Act I introduces the witches and their prophecies about Macbeth becoming Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. Macbeth proves himself in battle for King Duncan. He is named Thane of Cawdor as the witches predicted. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth discuss murdering Duncan so Macbeth can take the throne, after Lady Macbeth learns of the prophecies in a letter from Macbeth.
Act I introduces the witches and their prophecies about Macbeth becoming Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. Macbeth proves himself in battle for King Duncan. He is named Thane of Cawdor as the witches predicted. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth discuss murdering Duncan so Macbeth can take the throne, after Lady Macbeth learns of the prophecies in a letter from Macbeth.
Act I introduces the witches and their prophecies about Macbeth becoming Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. Macbeth proves himself in battle for King Duncan. He is named Thane of Cawdor as the witches predicted. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth discuss murdering Duncan so Macbeth can take the throne, after Lady Macbeth learns of the prophecies in a letter from Macbeth.
Act I introduces the witches and their prophecies about Macbeth becoming Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. Macbeth proves himself in battle for King Duncan. He is named Thane of Cawdor as the witches predicted. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth discuss murdering Duncan so Macbeth can take the throne, after Lady Macbeth learns of the prophecies in a letter from Macbeth.
Act I summary: » We are introduced to the witches –
there is a sense of foreboding
Scene One » We hear Macbeth’s name mentioned, Setting up the play for the conflict by revealing but there is no further explanation characters and their traits » But the play is named after this character, so we know he’s important » We are introduced to the fragility of Scotland (politically)
» We meet King Duncan just off of the
Act I summary: battlefield Scene Two » We are introduced to the idea of Macbeth & his skill, importance & bravery in fighting for the crown » We are given background about the play (the context) » Macdonwald (Thane of Cawdor) betrayed the king by helping the Irish rebels, because he was power hungry » Eerily foreboding… » Duncan declares Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor & sends Ross to deliver the news to Macbeth » The witches appear again Act I summary: » We are informed about all of the terrible things Scene Three witches have done to other people » We meet Macbeth and Banquo, both of whom question the witches’ existence » The witches address Macbeth by 3 titles: Glamis, Cawdor and King » Here they make their first prophecies » They also prophesize that Banquo’s sons will be kings » Ross & Angus enter to deliver the news that Macbeth has been named Thane of Cawdor, confirming the prophecy » Macbeth talks to himself & starts revealing his ambition » Soliloquy
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» The play moves to King Duncan’s castle
Act I summary: » Malcom (Duncan’s son) confirms that Scene Four the traitorous thane of Cawdor has been executed » Macbeth & Banquo arrive, and the king congratulates them on their victory » Macbeth, admirably yet sneakily, says that it was his duty as a loyal thane… » Duncan announces that Malcom will be titled ‘Prince of Cumberland’ and his successor to the throne » Which presents an obstacle on Macbeth’s course to be king…
5 www.wolkskool.co.za » We finally meet the infamous Lady Macbeth Act I summary: » She is reading a letter from Macbeth, which Scene Five informs her of his victory and the prophecies » Shows the equality in the relationship – equal power, equal respect » We also get to see the darker side to this Scottish lady: she will do anything, including casting aside her femininity, to help her husband realise his ambition & fulfil the prophecy » An attendant informs her that Duncan will be coming to stay » Macbeth returns, and the couple discuss the possible courses of action (murder…)
