Macbeth Act 1-3

Macbeth Acts 1-3

Act 2 Scene 3/4

Act 1- Scene 1

Act 2- Scene 1/2

Act 1- Scene 2

In this opening scene, we are introduced to three witches. They posses an evil aura and are in the midst of chanting an eerie spell while burying horrifying items into the ground.

Fair is foul, and foul is fair

-The Witches (I, i, 11)

In the beginning of Act 2, Macbeth hallucinates that a bloody dagger is in front of him just before he kills Duncan. In this scene, it is evident Macbeth is starting to lose his nerves. Lady Macbeth's scornful side emerges when she chides her husband for his cowardliness. After, she cleans up the blood and plans to frame the two chamberlains for the murder.

In this scene, the audience is taken to a military camp where King Duncan is getting news from an injured soldier. He learns that it is the traitorous Macdonwald who is leading the rebel army. He also learns about the courageous battles of the two generals, Macbeth and Banquo. Later, the Thane of Ross reports to Duncan that Macbeth has won the battle.

The next morning, Macduff and Lennox come to visit Macbeth. Upon their arrival, Macduff finds a dead Duncan. Macbeth kills the two chamberlains in a supposed fit of rage. Macduff and Donalbain, fearing for their lives as they are Duncan's sons, flee to England and Ireland. Macbeth is thus made King and departs for Scone for his cornonation

My favourite reenactment of Macbeth's dagger hallucination.

Image link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/standard/english/macbeth/images/witches1_546x307.gif

Image Link: http://sfshakes.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/macbeth_illustration14_001_mid-w8rz7v.jpg

Act 1 Scene 5-7

Act 3 Scene 5/6

Once Lady Macbeth receives Macbeth's letter, she immediately plans to have King Duncan murdered. Thus, she tells Macbeth to invite Duncan over for the night. Macbeth is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to murdering Duncan.

In these last two scenes, it is revealed that the three witches are Hecate's servants and act upon her bidding. Meanwhile, Lennox and a lord suspect Macbeth for killing Banquo and both agree that he is a tyrant. Macbeth also learns that Macduff is begging England's king for help and so he prepares for war.

A swift blessing may soon return to this suffering country under a hand accurs'd!

-Lennox (III, vi, 47-49)

This music is a perfect portrayal of Lady Macbeth's character. It is strong, on the edge of reason and has a hint of malice. It is easy to see how her character can be so manipulative.

What shall happen to Macbeth?

Act 1-Scene 3/4

Act 3 Scene 1-4

In this act, Macbeth hires two murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance as he is wary of the witches' prophecy. While they succeed in killing Banquo, Fleance manages to escape into the darkness. Later on, Macbeth and his wife invite many noblemen to have a feast. In the midst of dining, Macbeth suddenly sees Banquo and violently reacts, startling the guests. Lady Macbeth assures them by saying this is normal behaviour.

Macbeth and Banquo enter, where they meet the three witches. They learn that Macbeth will be made Thane of Cawdor and eventually be crowned King, while Banquo's children will be Kings. Macbeth is stunned at this news, and is even more so when he is informed he has indeed been made Thane of Cawdor. Later on, he writes a letter to his wife, Lady Macbeth.

As I read on, I hope Macbeth will smarten up. Although he has done some very horrible and indecent deeds, I think he still has a humane and resaonable side. Nonetheless, while the witches were mostly absent in the second and third Acts, I think they will start to play a bigger role in the last two Acts and will influence Macbeth to become even more tyrannical.

Image Link: http://www.msschafer.com/images/mac_summ1_1_.gif