Act 1, scene 1

Characters: Witch 1, witch 2, witch 3

Summary: Thunder and lightning crash above a Scottish moor. Three haggard old women, the witches, appear out of the storm. In eerie, chanting tones, they make plans to meet again upon the heath, after the battle, to confront Macbeth. As quickly as they arrive, they disappear

Quotation: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”

Witches in the early 17th century:

In Shakespeares Macbeth, “What made witches dangerous was their overweening ambition and willingness to sell their souls in order to achieve power.” https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/context/historical/witchcraft-in-shakespeares-england/ King James, who ruled England when Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, was convinced that a group of witches were plotting to bring about his death so he put a witch trial in place. In Shakespeare’s time, people believed in witches. They were people who had made a pact with the Devil in exchange for supernatural powers. If there was a plaque in your village, it was because of a witch.

Act 1, scene 2

Characters: King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lenox, Captain

Summary: A wounded officer brings King Duncan news of Macbeth’s bravery in battle. The Thane of Ross then comes in and brings news of victory in the battle against the Norwegian army. He also tells how the Thane of Cawdor betrayed the King by helping the Norwegian army.

Quotation: “As sparrows eagles, or hare the lion”

Act 1, Scene 3

Characters: The 3 witches, Banquo, Macbeth, Ross, Angus,

Summary: Macbeth and Banquo come across the three witches in the heath near the battlefield. The witches tell Macbeth that he is to be the Thane of Cawdor, and eventually king. … But then the Thane of Ross arrives and tells Macbeth that he is indeed the Thane of Cawdor. The first prophecy has come true.

Quotation: “A drum, a drum! Macbeth doth come”

Act 1, Scene 4

Characters: Duncan, Malcolm, Macbeth, Banquo

Summary: At the king’s palace, Duncan hears reports of Cawdor’s execution from his son Malcolm. Duncan announces his intention to name Malcolm the heir to his throne. Macbeth declares his joy but notes to himself that Malcolm now stands between him and the crown. Plans are made for Duncan to dine at Macbeth’s castle that evening

Quotation: “There if i grow, The harvest is your own.”

Act 1, Scene 5

Characters: Lady Macbeth, Messenger, Macbeth

Summary: Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth and finds out about the witches’ prophecy that he will be king. Lady Macbeth then learns that King Duncan will come to Macbeth’s castle that evening. She decides that it is her chance to act, and tells Macbeth that King Duncan will not see tomorrow.

Quotation: “Only look up clear; to alter favour ever is to fear: Leave all the rest to me” -Lady Macbeth

In her soliloquy lady, Macbeth used powerful personification to show that she does indeed have power over her own choice.

When lady Macbeth finished reading the letter from her husband where her husband tells her all the witches have foretold, she said: “That I may pour my spirits in thine ear.”

She is saying that her words are poison and they will be poured into Macbeth’s ear. This shows that Lady Macbeth wants the audience to know that she has power over her own evil choices.

Act 1, scene 6

Characters: Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth

Summary: Duncan, the Scottish lords, and their attendants arrive outside Macbeth castle. … She replies that it is her duty to be hospitable since she and her husband owe so much to their king. Duncan then asks to be taken inside to Macbeth, whom he professes to love dearly.

Quotation: “See, see, our honour’d hostess!“

Act 1, Scene 7

Characters: Lady Macbeth and Macbeth

Summary: Macbeth alone, pacing back and forth because he’s having second thoughts about killing King Duncan. He has problems with this plan because he sees no reason, other than his own ambition, to murder the king. In response, a raging Lady Macbeth calls him a coward.

Quotation: ?