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25 Dec 2025
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Macbeth Act 1, Scene 3: In-Depth Analysis
Emily
@mily_yhn584u9ilaphig
1 / 5
The Witches' Dark Powers
You're about to meet Shakespeare's most sinister characters doing what they do best - causing chaos. The three witches are plotting revenge against a sailor's wife who refused to share her chestnuts, which might sound petty but shows just how vindictive they are.
Their punishment is brutal yet limited. They can't kill the sailor directly, but they'll drain him dry as hay - making him suffer through sleepless nights and constant storms. This curse perfectly foreshadows what happens to Macbeth later in the play.
The rhyming couplets and repetitive chanting ("I'll do, I'll do, and I'll do") create an eerie, supernatural atmosphere. Notice how their power has clear boundaries - they can torment but not destroy, which becomes crucial for understanding Macbeth's fate.
Key insight: The sailor's suffering mirrors Macbeth's journey - both men will be mentally, physically and morally drained by the witches' influence.
Macbeth Meets His Destiny
When Macbeth and Banquo finally appear, Shakespeare immediately links Macbeth to the witches through his opening line: "So foul and fair a day I have not seen." This antithetical language echoes the witches' earlier chant, suggesting he's already connected to their chaotic world.
Banquo's reaction to the witches is brilliant - he questions whether they're even human, noting their "withered" appearance and beards. His rational response contrasts sharply with Macbeth's fascination, showing us their different characters from the start.
Then come the three prophecies that seal Macbeth's fate: Thane of Glamis (which he already is), Thane of Cawdor (which he doesn't know he's just become), and future king. The witches' timing is perfect - they hook him with one truth to make him believe the rest.
Remember: The number three was considered unlucky in Shakespeare's time, and these three predictions will bring nothing but disaster.
Banquo's Warning Goes Unheeded
The witches give Banquo riddling prophecies too - he'll be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and will father kings but never be one himself. This creates immediate tension between the two friends, planting seeds of future conflict.
When the witches vanish, Banquo stays rational, comparing them to "bubbles" and wondering if they've eaten something that made them hallucinate. Meanwhile, Macbeth is desperate for them to return - he's already hooked.
Ross and Angus arrive with news that Macbeth has indeed been made Thane of Cawdor, confirming the witches' second prophecy. This moment is crucial because it makes Macbeth believe completely in their supernatural power.
The confirmation of one prophecy immediately makes Macbeth focus on the biggest prize - the crown. You can see his ambition taking control as he starts planning his path to power.
Critical moment: This is when Macbeth transforms from curious bystander to active participant in his own downfall.
Two Different Responses to Temptation
Here's where Banquo proves his moral strength while Macbeth reveals his weakness. Banquo warns that "instruments of darkness tell us truths" to win our trust before betraying us - he understands the witches are evil and manipulative.
Macbeth's response is completely different. He asks if the devil can speak true but doesn't reject the prophecies. Instead, he starts planning, thinking about how the crown might become his. His moral compass is already spinning wildly.
The metaphor of "borrowed robes" appears when Macbeth questions why he's being dressed in the previous Thane of Cawdor's title. This clothing imagery runs throughout the play, suggesting Macbeth never truly fits the roles he steals.
Banquo stays ambitious but considers consequences - he wants his children to be kings but won't compromise his morals. This creates a perfect contrast with Macbeth, who's already losing his moral foundation.
Character analysis: This scene establishes Banquo as Macbeth's moral opposite - both hear the same prophecies but choose completely different paths.
Macbeth's Fatal Internal Struggle
Macbeth's soliloquy gives us direct access to his deteriorating mental state. He knows the supernatural soliciting (the witches' temptation) "cannot be ill, cannot be good" - but he can't resist it.
The most chilling moment comes when he admits to "horrid imaginings" and thoughts of murder, even though the witches never actually told him to kill anyone. This shows his mind is already turning to violence as the solution to his ambitions.
His "single state of man" is being torn apart by these conflicting thoughts. Function is "smothered in surmise" - he can't think clearly because he's so caught up in imagining what might be.
By the end, Macbeth decides to let "chance" make him king without his interference, but we know from his murderous thoughts that he's already planning to take action. His final rhyming couplet suggests false resolution - nothing is actually settled.
Psychological insight: Notice how Macbeth's language becomes increasingly fragmented and contradictory, showing his mental breakdown has already begun.
