"Amidst lightning and thunder, three witches meet to plan another meeting when they shall see Macbeth."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"This very short scene quickly sets an atmosphere of evil and the supernatural. Notice that the witches speak in riddles and paradoxes (statements that seem to be illogical)."
"This points to an important theme in the play. (see Themes 3)"
5
"*scene ii"
" "
"A wounded captain is brought to King Duncan's camp. He reports to the King news of the battle against Norwegian and rebel troops. Macbeth and Banquo have shown great courage to defeat the rebels."
" "
"The Thane of Ross adds that Macbeth also won the battle against Sweno, King of Norway. Duncan orders that the Thane of Cawdor, who led the rebels, should be executed and his title should be given to Macbeth."
10
"*COMMENTARY"
" "
"An important scene of exposition - filling in background to the events of the play. Notice the respect shown towards Macbeth by the captain, Duncan and Ross."
"Our first impressions of him are as a very brave and noble man, and a loyal soldier."
" "
"However, Duncan's words are charged with irony."
" "
"*(See Notes - Irony)"
" "
"*(See Notes - Themes 3)"
7
"*scene iii"
" "
"The three witches encounter Macbeth and Banquo as they return from battle in a thunder storm. They predict that Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and later King of Scotland."
" "
"To Banquo they speak in riddles, that he will be happier than Macbeth yet not so happy; greater yet less great; and that his children will be kings."
" "
"The witches vanish, leaving Macbeth fearful and thoughtful. Banquo warns him against taking them seriously."
10
"*scene iii (cont.)"
" "
"Ross and Angus arrive and announce that Macbeth is to be Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth is seen to be deep in thought. He arranges to speak again to Banquo about the events of the day."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
" "
"As we see Macbeth for the first time, he unconsciously echoes the words of the witches:"
"*So foul and fair a day I have not seen."
" "
"He is immediately linked to the forces of evil."
8
"*scene iii commentary (cont.)"
" "
"In Macbeth's first soliloquy of the play (lines 128-142), we also see the terrible power of his imagination."
" "
"Macbeth's first reactions to the witches' words show a guilty fear. It is almost as if he already harbours secret thoughts of murder."
" "
"Banquo is much more sceptical and disbelieving, questioning the purpose of the witches and the truth of their words."
"*(See Themes 3)"
7
"*scene iv"
" "
"Back in his palace at Forres, King Duncan learns of the execution of the previous Thane of Cawdor. When Macbeth and Banquo arrive, he greets them warmly and thanks them for their services."
" "
"He then names his son Malcolm as his heir and gives him the title of Prince of Cumberland."
" "
"The King announces his intention to travel to visit Macbeth's castle at Inverness."
8
"*COMMENTARY"
" "
"Duncan's praise of Macbeth is full of dramatic irony. (see Notes)"
" "
"The plot is advanced by the introduction of an obstacle to Macbeth becoming King, and by Duncan playing into Macbeth's hands with his intended visit to Inverness."
" "
"Notice the poetry of Macbeth's aside at the end of this scene."
"*(See Imagery 6)"
8
"*scene v"
" "
"Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth telling her about his meeting with the witches. She fears he may not have the sternness of spirit to"
"*'catch the nearest way'"
"*to kingship."
" "
"When a messenger announces that Duncan is coming, she calls on the powers of evil to help her blot out any feelings of pity, so she can achieve her aims."
"On Macbeth's arrival she seems set in her purpose to kill the King, and in complete control of the situation."
11
"*COMMENTARY"
" "
"The letter is a clever device used by Shakespeare to give a summary of the action."
" "
"Lady Macbeth is first seen as very strong-willed and prepared to sacrifice all feelings for her ambition (see Themes 1)"
"Her appeal to the forces of evil is an attempt to reverse the natural order of things (see Themes 4)"
" "
"The language of this scene is particularly rich and full of imagery (see Language and Imagery 1,2,3,6)"
"A key quotation is:"
"*look like the innocent flower, /But be the serpent under it."
"*(see Themes 3)"
8
"*scene vi"
" "
"Duncan and his court arrive at Macbeth's castle, and exclaim over its pleasant nature and appearance. Duncan greets Lady Macbeth, and is warmly welcomed by her."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"This short, peaceful scene contrasts with the violence that is to follow. The whole scene shows the irony of false appearances (see Themes 3)"
"Duncan judges the castle as he judges Macbeth, wrongly."
"Banquo's reference to the martlet (line 4) contrasts with Lady Macbeth's mention of the raven (a bird of ill-fortune) in the previous scene."
10
"*scene vii"
" "
"Macbeth's determination wavers. He lists the reasons against killing Duncan:"
"* -He will have to face the consequences of the murder."
"* -Duncan is his kinsman"
"* -He should be loyal to his King."
"* -He is Duncan's host and should protect him."
"* -Duncan is a virtuous king"
"Against these reasons stands only Macbeth's ambition to spur him on. (see Themes 1)"
"Lady Macbeth drives him on to the murder, scorning him as an unmanly coward. She has planned to drug the King's guards and murder Duncan as he sleeps."
8
"*COMMENTARY"
" "
"This scene clearly shows the mental torture that Macbeth faces. Unlike Lady Macbeth, he can see the moral and political evil of killing the King."
"However, Lady Macbeth seems almost inhuman at this point, and her strength of will quickly overpowers him."
" "
"One particularly violent image about dashing her baby's brains out (lines 54-59) shows up her evil clearly."
"* "
"*Other important points found in this scene are discussed in Imagery Notes 1,3 & 4 and Themes 1 & 3"
