Ever wondered how Shakespeare kicks off one of his darkest... Show more
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
144
•
9 Dec 2025
•
Detailed Notes and Annotations for Macbeth Act 1
I
isabella keith
@isabellakeith_sbhl
1 / 10
The Witches Make Their Entrance
Picture this: thunder crashes, lightning splits the sky, and three witches appear on a desolate battlefield. They're planning their next meeting with Macbeth, speaking in riddles that'll make your head spin.
The witches use paradoxical language - saying things like "fair is foul, and foul is fair" - which basically means nothing is what it seems. This contradiction becomes a major theme throughout the entire play, so pay attention to it.
They're accompanied by their familiar spirits (Graymalkin the grey cat and Paddock the toad), which were believed to be devils in animal form. The whole scene screams supernatural danger and sets an ominous tone that haunts the rest of the play.
Key Point: The witches speak in equivocation - deliberately confusing language that has double meanings. This foreshadows how deception will destroy lives later in the play.
Macbeth the War Hero
Now we meet King Duncan, who's getting battle reports that'll make any action film jealous. A bleeding captain describes how Macbeth and Banquo fought like absolute legends against traitors and Norwegian invaders.
The captain paints Macbeth as a proper warrior - he literally cut rebel Macdonald "from navel to jaws" and stuck his head on the castle walls. Brutal, but this shows Macbeth as loyal and brave (quite different from what he becomes later).
King Duncan is so chuffed with Macbeth's performance that he decides to reward him. The Thane of Cawdor has been caught betraying Scotland, so Duncan strips him of his title and gives it to Macbeth instead.
Foreshadowing Alert: Duncan's final words - "What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won" - echo the witches' language about winning and losing. This connection hints that supernatural forces are already at work.
The Battle Continues
The fighting gets even more intense as Norwegian forces launch a fresh attack just when victory seemed certain. But Macbeth and Banquo don't back down - they fight like "cannons over-charged with double cracks," meaning they went completely mental with their attacks.
Ross arrives with more good news, explaining how Macbeth defeated the Norwegians and their ally, the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. He describes Macbeth as "Bellona's bridegroom" - basically calling him the husband of the war goddess.
The scene reinforces Macbeth's reputation as Scotland's greatest warrior. Everyone's singing his praises, and Duncan can't wait to reward him properly. This makes what happens next even more tragic.
Character Development: Notice how everyone describes Macbeth with words like "valiant," "worthy," and "noble." Remember these descriptions - they'll create powerful irony later when he becomes the villain.
The Prophecies Begin
Back on the heath, the witches are having a proper gossip about their evil plans. One's been killing pigs, another's planning revenge on a sailor's wife who wouldn't share her chestnuts. They're basically petty, vindictive, and dangerous.
When Macbeth and Banquo finally arrive, the witches drop their bombshell prophecies. They greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (which he already is), Thane of Cawdor (which he doesn't know he's become), and future king (which blows his mind).
Banquo gets his own predictions: he'll be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and "thou shalt get kings, though thou be none." These riddles mean his descendants will be kings even though he won't be.
Turning Point: Watch Macbeth's reaction - he "starts" and seems to fear things that "sound so fair." This suggests he's already been thinking about becoming king, possibly through dark means.
Reality Meets Prophecy
The witches vanish like bubbles, leaving Macbeth and Banquo wondering if they've eaten some dodgy mushrooms that make you hallucinate. But before they can process what happened, Ross and Angus show up with news.
Ross officially announces that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor - exactly what the witches predicted. This proves the supernatural prophecies are real, which makes Macbeth's mind race about the possibility of becoming king.
The timing is perfect and terrifying. Just as Macbeth's questioning whether the witches were real, their first prediction comes true immediately. This plants the seed of ambition that will eventually destroy him.
Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Macbeth's been given the title of Cawdor, but he doesn't. When it's revealed, we see how the supernatural world is already influencing the natural world - and there's no going back.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Critical Analysis
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Detailed Notes and Annotations for Macbeth Act 1
I
isabella keith
@isabellakeith_sbhl
Ever wondered how Shakespeare kicks off one of his darkest plays? Macbeth opens with supernatural chaos and bloody battles that set the stage for ambition, betrayal, and murder. These opening scenes introduce us to the witches' mysterious prophecies and show... Show more
The Witches Make Their Entrance
Picture this: thunder crashes, lightning splits the sky, and three witches appear on a desolate battlefield. They're planning their next meeting with Macbeth, speaking in riddles that'll make your head spin.
The witches use paradoxical language - saying things like "fair is foul, and foul is fair" - which basically means nothing is what it seems. This contradiction becomes a major theme throughout the entire play, so pay attention to it.
They're accompanied by their familiar spirits (Graymalkin the grey cat and Paddock the toad), which were believed to be devils in animal form. The whole scene screams supernatural danger and sets an ominous tone that haunts the rest of the play.
Key Point: The witches speak in equivocation - deliberately confusing language that has double meanings. This foreshadows how deception will destroy lives later in the play.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Macbeth the War Hero
Now we meet King Duncan, who's getting battle reports that'll make any action film jealous. A bleeding captain describes how Macbeth and Banquo fought like absolute legends against traitors and Norwegian invaders.
The captain paints Macbeth as a proper warrior - he literally cut rebel Macdonald "from navel to jaws" and stuck his head on the castle walls. Brutal, but this shows Macbeth as loyal and brave (quite different from what he becomes later).
King Duncan is so chuffed with Macbeth's performance that he decides to reward him. The Thane of Cawdor has been caught betraying Scotland, so Duncan strips him of his title and gives it to Macbeth instead.
Foreshadowing Alert: Duncan's final words - "What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won" - echo the witches' language about winning and losing. This connection hints that supernatural forces are already at work.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Battle Continues
The fighting gets even more intense as Norwegian forces launch a fresh attack just when victory seemed certain. But Macbeth and Banquo don't back down - they fight like "cannons over-charged with double cracks," meaning they went completely mental with their attacks.
Ross arrives with more good news, explaining how Macbeth defeated the Norwegians and their ally, the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. He describes Macbeth as "Bellona's bridegroom" - basically calling him the husband of the war goddess.
The scene reinforces Macbeth's reputation as Scotland's greatest warrior. Everyone's singing his praises, and Duncan can't wait to reward him properly. This makes what happens next even more tragic.
Character Development: Notice how everyone describes Macbeth with words like "valiant," "worthy," and "noble." Remember these descriptions - they'll create powerful irony later when he becomes the villain.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Prophecies Begin
Back on the heath, the witches are having a proper gossip about their evil plans. One's been killing pigs, another's planning revenge on a sailor's wife who wouldn't share her chestnuts. They're basically petty, vindictive, and dangerous.
When Macbeth and Banquo finally arrive, the witches drop their bombshell prophecies. They greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (which he already is), Thane of Cawdor (which he doesn't know he's become), and future king (which blows his mind).
Banquo gets his own predictions: he'll be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and "thou shalt get kings, though thou be none." These riddles mean his descendants will be kings even though he won't be.
Turning Point: Watch Macbeth's reaction - he "starts" and seems to fear things that "sound so fair." This suggests he's already been thinking about becoming king, possibly through dark means.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Reality Meets Prophecy
The witches vanish like bubbles, leaving Macbeth and Banquo wondering if they've eaten some dodgy mushrooms that make you hallucinate. But before they can process what happened, Ross and Angus show up with news.
Ross officially announces that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor - exactly what the witches predicted. This proves the supernatural prophecies are real, which makes Macbeth's mind race about the possibility of becoming king.
The timing is perfect and terrifying. Just as Macbeth's questioning whether the witches were real, their first prediction comes true immediately. This plants the seed of ambition that will eventually destroy him.
Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Macbeth's been given the title of Cawdor, but he doesn't. When it's revealed, we see how the supernatural world is already influencing the natural world - and there's no going back.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Critical Analysis
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user