Act One

Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Introduction to The Witches, setting a dark and supernatural mood. Their cryptic conversation establishes the theme of confusion and ambiguity (“Fair is foul and foul is fair”).
Scene 2: The bravery and nobility of Macbeth is revealed through other characters’ reports of his battlefield valour, contrasting starkly with his later moral deterioration.
Scene 3: Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches. Macbeth’s immediate acceptance and interest in the witches’ prophecy shows his ambition.
Scene 4: Macbeth’s ambition is further highlighted as he mentally wrestles with the idea of having to kill King Duncan to become king himself.
Scene 5: Introduction to Lady Macbeth, revealing her as a manipulative character who desires power and is willing to compromise morality to attain it.
Scene 6: This scene again contrasts Macbeth’s noble exterior with his interior turmoil and plans for regicide.
Scene 7: This scene depicts Macbeth’s indecision, guilt, and fear contrasting with his ambition.

Macbeth: Introduced as a brave and loyal warrior, his ambition and susceptibility to manipulation lead to his moral deterioration. His internal conflict regarding the witches’ prophecy and the murder of Duncan are key.
Lady Macbeth: She is introduced as a determined and manipulative character. Lady Macbeth influences Macbeth’s decisions, revealing the power dynamics in their relationship.
Banquo: Macbeth’s foil, reacting sceptically to the witches’ prophecies, he symbolises integrity and moral resilience.
The Witches: They embody the themes of manipulation, chaos, and moral confusion. Their initial prophecy ignites Macbeth’s ambition.

Ambition: Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s ambition drives the plot, leading to the gruesome tragedy.
Supernatural: The witches, prophecies, and visions underscore the theme of supernatural. They cloud judgement and twist the characters’ sense of right and wrong.
Moral Corruption: Seen in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, their ambition leads to moral compromise and corruption.

Blood: Symbolises guilt and murder across the play. It starts symbolising bravery in the second scene but transitions into guilt (especially in Macbeth’s hallucinations).
Darkness: Often symbolises evil and concealment. Whether it’s the witches on a dark moor or deeds committed under the cover of night, darkness is inextricably linked to the play’s tragic events.