Macbeth Act 1 Scene Analysis

Act 1 scene 1 of the play sets the scene with a short, strange meeting of the three witches. They show up abruptly, in mid-discussion which is makes it seem more dramatic and makes indistinct thoughts regarding the questionable points of discussion. This creates tension in the air doubt and an unfavorable environment. Thunder and lighting is an image is wickedness and makes a more antagonistic environment. This means that the rest of the play will be full of revenge, anger and pain inferring that the play will be a tragedy. This scene creates a sense of mystery and interest, and because the scene is short, there is little proof to go on, so there is nothing about which the gathering can be definitive or certain. As we read, what we find out about Macbeth is that, we realize that the witches plan to meet Macbeth later in the pla.

They demonstrate this in their discussion “when the fight is lost and won” (1.1.4) This shows one side, as we later take in the defiant scots drove by Macdonald will lose and macbeth will become triumphant. This is speaking in a contradictory way, and make use of the discussion. This has relevance to other occurrences in the play where characters has opposing contemplations. Controversy is used again in the stanza, the witches serenade a warning “fair is foul and fouls is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air” (1.1.12-13) This infers that appearances are deceitful and it gives a feeling of mystery and encourages thought in the matter of what significance this may hold for later in the play. As it is a rhyming couplet it is easier to remember and dramatically effective to the audience. The muddled messages it passes on incite profound thought among the people in the