Macbeth Act 1

Shakespeare’s Globe Theater

The Globe Theater was built by Shakespeare’s playing company (the lord chamberlains men) for the purpose of showing plays. It was where Shakespeare’s main playing area. It had a unique layout, almost like a smaller Colosseum. It had a circular shape with tiered areas for the audience to stand and watch from all angles. It also had one big center area like a mosh pit in front of a big stage. It went up in flames during one of the plays and burnt down.

Witches in the early 17th century

Generally, witches were depicted as old women who were ugly and crone-like. They were burned, hanged, beheaded and incarcerated. They were agents of evil, capable of casting spells and making potions. They were said to have inherited these powers from Satan.

Scene 1

In this scene, the three Witches talk of a war in which they have no stake in, meaning they don’t care who wins or loses. When it is over, they plan to meet Macbeth. The witches meter and way of speech is different to everyone else to make them seem unhuman.

Scene 2

King Duncan gets a wounded Captain to relay the events of the previous battle. We learn of Macbeth’s victory over Macdonwald and the orders to kill Thane of Cawdor and have Macbeth take his title. Macbeth is shown to be a brave and noble man. “O valiant cousin ! worthy gentleman !” We are also introduced to many of the characters and much of the landscape that I can assume the rest of the play will take place in. Also, many of these characters will most likely die before the end. The Norwegian King wishes to bury his dead, but Rosse has talked of a ten thousand dollar fee to do so, not relenting to the losing side.

Scene 3

In this scene, Macbeth and Banquo meets the three witches on the heath after the battle, just as the witches predicted. The witches hail Macbeth as Thane of both Glamis and of Cawdor. Macbeth is unaware of the title Thane of Cawdor, so when Angus and Rosse tell him the same thing moments later, he is surprised. The witches also said that he was to be king. With their first prediction coming true, he begins to wonder if he might be on course to being king. Banquo is told by the witches that his children will be king. This creates confusion between the two friends. Macbeth: “Your children shall be kings”/ Banquo: “You shall be king”. This allows us to predict what will happen. As it is a tragedy, we can expect Macbeth to die, most likely by his own hand. As he is told that he will be king, he can choose to either act or not act on it. This combined with the fact that he is suspicious of Banquo’s future could make him make mistakes, possibly resulting in his death because of treason. If he is to take the kings spot, then the current king must die, a thought punishable by death.

Scene 4

In this scene, Macbeth and Banquo meet Duncan at his palace. We learn the the old Thane of Cawdor died with honor despite his previous transgressions. Now Macbeth hold his title. Malcolm is named the heir to the throne, confusing Macbeth. In his head, Macbeth talks about how this is a problem and that he must overcome this problem if he is to become king. This is very different to his previous thoughts about how he would let things take their course. Now, he is willing to do what must be done to become king, showing how he is being influenced by the witches even when they are not around. It also presents a dark side to Macbeth, using the phrase “Stars, hide your fires”! This shows how he wishes to be hidden from Gods view and for nobody to find out about his treasonous thoughts. This could be an issue as Banquo also knows about the witches prediction. When Macbeth acts on his urges (potentially killing Malcolm), Banquo could go to the king, presenting the idea that it could be Macbeth. Banquo is also conflicted however, as he was told his children shall be kings. The witches prediction could still be true. Macbeth could kill Malcolm and get away with it, leaving Banquo to be king. After having children, Banquo is killed and Macbeth takes his place as king as his children are too young to rule.

Act 5 (metaphore)

Shakespeare is very good at using personification to get across a message while at the same time tell a bit about the character. Some of these personifications will predict or tell of an event or action that one of the characters will do, often still leaving the details to mystery.

One such personification is “That my keen knife see not the wounds it makes”. This is said by Lady Macbeth. This could imply that she is planning to kill or harm somebody (using a knife or not) in order to get Macbeth to the King. To not have the knife see the wound could mean that she wishes to be unseen by all except herself. or it could mean she wishes to be heartless and not be concerned or disturbed by all the wrong she is about to do. The knife could also be a metaphor in itself, referencing the innocent and how she wishes to stay hidden from them. Perhaps she will use somebody who is innocent to commit the crime (the knife), meaning she will not get the blame, and wishing that whoever she uses will not see it until it is too late.

Scene 6

In this scene, Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle and is greeted by Lady Macbeth. They go through formalities, announcing that Duncan will be staying the night. This is the perfect opportunity for them to kill Duncan, although Banquo might be suspicious as he also heard the witches prediction. There is a lot of dramatic irony in this scene as we know that Lady Macbeth needs to get rid of Duncan, while Duncan says that he loves Macbeth’s home, oblivious to the danger. Also, it is specifically Lady Macbeth who greets Duncan. She is the one leading whatever plan they might have, as seen in a previous act. She doesn’t think Macbeth is capable of doing what needs to be done.