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4 Dec 2025

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Detailed Macbeth Act 1 Scenes 1-2 Annotations

J

Jos @os_ncaojwzlfmtnogrnu

Shakespeare's Macbeth opens with supernatural forces and dramatic prophecies that will drive the entire tragedy. These opening scenes... Show more

--- OCR Start ---
ACT I
SCENE I
A deserted place. Thunder and lightning. dark and vident
Enter three WITCHES.
mood
FIRST WITCH
When shall we

The Witches' Opening - Scene I

The play kicks off with three witches meeting in a thunderstorm, immediately creating a dark, supernatural atmosphere. They're planning to meet again after a battle ends, which hints at the chaos and conflict coming throughout the play.

This brief scene establishes the supernatural theme that runs through Macbeth. The witches represent evil forces that will manipulate human ambition.

The darkness and violent weather foreshadow the moral darkness and violence that will consume the main characters. Shakespeare uses pathetic fallacy here - the stormy weather reflects the dark events to come.

Key insight This opening scene sets the tone for the entire tragedy - expect supernatural interference and moral corruption ahead.

--- OCR Start ---
ACT I
SCENE I
A deserted place. Thunder and lightning. dark and vident
Enter three WITCHES.
mood
FIRST WITCH
When shall we

Duncan and the Sergeant's Report - Scene II

We're introduced to King Duncan, who represents good leadership and legitimate authority in Scotland. He's receiving news about a recent battle from a wounded sergeant.

The sergeant describes Macbeth as a brave warrior who fought heroically against rebels. This establishes Macbeth as initially loyal and honourable - making his later betrayal even more shocking.

Duncan appears as a trusting, grateful king who rewards loyalty. His character contrasts sharply with the evil we've just seen from the witches, showing the conflict between good and evil that drives the play.

Remember this Macbeth starts as a war hero - his fall from grace will be dramatic and complete.

--- OCR Start ---
ACT I
SCENE I
A deserted place. Thunder and lightning. dark and vident
Enter three WITCHES.
mood
FIRST WITCH
When shall we

The Prophecies - Scene III Part 1

Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches on a heath after the battle. Banquo questions whether these strange creatures are even human - they look like women but have beards, emphasising their unnatural appearance.

The witches deliver their famous prophecies they hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor (which creates dramatic irony since the audience may know this is true), and future king.

This moment marks the planting of ambition in Macbeth's mind. The prophecies don't command him to act - they simply suggest possibilities that will tempt him toward evil.

Think about this The witches don't force Macbeth to do anything - they just show him what he could achieve, making him responsible for his choices.

--- OCR Start ---
ACT I
SCENE I
A deserted place. Thunder and lightning. dark and vident
Enter three WITCHES.
mood
FIRST WITCH
When shall we

After the Prophecies - Scene III Part 2

When the witches vanish mysteriously, both Macbeth and Banquo question what they've just experienced. Banquo wonders if they're going mad or if what they saw was real.

The contrast between the two friends becomes clear Banquo remains sceptical and cautious about the prophecies, while Macbeth is already becoming obsessed with their possibilities.

Banquo's prophecy that his children will be kings, while he won't be, sets up future conflict. Macbeth's growing ambition will eventually see Banquo as a threat to eliminate.

Character insight Notice how differently the two men react to the same prophecies - this reveals their true natures and hints at their different fates.

We thought you’d never ask...

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Quotes from every main character

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4.8/5

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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

 

English Literature

315

4 Dec 2025

4 pages

Detailed Macbeth Act 1 Scenes 1-2 Annotations

J

Jos

@os_ncaojwzlfmtnogrnu

Shakespeare's Macbeth opens with supernatural forces and dramatic prophecies that will drive the entire tragedy. These opening scenes introduce the key characters and set up the central conflict between ambition and morality that destroys Macbeth.

--- OCR Start ---
ACT I
SCENE I
A deserted place. Thunder and lightning. dark and vident
Enter three WITCHES.
mood
FIRST WITCH
When shall we

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 Witches' Opening - Scene I

The play kicks off with three witches meeting in a thunderstorm, immediately creating a dark, supernatural atmosphere. They're planning to meet again after a battle ends, which hints at the chaos and conflict coming throughout the play.

This brief scene establishes the supernatural theme that runs through Macbeth. The witches represent evil forces that will manipulate human ambition.

The darkness and violent weather foreshadow the moral darkness and violence that will consume the main characters. Shakespeare uses pathetic fallacy here - the stormy weather reflects the dark events to come.

Key insight: This opening scene sets the tone for the entire tragedy - expect supernatural interference and moral corruption ahead.

--- OCR Start ---
ACT I
SCENE I
A deserted place. Thunder and lightning. dark and vident
Enter three WITCHES.
mood
FIRST WITCH
When shall we

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

Duncan and the Sergeant's Report - Scene II

We're introduced to King Duncan, who represents good leadership and legitimate authority in Scotland. He's receiving news about a recent battle from a wounded sergeant.

The sergeant describes Macbeth as a brave warrior who fought heroically against rebels. This establishes Macbeth as initially loyal and honourable - making his later betrayal even more shocking.

Duncan appears as a trusting, grateful king who rewards loyalty. His character contrasts sharply with the evil we've just seen from the witches, showing the conflict between good and evil that drives the play.

Remember this: Macbeth starts as a war hero - his fall from grace will be dramatic and complete.

--- OCR Start ---
ACT I
SCENE I
A deserted place. Thunder and lightning. dark and vident
Enter three WITCHES.
mood
FIRST WITCH
When shall we

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 - Scene III Part 1

Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches on a heath after the battle. Banquo questions whether these strange creatures are even human - they look like women but have beards, emphasising their unnatural appearance.

The witches deliver their famous prophecies: they hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor (which creates dramatic irony since the audience may know this is true), and future king.

This moment marks the planting of ambition in Macbeth's mind. The prophecies don't command him to act - they simply suggest possibilities that will tempt him toward evil.

Think about this: The witches don't force Macbeth to do anything - they just show him what he could achieve, making him responsible for his choices.

--- OCR Start ---
ACT I
SCENE I
A deserted place. Thunder and lightning. dark and vident
Enter three WITCHES.
mood
FIRST WITCH
When shall we

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

After the Prophecies - Scene III Part 2

When the witches vanish mysteriously, both Macbeth and Banquo question what they've just experienced. Banquo wonders if they're going mad or if what they saw was real.

The contrast between the two friends becomes clear: Banquo remains sceptical and cautious about the prophecies, while Macbeth is already becoming obsessed with their possibilities.

Banquo's prophecy that his children will be kings, while he won't be, sets up future conflict. Macbeth's growing ambition will eventually see Banquo as a threat to eliminate.

Character insight: Notice how differently the two men react to the same prophecies - this reveals their true natures and hints at their different fates.

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.

1

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: Macbeth

Most popular content in English Literature

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

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