Macbeth and Banquo meet the Witches | Macbeth (2013) | Act 1 Scene 3 | Shakespeare's Globe

Summary

In this excerpt from Shakespeare's *Macbeth*, the protagonist, Macbeth, encounters three mysterious figures, the witches, who speak cryptically about his future. They hail him as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and predict he will become king. Macbeth is both intrigued and fearful, questioning the witches' true nature and their ability to predict the future. Banquo, his companion, is also addressed by the witches, with prophecies suggesting he will father a line of kings, although he himself will not become one. This moment marks the beginning of Macbeth's internal conflict and ambition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The witches in the scene appear with strange and wild attire, creating an eerie atmosphere.
• 😀 Macbeth is initially confused by the witches' appearance, unsure of whether they are human or supernatural beings.
• 😀 The witches greet Macbeth with titles: 'Thane of Glamis,' 'Thane of Cawdor,' and predict he will become 'King.'
• 😀 Macbeth is startled by the witches' words, particularly because they speak of his future in a way that seems too good to be true.
• 😀 Macbeth questions the witches, asking if they are real or simply illusions, showing his skepticism about their prophecy.
• 😀 The witches also predict Banquo's future, telling him that although he won't be king, his descendants will be.
• 😀 Banquo reacts calmly to the witches' predictions, in contrast to Macbeth, who is intrigued and disturbed.
• 😀 The witches' prophecies are ambiguous, leaving Macbeth and Banquo to interpret them in different ways.
• 😀 Macbeth feels a sense of fear and anticipation after hearing the prophecies, wondering how they will come true.
• 😀 The witches seem to possess knowledge of the future, but their predictions are cryptic and open to interpretation.
• 😀 The scene sets the stage for Macbeth's internal conflict and the tragic events that will follow as he contemplates the witches' predictions.

Q & A

What is the general tone of the characters in this scene?

The tone is one of mystery and intrigue, as the characters, particularly the witches, speak in riddles and ambiguous language, leaving Macbeth unsure and confused.

What is Macbeth's reaction when the witches address him?

Macbeth is startled and fearful when the witches hail him with titles, questioning whether they are real or if he is being deceived.

Why does Macbeth question the witches about their appearance?

Macbeth questions the witches because their appearance is unnatural and contradictory—they look like women, but their beards prevent him from fully understanding their nature.

What prophecy do the witches give Macbeth?

The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be the Thane of Glamis, the Thane of Cawdor, and eventually the king of Scotland.

How does Macbeth respond to the witches' prophecy?

Macbeth is initially confused and hesitant, as he wonders how it could be possible for him to become king, especially given that his noble partner is also mentioned in the prophecy.

What significance does the mention of Banquo hold?

The witches also prophesy that Banquo will father a line of kings, even though Banquo himself will not be king, indicating that his descendants will rule Scotland instead of Macbeth's.

Why does Macbeth seem both intrigued and apprehensive about the witches' words?

Macbeth is intrigued because the prophecy promises him greatness, but he is also fearful of the unknown consequences and the mysterious nature of the witches' powers.

What does the phrase 'Lesser than Macbeth, and greater' mean?

This phrase refers to Banquo. He is 'lesser' in the sense that he is not as powerful as Macbeth, but 'greater' because he will leave a lasting legacy through his descendants, even though he himself will not be king.

What is the significance of the witches saying 'Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none'?

This prophecy reveals that while Macbeth will not be king himself, his descendants will inherit the throne, whereas Banquo, though not king, will have descendants who will rule.

How do the witches' prophecies influence Macbeth's thoughts and actions?

The witches' prophecies spark Macbeth's ambition and desire for power, leading him to consider drastic actions, such as murder, to fulfill his fate and secure his position as king.