Classroom Resources
Classroom Resources
Written response to Macbeth by William Shakespeare

READ the questions below carefully.

LOOK up the page references given and SEARCH for relevant information. (Page references
given are for Macbeth: The Shorter Shakespeare published by Carel Press.)

MAKE NOTES in the spaces after each question.

Use your notes to WRITE A FULL ANSWER to each question on file paper. The beginning of
each answer is started for you.

You might like to use your notes to write an essay entitled ‘Explore the characters of Macbeth and
Lady Macbeth in the play’. Use the opening lines given to begin each new PARAGRAPH.
1)
What do we learn about Macbeth at the beginning of the play?
(LOOK at p. 6, the second half of p. 12 and p. 17.)
At the beginning of the play Macbeth is …
2)
How does Lady Macbeth support Macbeth in his ambition to become king?
(LOOK at Act 1, scene 5, p. 14 and p. 16.)
Lady Macbeth feels that Macbeth is ‘too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness’ to murder King
Duncan. She tries to support him by …
Classroom Resources
3)
Why does Macbeth begin to change his mind about murdering King Duncan in Act 1, scene 7?
(LOOK at his speech on p. 18 from the line ‘He’s here in double trust …’)
Macbeth is reluctant to murder Duncan because …
4)
How does Lady Macbeth react when Macbeth decides not to commit the murder? What does
she say to Macbeth? (LOOK at the second half of p. 18, p. 19 and p. 20.)
When Lady Macbeth learns that her husband has changed his mind she is … She tells him …
5)
When Macbeth and his wife become king and queen of Scotland, they do not enjoy their new
positions. Explain why this is.
(LOOK particularly at Macbeth’s speech on p. 37 in Act 3, scene 1.)
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth do not enjoy being king and queen because …
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6)
How does Macbeth behave when he faces Macduff in Act 5, scene 6?
(LOOK at p. 70 and particularly the top of p. 71) THINK ABOUT the following questions to help
you answer this: is Macbeth sorry that he killed Macduff’s family?
How does he face defeat?
Is he brave or cowardly at the end?
In Act 5, scene 1, Macbeth seems …
7)
In
your
opinion,
who
is
more
guilty
Try to give at least two reasons for your answer.
Macbeth
I think that ______________________ is the more guilty because …
or
Lady
Macbeth?