Notes on Act 1 Scene 1 of Macbeth

Overview

• Begins in a stormy setting on a Scottish moor.
• Three witches appear and agree to meet again after a battle.
• They introduce the theme of chaos and the supernatural.

Characters

• The Weird Sisters (Witches): Act as catalysts for the unfolding events in the play.
  • Appear briefly in only four scenes.
  • Their motivations for choosing Macbeth remain unclear.

Themes

• Chaos and Confusion:

  • The term "hurly-burly" refers to chaotic scuffles, indicating the upcoming battle and ensuing chaos.
  • Witches relish the prospect of chaos that the battle will bring.

• Malevolence:

  • The mood is dark and ominous, heightened by the witches' references to their familiars.
  • Grimalkin (a cat) and Paddock (a toad) symbolize their connection to dark forces.

Symbolism

• Witches' Familiars:

  • Common belief: Witches use animals as messengers to communicate with the devil.
  • Represents the connection to dark magic and evil.

• "Fair is foul, and foul is fair":

  • This phrase highlights the witches' disregard for morality.
  • Indicates a preference for evil over goodness, setting the tone for the play's moral ambiguity.

Conclusion

• The scene establishes the dark mood and themes that will permeate the play, hinting at Macbeth's tragic fate.