William Shakespeares Macbeth Act 1 Scenes 1 7

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth Act 1, Scenes 1 - 7 Notes

Act 1 - Scene 1 • Summary • The three witches are introduced. They inform the reader that they are going to meet with Macbeth. • Themes • Supernatural • Witches • Definitions • Anon – immediately • Character Descriptions • Witches • Are they actual supernatural beings? • Important Lines • Fair is foul, foul is fair Meaning: a situation may appear to be good when in reality they are evil (or vice versa).

Fair is Foul, Foul is Fair… • Origin of Fair is Foul, Foul is Fair • This phrase pervades Shakespeare’s entire play, Macbeth, reminding the audience they need to look deeper in order to understand the thoughts and actions of the characters. • Though it first appears in the beginning in the twelfth line of Act I, Scene I, uttered by witches as “Fair is foul, foul is fair, ” it lasts throughout the story with recurring themes of evil doing, and deception in the name of equivocation (concealing the truth), ambition, and good. • The meaning of this line is that though events, things, and people may seem good or bad; after careful examination, they turn out to be the opposite. • The meaning of this motif is quite obvious in the very first act. Simply, it means that appearances are often deceptive, and that things are different from what they appear to be. • This line also points towards the play’s concern with the inconsistency between appearance and reality. “Fair is foul and fouls is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air. ” (Macbeth, Act I- Scene I, 12 -13) • Later, Macbeth also uses it as, “So fair and foul a day I have not seen. ” The day is fair because he wins the war, and foul due to the loss of so many lives and stormy weather.

Act 1 - Scene 2 • Summary • Duncan is introduced. A soldier comes to Duncan to tell him that Macbeth has killed the rebel Macdonald. However, the battle continues as the Norwegian lord began a new assault. He was aided by the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth was able to defeat them. Duncan orders the Thane of Cawdor to be killed and give Macbeth the title. • Notes or Definitions • Thane • a title of nobility in Scotland corresponding to that of an earl. • Bellona’s bridegroom • Bellona was a goddess of war and sister of mars. • Nave • navel • Chaps • jaws • Character Descriptions • Duncan • Seems to be in control • Macbeth • Even though we don’t meet him, we learn about him. • Brave soldier, loyal to his country. • Important Lines • And with his former title greet Macbeth.

Act 1 - Scene 3 • Character Descriptions • Summary • The witches appear again. They give 3 predictions to Macbeth and one to Banquo. Scarcely have the predictions been made than Ross and Angus arrive to tell Macbeth that he has been made Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth and Banquo react differently. Banquo recognizes evil as such but Macbeth is now encouragement to put further trust in them. • Themes & Symbolism • Notice how Macbeth originally expresses fear when the witches mention that he will be King. This symbolism is associated with the main theme of the play, which is the gradual ruin of a man through his yielding to evil (aka. “tragic hero”. • *Blind ambition regardless of the consequences or concern for the well-being of others. • Theme of Darkness + Supernatural (vs. Man) • Witches, supernatural prophecies Macbeth: • His ambition begins to work against him. He betrays is loyalty to the throne and King Duncan when he begins desiring the possibility of the prophecy coming true. Banquo: • • Loyal to the king Not influenced by predictions • Important Lines • So foul and fair a day have not seen • Paradox • This phrase is very tricky, which we find in literature, media, political speeches, and everyday life. Many people use it as a paradox to criticize one’s double standards and dual personalities that have contradicted in appearance and reality. We can often see its best usage against public servants and politicians who present their dual personalities in front of the public. It is also uttered by cynics when faced with the conundrums prevailing in politics. • Present fears are less than horrible imaginings…

Act 1 - Scene 4 Summary: Character Descriptions Macbeth • Take note of Macbeth’s ambition (he is upset that he is not heir to the throne or worthy of a royal title). KING Duncan: • Malcolm is describing the execution of the thane of Cawdor. Macbeth and Banquo enter and are thanked by Duncan for their loyalty and service. He promises to reward them with more honours. • King Duncan then names his own son, Malcom, as the heir to the throne (Prince of Cumberland). # • As an honour to Macbeth, King Duncan invites himself and the court to Macbeth’s castle. Macbeth leaves immediately from the castle but he is upset that Malcolm has been named heir. • Pay attention to Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth from this point after! • Not a good judge of character – trusted the original Thane of Cawdor (who ended up being a traitor), and now Macbeth is also considering a betrayal under King Duncan’s reign as king. . Important Lines • There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face. What does this mean? See the next slide…

Important Lines There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face. What does this mean? Consider this answer: • In Act l, scene l. V, King Duncan speaks these lines in regard to the old Thane of Cawdor, who has betrayed him. • King Duncan is implying that no one can determine what another person is thinking by looking at his or her appearance (or the expression on such a person's face). It is impossible to know the truth based on perception alone. • Poor King Duncan… if he only knew that his newly elected Thane of Cawdor (aka. Macbeth) will also betray him soon enough! •

Act 1 - Scene 5 • Summary • Lady Macbeth is reading a letter husband sent, informing her of the prophecies and their partial fulfillment. She expresses her determination that the third prophecy will also come true. • However, she also believes that Macbeth is not capable of the direct action required – the murder of Duncan – and decides she must spur him on. • A messenger arrives with the news that Duncan is on his way to Inverness. She knows this will be an ideal opportunity to carry out her plan and wants her femininity to be replaced with evil. • Macbeth arrives. • Character Descriptions • Lady Macbeth • Notice how cruel she is. • She takes control. • Important Lines • Unsex me here … • Yet I do fear thy nature ü WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY MEAN?