Act1 scene3: all hail macbeth

• Plot and action


  The key events and developments that drive the story forward
• A01


  The first assessment objective, which focuses on demonstrating knowledge and understanding
• Macbeth: 'Would they had stayed?'
• SCENE 3: ALL HAIL, MACBETH

  1. The witches meet Macbeth and Banquo

  2. The witches tell Macbeth he will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland

  3. The witches tell Banquo his offspring will be kings

  4. Messengers arrive and confirm Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor

  5. Macbeth is preoccupied by thoughts of becoming king
• Importance of this scene

  • It establishes the importance of fate
  • It draws significant contrasts between Banquo and Macbeth
  • It introduces the theme of ambition when Macbeth becomes preoccupied with becoming king
• SCENE 1 SUMMARY


  1. Macbeth and Banquo are together when the witches prophesy their future

  2. Ross tells Macbeth he has become Thane of Cawdor

  3. Macbeth's ambition is unfolding through his asides

  4. Banquo warns of the danger of trusting supernatural messages

  5. King Duncan asks Macbeth and Banquo to come to his castle
• Importance of this scene

  • It provides the context for Macbeth's later actions
  • Shakespeare develops the contrast between Macbeth and Banquo
  • Macbeth's ambition is beginning to emerge
• Banquo: 'What! Can the devil speak true?'
• Macbeth is keen to hear more of the 'strange intelligence' from the witches
• Banquo describes the witches as unnatural, seeming to be women but not
• Imagery of clothing

  Significant because clothing is a powerful image symbolising concealment and disguise
• Macbeth hides his true nature


  When he is crowned king (line 42)
• It is ironic that Macbeth does not trust the witches, since he later relies on their prophecies