Macbeth Summary of Act I Scene 1 Setting

Macbeth Summary of Act I

Scene 1 • Setting - Scotland. • 3 witches – Indicate that the battle will be over by sunset – plan to meet with Macbeth on the barren battlefield or “heath” • There is an approaching thunderstorm. • Foreshadowing of evil: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair, ” what is good will be bad and what is bad will be good.

Scene 2 • Duncan • The king of Scotland • orders the immediate execution of the Thane of Cawdor • names Macbeth as the new Thane of Cawdor. • sends Ross to announce this to Macbeth • Malcolm • Son of Duncan • Captain • informs Duncan that Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald, the Norwegian army, and the Thane of Cawdor. • states the conflict was resolved by Macbeth.

Scene 3 • Witches – Prophesize that Macbeth will be Scotland’s next ruler. • Macbeth – mimics witches’ famous words spoken earlier in the drama: "So foul and fair a day I have not seen" • Banquo (Duncan’s son) – will be "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and "Not so happy, yet much happier" • Ross and Angus – inform Macbeth that Duncan has appointed him Thane of Cawdor.

Scene 4 • Macbeth – Expresses ambitious thoughts in his asides • Aside= a remark that the character makes to the audience or another character • Duncan – – praises Macbeth for his loyalty Thanks Banquo (his son) for his courage Announces visiting Macbeth's castle at Iverness has chosen Malcolm (son) to be the next king of Scotland – now he will be Prince of Cumberland • Light and Dark Symbolism – "Stars, hide your fires/Let not light see my black and deep desires"