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Macbeth's Big Adventure: Foreshadowing, Betrayal, and the Three Witches!

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Hania <3

02/09/2025

English Literature

Act 1 scene 3 annotations Macbeth

2,447

2 Sept 2025

7 pages

Macbeth's Big Adventure: Foreshadowing, Betrayal, and the Three Witches!

Dive into Macbeth's world with cool quotes and a summary of foreshadowing and betrayal! Learn all about Macbeth's adventure in Act 1 with the three witches and the Thane of Cawdor. Perfect for school projects with easy explanations and analysis of Macbeth's foreshadowing scenes and betrayal secrets!

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Act 1, Scene 3 (Continued): Reactions to the Prophecies

As the scene continues, we see Macbeth and Banquo's contrasting reactions to the witches' prophecies. Macbeth appears shaken and introspective, while Banquo remains skeptical but curious.

Quote: "Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear / Things that do sound so fair?"

Banquo's observation highlights Macbeth's internal conflict, foreshadowing the moral struggle he will face throughout the play.

The witches' prophecies for Banquo are equally significant:

  1. His sons will be kings
  2. He will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater"
  3. "Not so happy, yet much happier"

These cryptic predictions set up the future conflict between Macbeth and Banquo's lineage, a key element in the play's themes of betrayal and foreshadowing.

Analysis: The witches' prophecies serve as a catalyst for the play's events, planting the seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind and setting up the eventual betrayal of his friend Banquo.

As the witches vanish, Macbeth and Banquo are left to ponder the meaning of their words. The arrival of Ross and Angus with news of Macbeth's new title as Thane of Cawdor adds weight to the prophecies, further fueling Macbeth's ambition.

Highlight: The immediate partial fulfillment of the witches' prophecy lends credibility to their words and intensifies Macbeth's internal conflict.

This scene is crucial for understanding the characters in Macbeth and their motivations, particularly Macbeth's growing ambition and Banquo's cautious skepticism.

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Act 1, Scene 2: Reports of Battle and Macbeth's Valor

This scene provides crucial background information about Macbeth's military prowess and the political landscape. King Duncan receives news of the battle against Norway and the traitorous Thane of Cawdor.

Highlight: Macbeth is described as "Bellona's bridegroom," emphasizing his skill in battle.

The captain reports that Macbeth and Banquo fought valiantly, leading to victory for Scotland. As a reward for his service, Duncan decides to grant Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor, unknowingly fulfilling part of the witches' prophecy.

Quote: "What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won."

This line foreshadows Macbeth's rise and the potential for future betrayal, as he gains the title of the man who betrayed the king.

Vocabulary: Thane - A Scottish nobleman, equivalent to an earl.

Act 1, Scene 3: The Witches' Prophecies

The scene opens with the Three Witches discussing their recent evil deeds, setting a supernatural and malevolent tone. Their rhyming speech and references to manipulating nature emphasize their otherworldly nature.

Example: The First Witch's ability to control winds and curse a sailor demonstrates their supernatural powers.

When Macbeth and Banquo enter, the witches deliver their famous prophecies. They hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor (which he is about to become), and future king.

Quote: "All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!"

This prophecy is a key example of foreshadowing in Macbeth Act 1, setting the stage for Macbeth's ambition and eventual downfall.

Banquo, intrigued by the witches' words, asks for his own prophecy. The witches' response to Banquo is equally important for the play's themes of foreshadowing and betrayal.

Highlight: Banquo's reaction to the witches contrasts with Macbeth's, showing their different characters and foreshadowing their diverging fates.

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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

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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

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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

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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

2,447

2 Sept 2025

7 pages

Macbeth's Big Adventure: Foreshadowing, Betrayal, and the Three Witches!

Dive into Macbeth's world with cool quotes and a summary of foreshadowing and betrayal! Learn all about Macbeth's adventure in Act 1 with the three witches and the Thane of Cawdor. Perfect for school projects with easy explanations and analysis of Macbeth's foreshadowing scenes and betrayal secrets!

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Act 1, Scene 3 (Continued): Reactions to the Prophecies

As the scene continues, we see Macbeth and Banquo's contrasting reactions to the witches' prophecies. Macbeth appears shaken and introspective, while Banquo remains skeptical but curious.

Quote: "Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear / Things that do sound so fair?"

Banquo's observation highlights Macbeth's internal conflict, foreshadowing the moral struggle he will face throughout the play.

The witches' prophecies for Banquo are equally significant:

  1. His sons will be kings
  2. He will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater"
  3. "Not so happy, yet much happier"

These cryptic predictions set up the future conflict between Macbeth and Banquo's lineage, a key element in the play's themes of betrayal and foreshadowing.

Analysis: The witches' prophecies serve as a catalyst for the play's events, planting the seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind and setting up the eventual betrayal of his friend Banquo.

As the witches vanish, Macbeth and Banquo are left to ponder the meaning of their words. The arrival of Ross and Angus with news of Macbeth's new title as Thane of Cawdor adds weight to the prophecies, further fueling Macbeth's ambition.

Highlight: The immediate partial fulfillment of the witches' prophecy lends credibility to their words and intensifies Macbeth's internal conflict.

This scene is crucial for understanding the characters in Macbeth and their motivations, particularly Macbeth's growing ambition and Banquo's cautious skepticism.

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Act 1, Scene 2: Reports of Battle and Macbeth's Valor

This scene provides crucial background information about Macbeth's military prowess and the political landscape. King Duncan receives news of the battle against Norway and the traitorous Thane of Cawdor.

Highlight: Macbeth is described as "Bellona's bridegroom," emphasizing his skill in battle.

The captain reports that Macbeth and Banquo fought valiantly, leading to victory for Scotland. As a reward for his service, Duncan decides to grant Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor, unknowingly fulfilling part of the witches' prophecy.

Quote: "What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won."

This line foreshadows Macbeth's rise and the potential for future betrayal, as he gains the title of the man who betrayed the king.

Vocabulary: Thane - A Scottish nobleman, equivalent to an earl.

Act 1, Scene 3: The Witches' Prophecies

The scene opens with the Three Witches discussing their recent evil deeds, setting a supernatural and malevolent tone. Their rhyming speech and references to manipulating nature emphasize their otherworldly nature.

Example: The First Witch's ability to control winds and curse a sailor demonstrates their supernatural powers.

When Macbeth and Banquo enter, the witches deliver their famous prophecies. They hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor (which he is about to become), and future king.

Quote: "All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!"

This prophecy is a key example of foreshadowing in Macbeth Act 1, setting the stage for Macbeth's ambition and eventual downfall.

Banquo, intrigued by the witches' words, asks for his own prophecy. The witches' response to Banquo is equally important for the play's themes of foreshadowing and betrayal.

Highlight: Banquo's reaction to the witches contrasts with Macbeth's, showing their different characters and foreshadowing their diverging fates.

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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.

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

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