Why do you think Shakespeare chooses not to reveal why the Witches want to meet Macbeth? | It creates suspense- we only know they want topmost him “on the heath” later that day but not why |
What is meant by “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”? | That nothing is as it really seems. |
What is suggested by Shakespeare opening the play with the Witches? | That they have an important role in the play and will influence the action |
How does the scene create suspense ? | 1.weather is thunder and lightning (violent atmosphere)2.Witches’ language- speak in riddles, end with rhyming couplet, plotting 3.witches are ambiguous and weird 4.things are not what they seem “fair is foul and fouls fair” -appearance and reality theme throughout |
Quotes | -when shall three meet again -when the hurly burly’s done, when the battle’s lost and won-“Fair is foul and foul is fairhover through the fog and filthy air” |
Literary technique and themes | 1. creates suspense/creepy atmosphere by: thunder and lightening, witches strange language and plotting, suggestion of supernatural and malevolent (in context of superstitious Elizabethan audience) 2. alliteration, speak in riddles and choral lines (spacing together) – rhyming couplets (like spell)- sense of foreboding they are plotting 3. appearance and reality theme – fair is foul, and foul is fair |
Summary | 1. 3 witches meet in a storm2. they speak in riddles and use strange language 3. preparing to meet Macbeth on the heath later that day but don’t say why 4.suspense and sense of foreboding |
Macbeth-Act 1 Scene 1
September 4, 2019