Macbeth Scene Synopses: Act One

Scene 1: Set in Medieval Scotland, the play opens in an isolated and wild place. Amid thunder and lightening, three witches enter. They reveal characteristics traditionally associated with witchcraft: they know in advance the outcome of the civil war that is being fought in Scotland, and they know where and when they will encounter Macbeth, one of the generals. The witches are called away by their evil companion spirits, and they fly off into the murky air.

Scene 2: At King Duncan's camp, some distance from the actual fighting, the king, his sons, and attendants are given the latest report from the battlefield. A wounded soldier praises the bravery of the two generals Macbeth and Banquo, and describes their victory over the traitor Macdonwald, followed by their defence against Sweno, the king of Norway, whose forces had come to the aid of the rebels. The Thane of Ross arrives to announce the victory of Macbeth and Banquo over Sweno, who has been assisted by another traitor, the Thane of Cawdor. King Duncan orders Cawdor's immediate execution and transfers his title to Macbeth. All the reports stress the violent and bloody nature of the war.

Scene 3: The witches gather in a bleak place, somewhere between the battlefield and Duncan's palace at Forres. They report with delight the discomforts they have been causing and then prepare a spell for Macbeth. Macbeth and Banquo, who are on their way to Forres, enter and are astonished to see the witches and to hear what they have to say. The witches tell Macbeth that he will become Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Banquo asks the witches to tell him about his future, but the answers he receives are filled with paradox: the witches prophesy that Banquo will be both lesser and greater than Macbeth, not so happy, but happier than Macbeth, and not king himself, but father to a line of kings. The witches vanish. Banquo is skeptical about the prophesies, but Macbeth believes them. The first of the prophesies has already been fulfilled - the death of his father has made him Thane of Glamis. In addition, Ross and Angus arrive shortly after the witches have disappeared to tell Macbeth that the king has named him Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth thinks immediately of murdering Duncan, which would open the way for the third prophesy to come true, even though he is horrified by his own idea.

Scene 4: The scene opens as Malcolm is describing to Duncan the execution of the former Thane of Cawdor. Just as the king is admitting he was badly misled by the traitor's appearance, he is interrupted by the entrance of Macbeth who is accompanied by Banquo, Ross and Angus. The king thanks his generals, and promise to reward them with more honours. He then formally names his son Malcolm as his successor with the title Prince of Cumberland. As a sign of honour to Macbeth, Duncan invites himself and the court to visit Macbeth's castle at Inverness. Macbeth replies with compliments and leaves immediately to prepare his castle for the king's visit, but he is shaken by the king's unexpected naming of his heir.

Scene 5: At the Macbeths' castle in Inverness, Lady Macbeth is reading a letter from her husband, telling her of the witches' prophesies (two of which have come true). Lady Macbeth expresses her determination that the third prophesy will come true as well. However, she believes that Macbeth is not capable of the murder of Duncan, and determines to spur him on. A messenger arrives with the news that Duncan is on his way to Inverness. Realizing that Duncan's visit is an ideal time to carry out her plan, she calls on evil spirits of darkness to replace all her nurturing, feminine qualities with remorseless cruelty. Macbeth arrives and he is assured by Lady Macbeth that she will manage the clearly understood, but unstated scheme they have in mind. She reminds him to appear welcoming and loyal to hide their real intentions.

Scene 6: In contrast to most scenes in this play, this one takes place in daylight and in a beautiful and peaceful setting. With the exception of Macbeth, all the play's major characters are present, as Lady Macbeth greets the king and his court. Duncan is generous in his praise and compliments.

Scene 7: Macbeth leaves the grand banquet that he's holding for Duncan. He needs time and privacy to consider his terrible inner conflict: he wants the throne but is appalled at the thought of killing the king. He thinks of several reasons not to kill the king before Lady Macbeth, feeling uneasy at his absence from the party, interrupts him. Macbeth then tells her he has decided not to murder Duncan. Scornfully, she accuses him of inconstancy, cowardice and unmanliness. She declares she would rather brutally kill her own child than withdraw from a solemn commitment such as this. Macbeth finally decides to proceed with the murder when Lady Macbeth presents her plan: she will ply Duncan's attendants with so much liquor that they will be oblivious, and then she and her husband will stab the king with his servants' weapons.