?Act I.
1. What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play?
Literally, the witches are deciding when they shall meet again. As the beginning of the EXPOSITION, this scene sets the mood for the entire play, and introduces several major motifs: the witches (supernatural influences in the play), the idea of fair being foul, and the stormy fate of Scotland. The main character, Macbeth, is also introduced by name, linking him to the witches’ predictions.

2. What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald?
He calls him "valiant Cousin! Worthy gentleman!" (Ironic, cuz later Macbeth would be the man who takes his life.)

3. Who is sentenced to death?
The Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death as a traitor.

4. What do the witches predict for Macbeth? For Banquo?
They predict Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and the king. They predict that Banquo will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater, Not so happy, and yet happier" and that his son will be kings although he will not be one.

5. What news does Ross bring Macbeth?
Ross tells Macbeth that Macbeth is now the Thane of Cawdor.

6. Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth's new title. He is, however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the "instruments of darkness"?
He says they often tell of good things, which may happen without telling the bad consequences.

7. Malcolm describes Cawdor's last moments before execution. What is Duncan's reply?
You can't tell what is in a person's heart by looking at his face.  (Things are not what they seem!)

8. Macbeth says, "Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires." What are Macbeth's desires?
He now desires to be the king, and he realizes that something will have to be done with the present king before his desires can become reality.
 
9. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, a...