Scene 1
In the early 1600s, (when Macbeth was made) there were thought to be witches with evil spirits. These witches were ugly old women who owned cats. If someone was thought to be a witch, they would have to go through tests that would end in their death.
Scene 2
A wounded captain comes back from battle to see King Duncan. The captain tells him about the evenly matched battle they just won, and about Macbeths honorable acts in battle.
Quotes: ” Till he unseamed him from the nave to his chaps, and fixed his head upon our battlements.”- Captain “O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!” – Duncan
Scene 3
The 3 witches go to see Macbeth and Banquo and tell them their future. They tell Macbeth he will become the Thane of Cawdor and the King, and they tell Banquo his child will be king. At first, they don’t believe the witches but then Rosse and Angus come to give Macbeth the news that he is the new Thane of Cawdor. After that Macbeth and Banquo think it might be true. Macbeth fears that the current king will. He tells himself that he will not do anything bad to become king, but he still hopes it will happen.
Quotes: “What! can the devil speak true?” – Banquo “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, Without my stir.” – Macbeth
Scene 4
Malcolm confirms that the Thane of Cawdor has been killed. King Duncan then announces that Malcolm will be the next king. Macbeth is very unhappy with the announcement, and sees Malcolm as a threat to the throne he feels like he belongs in next.
Quotes: “Sons, kingsmen, thanes, and whose places are the nearest, know, we will establish our estate upon our eldest, Malcolm.” – Duncan “Stars! hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires.” – Macbeth
Scene 6
Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle to praises from both Banquo and Lady Macbeth. This is dramatic irony, as the audience knows that Lady Macbeth wants Duncan dead and for Macbeth to become king.
Quotes: “This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses.’ – Duncan
Scene 7
Macbeth thinks about the consequences of killing the King, and this makes him skeptical about doing it. He then decides that he wont kill the King, as there will be terrible reactions to the murder. He tells Lady Macbeth, who calls him a coward. She tells him he must kill Duncan and she makes a plan to murder him. She says she will give his bodyguards lots of wine so they lose their memory. Then they will kill Duncan and blame the bodyguards. Macbeth agrees and tells Lady Macbeth to appear innocent for now.
Quotes: “We will proceed no further in this business: He hath honored me of late.” – Macbeth “Was the hope drunk, wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it sleep since and wakes it now, to look so green and pale at what it did so freely?” – Lady Macbeth
Recent Comments