Act 1 scene 1

• What is the significance of the setting in Act 1, Scene 1 of Macbeth?

  • The scene is set in a deserted place, symbolizing isolation.
  • The witches meet in secrecy, reflecting their societal rejection.
  • Foreshadows Macbeth's future isolation as he gains power.
• What natural elements are present when the witches enter?

  Thunder and lightning.
• What do the witches' stage directions indicate about the weather?


  The weather symbolizes chaos and disruption of the natural order.
• What does the phrase "when the battles lost and won" imply about the witches' perspective?


  It shows their indifference to the outcome of the battle.
• What does the term "natural order" refer to in the context of Macbeth?


  The natural order refers to how things are supposed to be in the world.
• What does the term "character arc" mean?


  The journey a character goes through in a story.
• How do the witches' pets contribute to the play's themes?

  They link the witches to the supernatural and their dark practices.
• What does the phrase "fair is foul and foul is fair" suggest about the play's themes?


  It implies a reversal of good and evil, foreshadowing chaos.
• What context should students be aware of regarding the audience's perception of witches during Shakespeare's time?


  • The audience believed in witchcraft and feared witches.
  • James I was passionate about witch hunting.
  • The audience anticipated negative consequences from the witches' actions.
• What is the significance of the witches leaving the stage at the end of Scene 1?


  It marks the end of the scene and the witches' initial influence.
• What will be covered in the next video of the series?

  • Act 1, Scene 2 of Macbeth.
  • Introduction of Macbeth through human characters.
  • Insights from a soldier and the king's perspective.
• What should students do if they have questions about the content of the video?

  Post their questions in the comments for clarification.
• What is the instructor's approach to answering student questions?


  Questions will be answered by experienced teachers or examiners.
• How does the instructor encourage student engagement with the material?


  By inviting questions and suggestions for improvement.
• What is the purpose of the analysis videos being created for Macbeth?


  To provide in-depth analysis of key extracts from the play
• What scene is being analyzed in today's video?

  The witches meeting from Act 1, Scene 1
• Why is it important to understand the witches meeting for GCSE English Literature study?


  It provides a good starting point to build a confident knowledge of the play
• What mood is set by the thunder and lightning in the opening scene of Macbeth?


  A dark and mysterious mood
• Who are the "weird sisters" mentioned in the opening scene?


  The three witches who gather to discuss Macbeth
• How does the witches' chanting conversation contribute to the play's atmosphere?

  It is filled with contradictions and confusion, establishing a grim expectation
• What historical context is important for understanding witchcraft in Macbeth?

  The beliefs and views of the Jacobean era regarding witches and the supernatural
• What was the Witchcraft Act of 1563?


  An act that made it illegal to practice witchcraft on pain of death
• How many deaths resulted from the Witchcraft Act between the 16th and 18th centuries?


  Between 500 and 1,000 deaths
• Who was King James I in relation to witchcraft?


  A very superstitious king who published a book called Demonology
• What did King James I blame witches for before becoming king?


  A storm at sea that nearly shipwrecked his boat
• What were witches believed to derive their powers from?

  A pact with the devil
• What were some abilities attributed to witches in the Jacobean era?


  They could cast spells, control the weather, and foretell the future
• What are familiars in the context of witchcraft?


  Animals that witches could communicate with
• What animals were traditionally believed to be familiars?


  Cats and toads
• How did Shakespeare's relationship with King James I influence his writing?


  Shakespeare included witches in Macbeth to honor and support the king
• What does AO3 assess in the context of GCSE literature?


  Your ability to understand how context affects meaning in a text
• What does AO2 focus on in literary analysis?


  How language or structure creates different meanings in a text
• What does the use of "pathetic fallacy" in the opening stage directions indicate?


  It sets a dark and disturbing mood for the scene
• What literary device is used in the witches' opening lines with "when shall we three meet again"?


  Rhyming couplets that mimic the sound of a chant
• What does the phrase "when the hurley burley is done" imply about the witches' knowledge?


  They deal in half-truths and riddles
• What does the juxtaposition of "lost" and "won" signify in the witches' dialogue?


  A sense of confusion over the outcome of the battle
• How does Shakespeare foreshadow Macbeth's association with the witches?


  By mentioning him in the witches' dialogue before he appears on stage
• What do the names "Grey Malkin" and "Paddock" refer to in the context of the witches?


  The familiars of the witches, a cat and a toad
• What does the term "anon" mean as used by the witches?


  It means soon
• What is the significance of the couplet "fair is foul and foul is fair"?


  It associates the witches with trouble and confusion