Macbeth Visits the Witches

• What spell do the Witches cast at the beginning of Scene 1?

  “Double, double foil and trouble.”
• What does the word "double" in the Witches' spell suggest?

  It hints at double meanings.
• How does the list of body parts affect the tone of the scene?

  It sets a dark, frightening tone.
• What do the Witches say to announce Macbeth’s arrival?

  “Something wicked this way comes.”
• What does the phrase “Something wicked this way comes” imply about Macbeth's character?

  It shows how much he has changed.
• How do the Witches pretend to interact with Macbeth?

  They say, “Speak./ Demand./ We’ll answer.”
• What do the Witches exploit about Macbeth when they trick him?

  They exploit his ambition for power.
• What metaphor does Macbeth use regarding Scotland in the scene?

  Scotland is compared to a ship.
• What does Macbeth say about navigation in his metaphor?

  “Through the yeasty waves/ Confound and swallow navigation up.”
• What are the key themes presented in Scene 1 with the Witches and Macbeth?

  • Evil intentions of the Witches
  • Transformation of Macbeth's character
  • Manipulation through ambition
  • Dark and frightening tone
• What do the Witches summon to predict the future?

  Apparitions
• How does Macbeth's language reflect his confidence at the start of the scene?

  He uses commands and threats
• What does the armoured head symbolize in Macbeth's predictions?

  Treachery and the violence of battle
• What warning does the armoured head give Macbeth?

  Beware of Macduff
• What does the bloody child represent in the Witches' predictions?

  No one born from a woman can harm Macbeth
• How could the bloody child foreshadow Macduff?

  Macduff was born by Caesarean section
• What does the crowned child with a branch signify in Macbeth's predictions?

  Macbeth can't be beaten until Birnam Wood moves
• Who could the crowned child represent in the context of the play?

  Malcolm, the rightful heir
• What does the branch carried by the crowned child symbolize?

  Birnam Wood and hope for Scotland
• How does Macbeth react to the Witches' predictions?

  He takes them at face value
• What does Macbeth's desperation for good news indicate about his character?

  He feels insecure and threatened
• What do the stage directions suggest about the apparitions?

  They descend back to hell
• What does the phrase "people who trust the Witches are damned" imply about Macbeth's fate?

  He risks his own destruction by trusting them