeth?
  • Banquo

4. Point out the irony in the captain's response to the king's question about whether Macbeth became dismayed by the army from Norway
  • The captain first responded that Macbeth was as afraid of the new troops as sparrows are afraid of eagles and as rabbits are afraid of lions. However, Macbeth was not scared at all, and he fought valiantly against the Norwegians and won. Therefore, the captain's first line of response was ironic. 

5. Who's the thane of Cawdor? What does the king say about him? How is the king going to reward Macbeth?
  • The thane of Cawdor is MacDonwald, and the king wants him executed. Macbeth is going to be awarded with the title thane of Cawdor

6. Based on what you've read, what are some of Macbeth's personal qualities?
  • He is brave, courageous, loyal, and merciless.