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Most popular content: Macbeth
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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
Macbeth Act 1, Scene 3: In-Depth Analysis
Emily
@mily_yhn584u9ilaphig
Ever wonder how Shakespeare sets up the most famous villain in literature? Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth is where everything kicks off - this is the moment when Macbeth first meets the witchesand hears the prophecies that will... Show more
The Witches' Dark Powers
You're about to meet Shakespeare's most sinister characters doing what they do best - causing chaos. The three witches are plotting revenge against a sailor's wife who refused to share her chestnuts, which might sound petty but shows just how vindictive they are.
Their punishment is brutal yet limited. They can't kill the sailor directly, but they'll drain him dry as hay - making him suffer through sleepless nights and constant storms. This curse perfectly foreshadows what happens to Macbeth later in the play.
The rhyming couplets and repetitive chanting ("I'll do, I'll do, and I'll do") create an eerie, supernatural atmosphere. Notice how their power has clear boundaries - they can torment but not destroy, which becomes crucial for understanding Macbeth's fate.
Key insight: The sailor's suffering mirrors Macbeth's journey - both men will be mentally, physically and morally drained by the witches' influence.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Macbeth Meets His Destiny
When Macbeth and Banquo finally appear, Shakespeare immediately links Macbeth to the witches through his opening line: "So foul and fair a day I have not seen." This antithetical language echoes the witches' earlier chant, suggesting he's already connected to their chaotic world.
Banquo's reaction to the witches is brilliant - he questions whether they're even human, noting their "withered" appearance and beards. His rational response contrasts sharply with Macbeth's fascination, showing us their different characters from the start.
Then come the three prophecies that seal Macbeth's fate: Thane of Glamis (which he already is), Thane of Cawdor (which he doesn't know he's just become), and future king. The witches' timing is perfect - they hook him with one truth to make him believe the rest.
Remember: The number three was considered unlucky in Shakespeare's time, and these three predictions will bring nothing but disaster.
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
Banquo's Warning Goes Unheeded
The witches give Banquo riddling prophecies too - he'll be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and will father kings but never be one himself. This creates immediate tension between the two friends, planting seeds of future conflict.
When the witches vanish, Banquo stays rational, comparing them to "bubbles" and wondering if they've eaten something that made them hallucinate. Meanwhile, Macbeth is desperate for them to return - he's already hooked.
Ross and Angus arrive with news that Macbeth has indeed been made Thane of Cawdor, confirming the witches' second prophecy. This moment is crucial because it makes Macbeth believe completely in their supernatural power.
The confirmation of one prophecy immediately makes Macbeth focus on the biggest prize - the crown. You can see his ambition taking control as he starts planning his path to power.
Critical moment: This is when Macbeth transforms from curious bystander to active participant in his own downfall.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Two Different Responses to Temptation
Here's where Banquo proves his moral strength while Macbeth reveals his weakness. Banquo warns that "instruments of darkness tell us truths" to win our trust before betraying us - he understands the witches are evil and manipulative.
Macbeth's response is completely different. He asks if the devil can speak true but doesn't reject the prophecies. Instead, he starts planning, thinking about how the crown might become his. His moral compass is already spinning wildly.
The metaphor of "borrowed robes" appears when Macbeth questions why he's being dressed in the previous Thane of Cawdor's title. This clothing imagery runs throughout the play, suggesting Macbeth never truly fits the roles he steals.
Banquo stays ambitious but considers consequences - he wants his children to be kings but won't compromise his morals. This creates a perfect contrast with Macbeth, who's already losing his moral foundation.
Character analysis: This scene establishes Banquo as Macbeth's moral opposite - both hear the same prophecies but choose completely different paths.
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's Fatal Internal Struggle
Macbeth's soliloquy gives us direct access to his deteriorating mental state. He knows the supernatural soliciting (the witches' temptation) "cannot be ill, cannot be good" - but he can't resist it.
The most chilling moment comes when he admits to "horrid imaginings" and thoughts of murder, even though the witches never actually told him to kill anyone. This shows his mind is already turning to violence as the solution to his ambitions.
His "single state of man" is being torn apart by these conflicting thoughts. Function is "smothered in surmise" - he can't think clearly because he's so caught up in imagining what might be.
By the end, Macbeth decides to let "chance" make him king without his interference, but we know from his murderous thoughts that he's already planning to take action. His final rhyming couplet suggests false resolution - nothing is actually settled.
Psychological insight: Notice how Macbeth's language becomes increasingly fragmented and contradictory, showing his mental breakdown has already begun.
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.
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Most popular content: Macbeth
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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