Act 1 Scene 1

• What happens in Act 1 Scene 1?

  The witches plot to meet Macbeth.
• 'Fair is foul......

  and foul is fair
• Why does Shakespear open the play with thunder and lightning?

  It sets the ominous scene. It also emphasises how the witches are meant to be scary.
• What does it mean when the first witch says, 'In thunder, lightning, or in rain'?

  It shows that they hide from society because no one leaves their house when it's bad weather.
• What does it mean when the second witch says, 'When the battles lost and won'?

  It could mean that you can gain something, but you must consider the cost: foreshadows Duncan/Macbeth.
• What does it mean when the third witch says, 'There to meet with Macbeth'?

  1. Macbeth has no control.
  2. The witch's control everything.
  3. Knowing they'll meet with Macbeth emphasises their power.
• What does it mean when all the witches say, 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air'?

  1. The witches are subverting natures order which is causing chaos.
  2. Emphasises how evil and sly they are.
  3. This foreshadows Macbeths downfall.