Revision:Macbeth Plot Summary - Act One

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Scene 1

Set in medieval Scotland. The play opens in an isolated place where three witches are holding a conversation. They speak of a civil war that is being fought in Scotland, and to the witches, the outcome is known. The witches are waiting to meet with Macbeth, an honoured General in the Scottish army.

Scene 2

This scene takes place at King Duncan's camp, a fair distance from the actual fighting of the war. A wounded soldier brings the King the latest reports from the battlefield. The soldier praises the bravery of Macbeth and his fellow general, Banquo and speaks of their victory over the rebel traitor Macdonwald. During the battles, the Thane of Cawdor (a Scottish Lord), is found to be a traitor as well. Duncan orders Cawdor's immediate execution and Macbeth is to be granted his title.

Scene 3

In a bleak place, where the witches gather, the topic of discussion is the discomforts that they have been causing and then prepare a spell for Macbeth. While Macbeth and Banquo are on their way to Forres, they enter the witches' cave and are surprised to see a group of naked old hags telling the Generals their futures. The witches tell Macbeth that he will become the Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King of Scotland. When banquo asks the witches for his future, their answers are filled with paradox and contradiction. The witches say that Banquo will be both lesser and greater than Macbeth; not happy, but happier; and that he would father a line of kings. The witches then disappear. While Banquo is skeptical about the prophecies, Macbeth feels that they are true because he was already the Thane of Glamis, and shortly after he is told that he has been granted the title of Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth immediately ponders killing Duncan to acquire the position of king and to make his third prophecy come true, though the idea scares him.

Scene 4

This scene starts with Malcolm, Duncan's son, describing the execution of the tratiorous Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth enters with Banquo, Ross, and Angus as Duncan and his son are conversing about the former Thane of Cawdor. The King graciously thanks his generals and promises to reward them with more honours. Duncan then names his son, Malcolm, as his sucsessor to the throne. To show his gratitude towards Macbeth, Duncan invites himself and the court to visit Macbeth's castle at Inverness. Macbeth then leaves to prepare for the Royal visit, being shaken up by Duncan's naming of his sucsessor.

Scene 5

Lady Macbeth recieves a letter from her husband telling her of the prophecies and their partial fulfillment. She is determined that the prophecy of him becoming King will come true, but is worried that Macbeth won't have the guts to kill for the position. Macbeth arrives and his wife assures him that, at this appropriate time to kill the King, their scheme will pay off. Lady Macbeth reminds him to hide his true intentions and emotions while the King is present, for anyone can read Macbeth's face to learn what he is thinking about.

Scene 6

While most scenes in the play portray darkness and evil, this scene takes place in daylight and is located in a beautiful setting. With the exception of Macbeth, all of the plays major characters are present as Lady Macbeth greets the King and his court. Duncan is full of complements.

Scene 7

Macbeth leaves the banquet which is in honour of Duncan, for he needs time and privacy to think about his terrible plan of actions. He wants to become the King, but he doesn't want to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth then arrives and scolds him for being cowardice and weak. She says that she would rather kill her child than withdraw from a promised agreement. Macbeth finally agrees to commit the act and Lady Macbeth then fills him in on her plan: she'll get the attendants all drunk, send Macbeth into the King's chambers to kill him, plant the weapons with the attendants, and go back to bed.

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