ACT I - Scene VII Practice Quiz — Macbeth
by William Shakespeare — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: ACT I - Scene VII
Where does Act 1, Scene 7 take place?
In Macbeth's castle at Inverness, near the dining hall where a banquet is being held for King Duncan.
What is Macbeth doing at the start of Scene 7?
He has stepped away from the banquet and delivers a soliloquy debating whether to murder King Duncan.
What is the opening line of Macbeth's soliloquy?
"If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well / It were done quickly."
What does Macbeth mean by "trammel up the consequence"?
He wishes the murder could catch and contain all its consequences, like a net (trammel) catching fish, so nothing would follow from the act.
What metaphor does Macbeth use involving a chalice?
He compares the murder to a "poison'd chalice" — the cup of violence he prepares for Duncan will be returned to his own lips.
Name the three roles Macbeth says bind him to protect Duncan.
Kinsman (blood relative), subject (owing political loyalty), and host (obligated to protect his guest).
How does Macbeth describe Duncan's character?
He says Duncan has "borne his faculties so meek" and been "so clear in his great office" — a humble, virtuous ruler.
What simile does Macbeth use for Duncan's virtues?
Duncan's virtues "will plead like angels trumpet-tongued against / The deep damnation of his taking-off."
What does the image of the "naked new-born babe" represent?
It represents pity, which Macbeth says will ride the wind and expose his crime to the world so that "tears shall drown the wind."
What is Macbeth's only motive for killing Duncan?
"Vaulting ambition" — he admits he has no other spur to drive his intent.
What does the "vaulting ambition" metaphor describe?
A rider who leaps too eagerly into the saddle and overshoots, falling on the other side — ambition that overreaches and leads to its own destruction.
What decision does Macbeth announce to Lady Macbeth?
"We will proceed no further in this business" — he tells her he will not murder Duncan.
Why does Macbeth want to preserve his "golden opinions"?
He has recently been honored by Duncan and earned widespread respect. He wants to enjoy this reputation, not throw it away.
How does Lady Macbeth first attack Macbeth's resolve?
She questions his manhood and courage, asking if his earlier ambition was merely drunken bravado: "Was the hope drunk / Wherein you dress'd yourself?"
What does Lady Macbeth compare Macbeth to with the "poor cat i' the adage"?
A cat that wants to eat fish but is afraid to get its paws wet — someone who desires something but lacks the courage to act.
What does Macbeth mean by "I dare do all that may become a man"?
He argues that true manhood has moral limits — he will dare anything proper for a man, but going further (murdering a king) makes one less than a man.
What shocking image does Lady Macbeth use about her child?
She says she would have "pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums / And dash'd the brains out" of her nursing baby rather than break such a sworn promise.
What is the purpose of Lady Macbeth's infanticide imagery?
To shame Macbeth by showing that her own commitment exceeds his, and to redefine courage as willingness to follow through on promises regardless of moral cost.
What is Lady Macbeth's plan for the murder?
Drug Duncan's two chamberlain guards with wine until they black out, murder Duncan while unguarded, then smear the guards with blood and plant the daggers to frame them.
What does "wine and wassail" refer to in the scene?
The alcohol Lady Macbeth plans to give the guards. "Wassail" is a festive drink associated with toasting and celebration.
What does Lady Macbeth mean by the guards' "spongy officers"?
The guards will be so soaked with alcohol (spongy) that they will absorb all the blame for the murder.
What compliment does Macbeth pay Lady Macbeth after hearing her plan?
"Bring forth men-children only, / For thy undaunted mettle should compose / Nothing but males" — her fearless spirit deserves to produce only sons.
What is the last line of Act 1, Scene 7?
"False face must hide what the false heart doth know" — Macbeth commits to deception, hiding his murderous intent behind an innocent appearance.
What major theme does the ending couplet reinforce?
Appearance versus reality — the central theme introduced by the witches' "fair is foul, and foul is fair" in Act 1, Scene 1.
Why is Act 1, Scene 7 considered the turning point of Act 1?
It is the moment Macbeth makes his final decision to commit regicide. Despite his strong moral objections, Lady Macbeth's persuasion tips the balance and seals Duncan's fate.