Macbeth Notes Acts I-IV

Macbeth Summary of Act I

Scene 1 Setting - Scotland. 3 witches –Indicate that the battle will be over by sunset –plan to meet with Macbeth on the barren battlefield or “heath” There is an approaching thunderstorm. Foreshadowing of evil: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” what is good will be bad and what is bad will be good.

Scene 2 Duncan The king of Scotland orders the immediate execution of the Thane of Cawdor names Macbeth as the new Thane of Cawdor. sends Ross to announce this to Macbeth Malcolm Son of Duncan Captain informs Duncan that Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald, the Norwegian army, and the Thane of Cawdor. states the conflict was resolved by Macbeth.

Scene 3 Witches –Prophesize that Macbeth will be Scotland’s next ruler. Macbeth –mimics witches’ famous words spoken earlier in the drama: "So foul and fair a day I have not seen" Banquo (Macbeth’s friend) –will be "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and "Not so happy, yet much happier" Ross and Angus –inform Macbeth that Duncan has appointed him Thane of Cawdor.

Scene 4 Macbeth –Expresses ambitious thoughts in his asides Aside= a remark that the character makes to the audience or another character Duncan –praises Macbeth for his loyalty –Thanks Banquo for his courage –Announces visiting Macbeth's castle at Inverness –has chosen Malcolm (son) to be the next king of Scotland – now he will be Prince of Cumberland Light and Dark Symbolism –"Stars, hide your fires/Let not light see my black and deep desires"

Act 1, Scene 5 Macbeth’s positive thoughts Lady Macbeth’s negative thoughts alliteration Images/ symbols of death I thought good to deliver thee …greatness is promised thee farewell … I fear thy nature … the illness should attend it …wouldst not play false …wouldst wrongly win Raven, thick blood, smoke of hell, keen knife, blanket of the dark

Act 1, Scene 7 Indications of confusion Religious allusions similes Lady Macbeth’s criticisms “we have judgment, but we teach bloody instruction (terrible deeds) In the beginning, he contemplates murder, but then has second thoughts Chalice, angels, cherubim Duncan will “plead like angels” Pity, like a naked new-born babe Refers to Macbeth as a “coward” and “poor cat”

Act 1, Scene 7 Lady Macbeth’s Plan Get the two guards (chamberlain’s) drunk with wine

Act 2, Scene 1 “husbandry in heaven” Illusion/reality dagger 3 indications of death The gods are economical with their starlight The Dagger Illusion = “dagger of the mind… false creation” Reality= “ I see thee in form as palpable” Interacts with the dagger and indicates that “it is the bloody business” “nature seems dead” “withered murder” “bloody business” 2 allusions Tarquin and Hecate

Act 2, Scene 2 alcohol Unnatural events dagger Macbeth’s confession The gods are economical with their starlight The Dagger Illusion = “dagger of the mind… false creation” Reality= “ I see thee in form as palpable” Interacts with the dagger and indicates that “it is the bloody business” “nature seems dead” “withered murder” “bloody business” Lady Macbeth’s reaction Tarquin and Hecate

Act 2, Scene 3 Equivocate/ equivocator Comic relief lie to use ambiguous or unclear expressions The porter presents himself as the porter of hell and jokes about the sinners has a double meaning - can mean “untruth” or “to rest” alcohol “Stimulates lust,” “persuades him,” “Makes the lover a failure”

Act 2, Scene 3 Unnatural Events “chimney’s were blown down” “strange screams of death” in the air Shaking of the earth Macbeth’s confession Admits to killing the guardsmen Lady Macbeth’s reaction faints Wants to leave for Ireland Malcolm’s reaction

Act 3, Scene 1 Witches’ prediction for Banquo “that myself should be the root and father of all kings” Macbeth’s attitude Indicates that he fears him three times alliteration “heavy hand hath” Macbeth manipulates the murderers Indicates that they and their families will be beggars Tells them that Banquo will treat them as animals

Act 3, Scene 2 Lady Macbeth’s state of mind Afraid Alliteration Than by destruction dwell in doubtful Four “black agents” scorpions, bat, beetle, crow

Act 3, Scene 4 alliteration Cabined, cribbed, confined Ghost of Banquo Sits in Macbeth’s place Dares him to be tough and approach him like a “rugged russian bear,” and “armed rhinoceros” (lines ) Macbeth challenges the apparition Ghost of Banquo Macbeth sees the ghost three times Macbeth’s vow To see the wicthes

Act 3, Scene 5 Macbeth is powerless “As by the strength of their illusion shall draw him on to his confusion. He shall spurn fate, scorn death…” allusion The pit of Acheron (river in hell)

Ghost Description Message to MacbethMacbeth’s Response 1 st 2 nd 3 rd Armed head of a warrior warns Macbeth of a bloody revenge at the hands of Duncan’s son Macduff “Thou hast harped my fear aright” (line 74) Blood covered child Tells Macbeth that he cannot be killed by any man “of woman born.” Indicates that Macduff will not live a child wearing a crown Macbeth cannot lose in battle until Birnam Wood physically moves toward his castle at Dunsinane. Macbeth believes he will never be troubled by the ghosts The Apparitions

Bird Metaphor (Write down the passage) Your Explanation. How do you explain or interpret the metaphor? “…the poor wren (the most diminutive of birds) will fight, her young ones in her nest…” (lines 9-11 Even if a mother is small, poor, and weak, she will still fight for her young