Lecture Notes on Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 1)

Introduction to Macbeth

• Personal Insight: The speaker rates Macbeth as their favorite Shakespearean play due to its complexity and insights into human nature.
• Comparison: The play is noted for its unparalleled character development, with only Othello being a possible exception.

Act 1, Scene 1 Overview

• Theatrical Style:

  • Main characters are not introduced in this scene.
  • This contrasts with other plays like The Merchant of Venice, where main characters appear early.
  • The first scene serves more as a prologue to the unfolding events.

• Atmosphere:

  • The scene is characterized by thunder, lightning, and rain, creating a stormy and ominous setting.
  • This atmosphere is linked to witches and demons, indicating impending disruption.

The Witches

• Terminology:

  • The witches are referred to as Weird Sisters, where "weird" historically relates to fate.
  • Their speech is distinct, often featuring a wavering rhyming scheme, emphasizing their supernatural nature.

• Key Lines from the Scene:

  • First Witch: "When shall we three meet again..."
    • Reflects chaos and disruption.
  • Second Witch: "When the hurly-burly's done..."
    • "Hurly-burly" refers to chaos and confusion, particularly in the context of battle.
    • Indicates that they are aware of the battle that will occur in Scene 2.
  • Third Witch: "There to meet with Macbeth."
    • This is the first mention of Macbeth, the protagonist.

• Indifference of the Witches:

  • They express indifference towards the outcome of the battle, highlighting a detached perspective on human affairs.

Key Themes and Motifs

• Fair is Foul, Foul is Fair:
  • The witches chant this line, suggesting a distorted sense of morality and justice.
  • This ambiguity creates confusion regarding their intentions and the nature of good and evil.
• Ambiguity:
  • The scene establishes a feeling of uncertainty; the audience is left unsure about the witches' true meaning and intentions.

Conclusion of Scene 1

• Impact on Audience:
  • The opening scene creates a sinister ambiance and establishes chaos.
  • There's a theme of disorder, amplifying curiosity about Macbeth's fate and the witches' plans.
• Next Steps:
  • Anticipation builds for Scene 2, where other characters like Duncan will be introduced.