Macbeth Extract 1: The 3 Witches Flashcards
(12 cards)
The following extract has been taken from Act One of ‘Macbeth’.
In this extract, the beginning of the play, we are introduced to the witches.
Thunder and lightning.
Enter three Witches.
First Witch
When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch
When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.
Third Witch
That will be ere the set of sun.
First Witch
Where the place?
Second Witch
Upon the heath.
Third Witch
There to meet with Macbeth.
First Witch
I come, Graymalkin!
Second Witch
Paddock calls.
Third Witch
Anon.
ALL
Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
Hover through the fog and filthy air.
ExeuntBack (Answer)
What is happening in the opening extract of Macbeth?
Three witches meet in a storm and plan to meet Macbeth after a battle. Their strange words and the storm create a spooky, dangerous mood.
Why might Shakespeare open his play with three witches? (use ‘establish’)
To establish a supernatural and creepy atmosphere that grabs the audience’s attention.
Why might Shakespeare open his play with three witches? (use ‘warn’)
To warn the audience that things won’t be what they seem — appearances will deceive.
Why might Shakespeare open his play with three witches? (use ‘reveal the importance of’)
To reveal the importance of fate and supernatural influence in Macbeth’s story.
How does Shakespeare use weather to create an ominous atmosphere?
He uses thunder and lightning to signal danger and create a scary, evil atmosphere.
How does Shakespeare hint at chaos in Scotland in this scene?
The line ‘When the battle’s lost and won’ shows Scotland is in conflict and chaos.
What does ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’ mean?
It means things that seem good might actually be bad, and vice versa — don’t trust appearances.
Where else in the play do the witches plot and scheme?
In Act 1 Scene 3 (the prophecy) and Act 4 Scene 1 (when they show Macbeth visions).
Name one theme that connects to this extract and explain why.
Supernatural — the witches are magical and their creepy presence sets the tone.
Name a second theme that connects to this extract and explain why.
Appearance vs Reality — nothing is what it seems, as shown in ‘Fair is foul’.
How does Shakespeare use infection imagery in the play?
Shakespeare uses infection imagery to show how evil spreads: the witches poison Macbeth’s mind, Lady Macbeth becomes ‘infected’ by ambition, and guilt eats them both alive.
