Act 1

Act 1

1. Key events

   • At the start there is a battle field and Macbeth leds his army to victory. The Thane of Cawdor is a traitor and is executed.
   • On the heath where the battle happened three witches meets Macbeth and Banquo and tell Macbeth that he is Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor and will be king.
     • Macbeth is already Thane of Glamis. He doesn't know that he was pronounced Thane of Cawdor and being king is a prophecy.
   • The witches tell Banquo that his sons will be kings.
     • This was written during King James I 's rein. He had an ansestor called Banquo.
   • Messengers from the king tell Macbeth that he is Thane of Cawder and Banquo is happy for him.
     • He is not sure wheather to trust the witches and Banquo warns him not to.
   • Macbeth sends a letter to his wife calling the witches 'Strange sisters'
     • He does this to not get caught and killed for medalling with witch craft.
       • Sending the letter suggests that he is exited and could not wait to tell his wife eventhough he is going to meet her.
   • King Duncan proclaimes his son Crown Prince and Lady Macbeth pursuades Macbeth to kill the king.
     • She does this by insulting him and questioning his sexuality.

2. Charactor presentation

   • Lady Macbeth
   • Macbeth
   • Banquo
   • Witches

3. What Shakespeare is trying to achieve.