SCENE II.-What is the necessity of a shift of scene at this point? Scene II is intense in feeling. Note how every accidental occurrence affects the murderers. Under normal circumstances would either of the pair be stirred by the hoot of an owl or the chirp of a cricket? Is Lady Macbeth as cool and "bold" as she would make herself believe?

"Had he not resembled My father as he slept," etc.-What light does this shed on Lady Macbeth's character?

Macbeth's repetition of the things that happen in the chamber of the murdered man is a pathetic comment on his state of mind. Why is Lady Macbeth alarmed for him? What is she thinking when she asks, "Who was it that thus cried?" Note her practical grip of the situation in, "Go get some water," etc., in contrast to Macbeth's rant about the "multitudinous seas," etc.

SCENE III. To some readers the porter scene is out of tune with the rest of the tragedy, to others it is the chiefest relief spot in the play. How does the scene appeal to you?

How does Lennox's account of the night correspond with what we already know of it?

Why have Macduff rather than Banquo discover the murdered King? Why does not Macbeth call the King? Why does Macbeth add, in answer to Lennox's question, "he did appoint so"? Note the difference between Lennox's and Macbeth's reception of the news of the tragedy. Macbeth really reveals his knowledge of the crimeHow?

The center of interest in this scene is the way Macbeth and Lady Macbeth bear the exposure of their deed. How do you account for Macbeth's palming it off so smoothly when he has been so wrought up only a short while before? The speech beginning, "Who can be wise," etc., is seemingly one of a practiced deceiver. Note the effect of its horrible details on Lady Macbeth. Does she faint or is she only feigning? It has been pointed out that Lady Macbeth rose to the occasion only when her husband showed symptoms of failure; that when he was strong her feminine qualities dominated her evil nature, and she consequently broke down. Do you agree?

Does Banquo guess who did the deed? If he guessed correctly, did he have evidence enough to make an accusation?-Or was he in sympathy with Macbeth all along?

Do Malcolm and Donalbain guess correctly? What does their untimely flight suggest to the nobles?

SCENE IV.-The Old Man brings in the supernatural element again, this time interpreted through the general superstitions of the people. What do you know of the belief in witchcraft, sorcery, etc., in the time of Shakespeare?

Macduff repeats the accusation of the courtiers in general. Does he express his real opinion as well? Why does he go to Fife instead of Scone?

Is it essential that Macbeth be crowned King?

What has Act II added to the advancement of the tragedy?

ACT III.

SCENE I.-Is Banquo ambitious to be "the root and father Of many kings"? What does his speech show concerning the effect on himself of the prophecy of the witches? One moment Banquo declares, concerning Macbeth, "I fear Thou play'dst most foully for't," and the next, that his "duties Are with a most indissoluble tie Forever knit" to the new King. Does this affect the general interpretation of Banquo as "noble"?

Why is Macbeth giving the feast? Does he have the murder of Banquo and Fleance in mind when he first quizzes Banquo? Why does he add, "Goes Fleance with you?”

"To be thus is nothing," etc.- What characteristic of Macbeth is here showing forth?

Is Macbeth's interpretation of Banquo's motives to be accepted as the whole truth?

Macbeth's growing boldness is apparent in his dealings with the hired assassins. Note the continuous change of his character. Can you foresee what he must finally become?

What does Macbeth mean by, "I'll come to you anon"?

SCENE II. What did Lady Macbeth have in mind when she inquired concerning Banquo's whereabouts? Compare her speech beginning, "Naught's had, all's spent," etc., with Macbeth's, "To be thus is nothing," etc., of the preceding scene.

Does Lady Macbeth misinterpret Macbeth's withdrawal from the

company when she says, "How now, my lord!" etc.? Why does not Macbeth take his wife into the secret of the plot to murder Banquo? SCENE III. Is the third murderer Macbeth?-Cite evidences sup

porting your answer.

To meet the limitations of the stage, Banquo and Fleance are assaulted while they are on foot. How does Shakespeare try to make their being riderless appear a matter of custom?

"The son is fled." This is the first of Macbeth's failures. Note how it is the beginning of the end. Compare this with the turning point of other Shakespearean plays you have read. Why should Fleance escape? Do you expect him to appear again in the play?

SCENE IV. Note the dignity of the beginning of this scene in contrast to the abrupt ending of the banquet.

