Quotes: Act 1 Scene 1

Question 1

Macbeth’s Battle

Answer 1

“When the battle’s lost and won”

Question 2

Pathetic Fallacy

Answer 2

“Thunder and lightning”

The weather represents the chaos that will come.

Question 3

Witches Mantra: Challenging what is right.

Explain this with commentary.

Answer 3

“Fair is foul, foul is fair”
The witches mantra/riddle is cryptic (hard to understand)
It is a paradox: apparent contradiction (e.g. terribly nice)
It highlights the contradictory nature of their commentary.
A neat summary of their reversal of all moral values.

Question 4

How is the atmosphere set?

Answer 4

The atmosphere of this tragedy is established through the desolation of the blasted heath and the design of the witches.
Darkness broods over the play. Memorable scenes often taking place at night.

Question 5

Represents death and Macbeth as being a warrior

Answer 5

“The battlefield”

Question 6

Supernatural

Answer 6

“Enter three witches”
They are potent/strong characters.
They speak in riddles that are cryptic which adds a sense of ambiguity/cryptic and confusion.
The opening implies that the witches can control the elements and weather.

Question 7

Symbols of the spiritual and the moral tumult (upheaval, disaster)

Answer 7

“Fog and filthy air”