Macbeth Act I Scenes 1-4

England in the High Middle Ages

England in the Dark Ages

Scotland in the High Middle Ages

Scotland in the Dark Ages

They foreshadow events to come.

They explain the historical background of the play to the audience

They provide comic relief.

They symbolize the Holy Trinity.

Three

Five

Seven

Nine

Twelve

"Fair is foul and foul is fair."

"A drum, a drum! Macbeth doth come."

"'Aroint thee, witch!' the rump-fed runnion cries."

"Three times your way, then three times mine, and three times again, to add up to nine."

"Noble Macbeth has won what the Thane of Cawdor has lost."

an unworthy liar who cheats his way through life

a coward who runs away from fights

an honorable and brave soldier

an excellent father and loving husband

Duncan

Macdonwald

While Banquo feels the witches are simply old hags to be laughed at, Macbeth is terrified of them and wants them to go away.

While Banquo feels the witches are nothing but scary old hags, Macbeth feels they should be treated with kindness like any living things.

While Banquo is enraptured by the words of the witches, Macbeth feels as if he is too important to pay them any mind.

While Banquo is skeptical of their words and their prophecies, Macbeth finds himself curious and wanting to hear more from them.