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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.

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28 views3 pages

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.

Uploaded by

izakpetrus01
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

4 www.wolkskool.co.za

» 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…

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» 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…)

6 www.wolkskool.co.za

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