Act 1
scene one:
Three witches in a desert place where they plan to meet again after the battle. They plan to meet Macbeth upon the heath
“When the hurlyburly’s done, when the battle’s lost and won”
“Fair is foul and foul is fair”
scene two:
In this scene we are introduced to the King of Scotland, Duncan and we learn more about the war between Scotland and Norway from an injured soldier. The soldier describes brave Macbeth killing Macdonwald and Scotland winning the war.
“… As two spent swimmers, that do cling on together…”
scene three:
Macbeth and Banquio meet the three witches at the heath. The are told of their future: Macbeth will become Thain of Glamis, Thain of Cawdor and King while Banquio’s children will become king. Macbeth and Banquio do not know if these predictions are true or not. Macbeth believes the witches because later on in the scene he is told that he is now Thain of Cawdor, but Banquio is not sure about the witches predictions.
“The Thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me in borrowed robes?”
scene four:
The previous Thane of Cawdor’s execution is stated and Macbeth promises his loyalty and commitment for his new role as the Thane of Cawdor to King Duncan, but all the while contemplating killing him.
“…by doing everything safe toward your love and honour.” – Lie from Macbeth
“Stars, hide your fires! Let not see my black and deep desires…”
“Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.”
scene five:
Lady Macbeth is introduced. She is educated about the events in the last 4 scenes from a letter written by Macbeth. She learns the situation regarding Macbeth becoming king and goes on to talk about Macbeth’s kindness. She does not think Macbeth could kill him so she is wishing she would become evil and have no conscience so she could kill Duncan herself.
Lady Macbeth’s speech conveys her nature and her plans. It shows she is a very strong minded woman and thinks for herself which is very rare of this time. Without input from her husband she starts devising a plan to kill the King of Scotland. This shows she must be greedy in order to go to such far measures to become Queen and her husband King.
“Yet do I fear thy nature: it is too full o’ the milk of human kindness”
“…And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty”
“…Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.”
scene six:
This scene occurs outside of Macbeth’s castle where Lady Macbeth welcomes her guests; King Duncan and Banquo.
“See, see, our honoured hostess”
scene seven: