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.
