Exploring characters and setting in the opening scene of 'Macbeth' | English

Starter quiz

What category of play is 'Macbeth'?
- tragedy ✓
- comedy
- historical
In which setting does the majority of the action in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' take place?
- a Welsh castle by the sea
- a bustling modern city
- a haunted forest in Norway
- various locations within Scotland ✓
Which theme could be argued to be most central to Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'?
- love
- loyalty
- power ✓
What does the term 'prophecy' refer to in the play 'Macbeth'?
- a magical potion
- a prediction of future events ✓
- a secret code
- a religious ritual
What is the main cause for Macbeth's growing paranoia?
- the witches' prophecy
- Lady Macbeth's ambitions
- Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's relationship
- the murder of King Duncan ✓
How does Macbeth meet his end in the play?
- He dies in a battle with Lady Macbeth.
- He is executed by Macduff. ✓
- He dies of old age.
- He accidentally falls off a cliff.

What is Early Modern English?
- It is the form of English language used exclusively in Shakespeare's plays.
- It is the modern form of English language we use today.
- It preceded the modern form of English language we use today. ✓
What is the term used to describe the detailed instructions written in a play script?
- dialogue
- acts
- stage directions ✓
- stage lighting
What eerie setting sets the tone for Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Macbeth'?
- a stormy night by the seashore
- a dark, deserted castle
- a moonlit clifftop
- a desolate heath ✓
How do the three witches in Macbeth generally appear to others in the play?
- young maidens
- old hags ✓
- noblewomen
- royalty
What does ‘malignant’ mean in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Macbeth'?
- loud and brash
- evil in nature ✓
- pleasant in nature
- playful
What does ‘hurly-burly’ mean in Act 1 Scene 1 of 'Macbeth'?
- disordered chaos ✓
- peaceful and calm
- organised and quiet

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Shakespeare wrote 'Macbeth’ as a play script.
The opening scene of ‘Macbeth’ is a powerful introduction that sets the tone and mood for the entire play.
The scene sets a tone of darkness and uncertainty, foreshadowing the tragic events that unfold as the play progresses.
‘Macbeth’ is written in Early Modern English, which was used from approximately the 15th century to the 17th century.
A play script includes dialogue, stage directions, character descriptions, instructions for props and sound effects.

Play scripts dictate every aspect of a performance down to the smallest detail.

Actors and directors have creative freedom to interpret the text, bringing their own insights and ideas to the characters and scenes.

Early modern english - refers to the stage of English language used from approximately the late 15th century to the late 17th century
Play script - the written version of a play
Scene - a sequence of continuous action in a play, film, opera or book
Stage direction - an instruction in a play script indicating the movement, position or tone of an actor or the sound effects and lighting