Macbeth Flashcards
Act 1 Scene 1
Three Witches
>Three witches meet in the middle of a storm.
>They speak in riddles and rhymes, using strange language such as ‘hurly burly’.
>They are preparing to entice Macbeth ‘upon the heath’.
>A sense of foreboding is created by their choral lines that set up the theme of deception where ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’.
Why is A1.1 important?
> It immediately grabs our attention with its dramatic nonrealism.
It raises our sense of curiosity and expectancy.
It establishes the importance of supernatural powers in the play.
Act 1 Scene 2
Brave Macbeth
>King Duncan receives news that the battle against the rebel Macdonwald was evenly balanced, but that Macbeth has killed him.
>The Captain brings news to Duncan that, thanks to Macbeth’s and Banquo’s courageous actions, his army has won.
>Duncan then declares that the traitorous Thane of Cawdor will be executed and bestows his title and lands on Macbeth as reward.
Why is A1.2 important?
> Shakespeare deepens our interest in the character of Macbeth by revealing his character through report.
We switch from the shadowy world of witches to the physical world of battle.
We discover that Macbeth and Banquo have displayed outstanding bravery.
We find out that Macbeth is to be made Thane of Cawdor.
Act 1 Scene 3
All hail, Macbeth!
>The witches meet as planned, in thunder and rain.
>They greet Macbeth and Banquo and tell them that Macbeth will become both Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.
>Macbeth is stunned by these prophecies. Banquo demands the witches tell him of his future too. They predict that he will not be king, but his offspring will.
>The witches vanish and messengers from King Duncan arrive. They report that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor.
>Macbeth is astonished by the news and Banquo warns him of the danger. Macbeth is preoccupied by thoughts of kingship, which he tries to hide.
Why is A1.3 important?
> The witches’ prophecies establish the importance of fate.
Shakespeare draws significant contrasts between Banquo and Macbeth.
The theme of ambition is introduced when Macbeth becomes preoccupied with thoughts of becoming king.
Act 1 Scene 4
Malcolm to be king
>King Duncan asks his son, Malcolm, to confirm that the Thane of Cawdor has been executed.
>He is told that Cawdor died with dignity, repenting his actions.
>Macbeth and Banquo enter and are thanked by Duncan for their efforts in the war.
>Duncan proclaims that Malcolm will be his heir. He also says that he will visit Macbeth at home.
>Macbeth says he will write to his wife and prepare for the arrival of the king. He is unhappy about Duncan’s announcement that Malcolm is next in line to the throne.
>In Macbeth’s absence, Duncan praises him to Banquo.
Why is A1.4 important?
> The king’s announcement that Malcolm will be the next King provides Macbeth with motivation to prevent this happening by committing murder and treason.
Shakespeare shows how Macbeth’s attitude has changed and hardened when he sees that Malcolm is in his way.
Macbeth’s character is contrasted with those of Duncan, Banquo and even the executed Thane of Cawdor.
