Macbeth study notes- very useful

Macbeth~ Play Study

Act 1

Scene 1: A short scene opens the play. It awakens curiosity but does not satisfy it. Three witches are talking to each other. The witches reveal that they will meet with Macbeth when the fighting has finished. Mood of play is set- a prologue of evil.

Scene 2: Here we learn about the tough battle, about the rebels who seem to have all the luck, and about two brave men, Macbeth and Banquo, who win the victory for Scotland. Duncan, the King of Scotland, rewards Macbeth for his courage by giving him the title of Thane of Cawdor.

Scene 3: Set in moor (wetland, swamp) witches talk about evil deeds. In Macbeth, women are shown as very strong and capable. Macbeth and Banquo enter. They talk about the weather, witches appear and provide prophecy and tell Macbeth that he is the Thane of Cawdor and will be king.

Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.

English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...

The sleepwalking Lady Macbeth

Macbeth is stunned to silence by their prophecies but Banquo questions then calmly about himself. The strength of his character is hinted. Macbeth thinks this is unbelievable. The witches are playing with these people. The prophecy is presented quickly and the audience is left to ponder.

Ross and Angus enter and tell Macbeth that he is Thane of Cawdor. Banquo wonders if the evil prophecy is true. Macbeth loves what is happening but thinks there is something wrong. Banquo sees evil in it.

Scene 4: We find that the Thane of Cawdor has been executed. Duncan reveals that he used to trust the Thane of Cawdor and that it is important that he trusts Macbeth as well. But he should not trust Macbeth 100% because he trusted the Thane of Cawdor and he betrayed. Duncan announces that his son, Malcolm, is the heir to...