Act 1, Scene 1

Question 1

‘In thunder, lightning, or in rain?’

Answer 1

Pathetic fallacy- creates a gothic and suspenseful atmosphere, reflects the theme of horror
Question marks create an ambiguous, mysterious tone
Contemporary audience felt trepid- were afraid of witches abilities to control and alter nature- theme of supernatural

Question 2

‘Fair is foul and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air’

Answer 2

Contradiction and juxtaposition between ‘fair’ and ‘foul’ inflicts confusion and disarray on the audience
‘Hover’ through the air- this disrupts the order of the natural world, foreshadowing the later destruction of natural order.
Theme of supernatural
Rhyme creates rhythm and flow- mimics ritual, cult-like chanting

Question 3

Act 1, scene 1

Answer 3

The witches are the first characters the audience meet- they introduce the audience to Macbeth, ‘there to meet with Macbeth’ which reflects their supernatural powers to predict and control the future and nature; this would have inflicted great trepidation on a contemporary audience as they feared the witches inhumane abilities.