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Act 1 scene 1
One of many common traits to the setting of any Shakespearean play is the reflection of people's
actions through the weather. A good example of this is shown immediately in Macbeth. A1 Sc1 the
witches are introduced on the moor with thunder and lightning around them. "Fair is foul, and foul is
fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air". 1.1.11-12; The witches are comfortable in this hideous
atmosphere. The bad weather is a clear reflection of the battle that has been going on and from the
presence of the witches themselves.
Act 1 scene 3
Bad weather follows the witches once again when the witches have regrouped to meet with Macbeth
and Banquo who are returning from battle. "So foul and fair a day I have seen not".1.3.11; says Macbeth
in regards to the horrible weather and the events that have passed on the battlefield.
Act 4 scene 1
Once again In this scene the witches are presented on the moor. This time they draw Macbeth to
their to further verify some of the concerns of his fate. Here the witches perform the feat of summoning
the incantations.
Act 1 scene 1
Here the "plot" has literally been laid out against Macbeth by the witches. The nature of the
meeting has not yet been determined, but more will be explained later on the moor when the battle
is over. Until then the witches are called to converse with their familiars.
Act 1 scene 3
The very brief outline of Macbeth fate is laid out for him here; First Witch "All hail, Macbeth!
hail to thee, Thane of Glamis" Second Witch" All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor"
Third witch "All hail Macbeth! that shalt be King hereafter" 1.3.48-50. Hints to the outcome of the
play are also dropped by the witches when they tell Banquo his fate; Third Witch "Thou shalt get kings
though thou be none" 1.3.67. The first of these prophecies is quickly proven when the Thane of Cawdor
is proven a traitor and Macbeth gains his title. With this on Macbeth's mind he immediately is tempted
by the thought of being king and
so, his trap is set.
Characters
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