scene 3

• ' so foul and fair a day i have not seen ' - Macbeth's first line , alliteration and 'f' sounds creates a sinister connotation. Paradox - the prophecies are coming true
• summary - macbeth and banquo encounter the three witches on a desolate heath after their victory in battle.

  • First witch hails Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (current title)
  • Second witch greets him as thane of Cawdor a title he does not know yet he has been given
  • Third witch proclaims he will be king after
• Banquo is curious of his own future

  • he will be ' lesser than Macbeth and Greater '
  • he will be ' not so happy but much happier '
  • his descendants will be kings but not himself
• After the witches vanish Macbeth is informed that he is given the title Thane of Cawdor, news unsettles Macbeth as it makes the idea of becoming King more plausible. Banquo warns Macbeth to not believe their prophecies as they can lead to dangerous consequences - scene sets the stage for Macbeth's growing ambition and foreshadows the tragic events to come
• ' All hail Macbeth! Hail to thee Thane of Glamis' - prophecies given to macbeth by the three witches, foretells Macbeth's rise to power : first as Thane of Cawdor then eventually King - plants the seeds of ambition in Macbeth, sparking his eternal conflict and how to achieve the final prophecy
• " lesser than Macbeth and greater " - the witches offer cryptic, paradoxical prophecies to Banquo, he is told he will be both 'lesser' and 'greater' than Macbeth suggesting that although Banquo won't have the same level of power as Macbeth, his legacy is more significant . Banquo is the foil to Macbeth, while Banquo chooses not to act on the prophecy Macbeth is consumed by his ambition
• "The thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me in borrowed robes ?"

  • Macbeth's reaction when he is called the Thane of Cawdor highlights his disbelief and confusion. The metaphor of ' borrowed robes ' suggests that he feels the title is not rightfully his, foreshadows his later feeling of being unworthy of the kingship
• " If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir" - Macbeth contemplates whether he should let fate take its course rather than taking action himself, he briefly considers allowing destiny to unfold naturally reflecting his hesitancy and moral conflict. Contrasts later decision to forcefully pursue the throne through murder