Does any of the court except Macbeth see the murderer? Why have him appear at all? Do Macbeth's questions suggest that he himself was the third murderer?

What does Lady Macbeth think is weighing on her husband's mind? Do any of the guests see Banquo's ghost? Does Lady Macbeth? To whom does Macbeth say, "Thou canst not say I did it," etc.?

How does Lady Macbeth seek to withdraw attention from her husband? The Queen evidently whispers her sarcastic comments to Macbeth-In what tone of voice do you think he answers her? Follow this portion carefully to determine to whom, and in what manner, the speeches are delivered. What must the guests think of Macbeth's behavior?

Why does Lady Macbeth break in after Ross's "What sights, my lord?" and dismiss the company so abruptly?

How do you account for her entire change of attitude, and the complete closing of reference to the ghost of Banquo, as soon as the guests are departed?

Note the speed of the play at this point. The Macduff incident is already being prepared for, even though the ghost scene is scarcely closed. Why should the action move more rapidly than at the beginning?

"We are yet but young in deed”—What does this prophesy?

SCENE V. Note the recurrence of the supernatural. What is the purpose of this witch scene? Could it be omitted without loss to the play?

Can you guess the fate of Macbeth from anything Hecate suggests? SCENE VI.-How do the lords feel toward Macbeth? What bearing has this scene on what follows?

Sum up the important events of this Act.

ACT IV.

SCENE I.—This is the last appearance of the witches in the play. How does the elaborateness of this compare with the other witch scenes? Why does Hecate herself appear?

What are the witches doing at the beginning of the scene? Note the ingredients of the caldron. Why is the whole scene made so terrible? Is Macbeth's speech, conjuring the witches to answer him, in keeping with the speeches of the witches themselves?

What does Macbeth's command, "Call 'em; let me see 'em," indicate as to his change of character?

In what ways are the apparitions superior to the witches? Notice how they echo the fears of Macbeth.

What other murder is here definitely forecast?

What are the two prophecies that allay Macbeth's fears?

Macbeth's demand to "be satisfied" concerning the whole future is in keeping with his determination to "make assurance doubly sure." "This same desire to "dare do all that may become a man" finally leads to what? "Show his eyes, and grieve his heart"-How is this a comment on the career of Macbeth?

It has been proposed that the long line of rulers carrying the "twofold balls and treble scepters" was a direct compliment to the reigning sovereign of England. How could it be so interpreted?

How does Lennox's news bear out the witches' prophecy? What can you say now of the speed with which the catastrophe is approaching?

"The very firstlings of my heart," etc. After this speech do you expect Macbeth to deliberate before he acts? Compare the Macbeth who utters this with the one who said to his wife, "If we should fail?" Has he any further need of Lady Macbeth to spur him on? So far, has the change come about naturally?

SCENE II.-What does Macduff's sudden flight suggest with re

gard to conditions in Scotland? Does the playwright mean for your sympathy to be against Macduff because of his departure? How can you justify his action?

When did you learn that every nobleman's castle had within its walls a "servant fee'd"? What recent event is causing Ross and the nobles to flee from the country?

Does the son talk like a child? Do children play much of a part in the plays of Shakespeare you have read?

In many modern presentations of Macbeth this entire scene is omitted. Do you see any reason why it should be? What is the justification of the scene?

SCENE III.-Where is this scene laid?

How does Macduff unwittingly comment on his own loss in his first speech? How also does Malcolm unknowingly touch upon the disaster in Macduff's home? What is the effect of these touches on the reader?

How is the preceding scene made to do service in this one?

Are Malcolm's suspicions of Macduff reasonably founded? Why does the former belittle himself? What are some of the things he accuses himself of? What is the effect on Macduff of all these selfaccusations? Why should Macduff's "noble passion" prove his loyalty to Malcolm? Do you think Macduff would believe Malcolm's sudden retraction of these things, or does the Prince go too far in his testing of the Thane of Fife?

How is Ross's news prepared for? "Gracious England hath Lent us good Siward," etc. Take note of the swift certainty of the preparation for the last act.

Macduff is temporarily overwhelmed by his grief. In this moment of bitterness does he reproach himself unjustly?

How does the length of Act IV compare with the length of the preceding Acts? What definite things does it add to the advancement of the play?

ACT V.

SCENE I. Prior to this Lady Macbeth has figured in two great situations in the play. What are they? What is the relative importance of the part she plays in each? How do you account for her