Prophecies and Temptation
The witches meet Macbeth and Banquo on the heath, delivering prophecies that will change everything. They greet Macbeth with three titles: "Thane of Glamis" (his current title), "Thane of Cawdor" (unknown to him, he's about to receive this title), and most importantly, "king hereafter." This final prophecy plants the dangerous seed of ambition in Macbeth's mind.
Banquo receives his own prophecy—that he'll be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and that his children will be kings. Notice how Banquo remains skeptical, wisely recognizing the witches as "instruments of darkness" that might "tell us truths" only to betray later. His caution contrasts sharply with Macbeth's immediate fascination.
Shakespeare introduces important clothing imagery through Macbeth's question, "Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?" This metaphor suggests Macbeth feels unworthy of his new title—it doesn't truly belong to him. The "borrowed robes" foreshadow how Macbeth will later hide behind his stolen kingship, wearing a title he hasn't rightfully earned.
Remember this! When Macbeth says "So foul and fair a day," he echoes the witches' earlier words ("Fair is foul, and foul is fair"), creating a verbal link between Macbeth and the supernatural forces that will influence him.
Macbeth's aside reveals his inner conflict—he's both attracted to and horrified by the thought of becoming king, especially since it would require killing Duncan. His thoughts are punctuated with dashes and questions, showing his confusion and moral struggle. This internal battle sets up the psychological drama that will unfold throughout the play.
