Macbeth

Act I, Scene i
This scene is set in a deserted place
The setting of the play as a whole is Medieval Scotland.

Why did chickpeas start the play with the witches?

1) they set into motion the ambition that will lead to Macbeth's downfall.
2)The witch's purpose is to foreshadow (Hints/ clues to future events)
3)Opening the play with the presence of the witches generates the concept of
conflict and tension, which are used to intrigue and engage the audience.
4) introduces the audience to the supernatural elements that will be carried
throughout the play.
5) The witches rhyming speech makes them seem inhumane, ominous and
paranormal.
Act I, Scene ii
 Macbeth is characterized as a brave man (Ex: Bellona’s bridegroom /
Valiant’s minion) And willing to do anything to get what he wants, even
murder (excessive ambition that will bring about his downfall)
 The audience hears about Macbeth from people who obviously admire and
respect him
 The actions and fate of the traitors suggest that treachery is all around but is
in the end punished.
Act I, Scene iii
 The witches are established as a powerful force in the play.
 They represent the malice in human nature that drives people to ill deeds.
 They add to the sense of mystery and darkness in the play.
 Macbeth is taken by the promise of greatness, and his greed and ambition
compel his desire. Therefore, Macbeth is not the selfless, loyal character that
was represented in the previous scenes.
  3 Prophecies :
Macbeth= 1) Thane of Cawdor & 2) King
Banquo= 3) Father of kings.
Act I, Scene iv
 Duncan says, “there's no art /to find the mind's construction in the face.” (I,
iv, 228-189): He must not always trust what he sees. (Ironically, Macbeth
walks in right after this is said)
 (I, V, 308) Begin to plant the is a metaphor: Duncan sees Macbeth as a
potential successor. Therefore, by using this metaphor, the king is saying
that just like when you plant a tree, you harvest fruit from it. Duncan
declares his son his heir.
Act I, Scene v
 Lady Macbeth's speech tells the audience that she's very much like Macbeth.
They are both ambitious and will use any means possible to reach their
goals.
 Lady Macbeth is established as power hungry. She sees honor as a weakness
and knows how to push her husband's buttons by questioning his courage.
 The theme of good and evil is evident in this scene (I, V,338-339 “The
Raven himself is hoarse. That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan”) . “Your
Face My Thing is a book where men may read strange matters” (I, V,417-
418)
Act I, Scene vi
 The attractive setting outside the castle contrasts with the sinister
atmosphere within (there was a martlet bird that usually built its nest on
churches and temples).
 Shakespeare shows how appearances can be deceptive in terms of setting as
well as character.
 Irony: dramatic, situational, and verbal. Expectations are different from
reality.
 The audience knows that Lady Macbeth is plotting Duncan's murder, while
Duncan is completely unaware that he has entered a dangerous and
treacherous environment in which he will be murdered.
Act I. Scene vii
 Macbeth considers all the virtues Duncan has, as well as the fact that
Duncan is a guest in his home.
 Macbeth believes that a host is responsible for taking Care of the safety of
his guests, not bringing them to harm.
 These are all questions of morality (theme of good vs evil)
 Lady Macbeth uses ethos pathos and logos. (She outlines a detailed plan,
challenges his manhood to evoke an emotional response and appeals tp jos
ambition and bravery
Act I Scene iv
This scene is significant for 2 reasons:
- depicts the deepening of Macbeth’s ambition
- Depicts Duncan’s relationship with Macbeth
Scene V= Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy
CT= ambition, ruthlessness, eloquence: She uses ethos, pathos, and logos to
manipulate
Her soliloquy is an exploration of gender roles, particularly of the value and nature
of masculinity
Association of the act of killing with masculinity.
Scene Vi= the castles description is almost paradisical, which is ironic given the
ghastly fate that awaits Duncan
The conversation between Duncan and Lady Macbeth also reveals the latter’s
ability to effectively conceal her true motives with a veil of kindness
Scene Vii= Macbeth’s soliloquy reveals his hesitation to kill the king (internal
conflict=Moral dilemma), who is also his kinsman. He’s in a quandary; he’s aware
of the likely repercussions of killing him. He’s especially concerned by the
possibility of eternal damnation and the loss of his reputation
His hesitation humanizes him and invites the audience to empathize with him
Lady Macbeth is scornful not his hesitation. She mocks and ridicules him.
General Questions:
Macbeth shows him ambition curiosity about becoming king when he questions the
witches about the prophecies.
Time line – the witches- the battleground (introduced to Macbeth’s qualities) –
Macbeth and Banquo encounter to witches and learn about the prophecies-Macbeth
sends a letter to lady Macbeth informing her of the events - a messenger informs
L.M that Duncan is coming to their home – Macbeth arrives- they plot- Duncan
arrives- Macbeth hesitates- L.m pushes him-
Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to become king hence she will plot it.
Macbeth’s soliloquy (inner thoughts)
If chance wishes him to become king, it will happen (I,iii,143-144)
Time passes and the future will come, what it is
Reasons Macbeth argues against killing Duncan
Kinsman/subject/host.
The prophecies
Macbeth: Thane of Cawdor , king
Banquo- Father of kings
Both want more info, Both seem to disbelieve at first
Banquo: Concerned about matters at hand