1. Macbeth
Act 1, scene 3

2. Lesson Objectives
At the end of this lesson, we will have studied Act 1, scene 3, focusing on how the witches predictions start to have an affect on Macbeth.

3. What type of man is Macbeth?
Starter
What type of man is Macbeth?

4. Readers Theatre The following roles need to be read : Macbeth Banquo
First Witch
Second Witch
Third Witch
Ross
Angus

5. Questions
At the end of Act 1, scene 1 the witches say ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air’ Similarly, Macbeth enters the play saying ‘So foul and fair a day I have not seen’ Why?

6. Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something that one or more characters does not.
How are the witches predictions to Macbeth an example of dramatic irony?

7. Act 1, scene 3 important quotes
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen” – Macbeth’s first words instantly link him to the witches.
“All hail Macbeth – that shalt be King hereafter!” – The Witches make predictions that have Macbeth questioning his position in society when they come true.

8. Questions How does Macbeth feel when he hears the predictions?
How does Banquo feel when he hears the predictions for Macbeth?
What do the witches predict for Banquo? Whose predictions are better?
When the witches leave, Macbeth says ‘would they have stayed’. Why do you suppose he wanted them to stay?
Banquo states that they have ‘eaten on the insane root, that takes the reason prisoner’. What does this tell us about how he feels about the witches predictions?

9. Ross brings news that Macbeth is to become Thane of Cawdor
Ross brings news that Macbeth is to become Thane of Cawdor. How does Shakespeare show us that Macbeth is now taking the witches predictions more seriously?
Similarly, how does Shakespeare show us that Banquo is much more honest, and does not trust the witches?

10. This supernatural soliciting/ Cannot be ill, cannot be good…
Macbeth thinks through what has happened He starts out very doubtful, but at the end of his soliloquy he’s made a decision (of sorts) What does this tell us about how he’s feeling about the witches and their predictions?
This supernatural soliciting/ Cannot be ill, cannot be good…
My thought, whose murder is but fantastical,/ Shakes so my single state of man that function/ Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is/ But what is not.

11. Important quote act 1 scene 3
“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me/ without my stir”

12. Before they leave to see Duncan, Macbeth asks Banquo to Think upon what hath chanced and at more time, The interm having weighed it, let us speak Our free hearts each to other What does he want Banquo to consider?

13. What have we learnt about Macbeth in this scene?
Plenary
What have we learnt about Macbeth in this scene?