1. Macbeth Notes
ACT I

2. ACT I: scene i
Three witches were added by Shakespeare because King James was very interested in witchcraft.
Three witches are representative of the three Fates from Greek mythology, also known as the “weird sisters.”
Three witches are gathering to decide when to meet Macbeth.

3. ACT I: scene ii King Duncan and his sons Malcom and Donalbain
Captain comes in injured and reports about Macbeth and Banquo’s bravery in battle. Ross, another noble, reports that the Thane of Cawdor has betrayed the king. King Duncan decides to condemn the Thane of Cawdor to death and give his title to Macbeth as a reward for his loyalty.
Macbeth is now the Thane of Glamis and the Thane of Cawdor.

4. ACT I: scene iii Macbeth and Banquo encounter the three witches.
The witches greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future king.
The witches greet Banquo with a prediction that his children shall be kings.
Ross enters and tells Macbeth he has been bestowed with the title of Thane of Cawdor. Now Macbeth begins to believe what the witches have said.
Banquo warns Macbeth that the witches may have told him half truths in order to lure him to wrong-doing.

5. ACT I: scene iv Macbeth goes to see the king.
King Duncan (Macbeth’s cousin) thanks Macbeth for his loyal service.
King Duncan names his son, Malcolm, as his heir to the throne.
King Duncan decides to make a trip to Macbeth’s castle, Inverness, to celebrate.

6. ACT I: scene v
Lady Macbeth learns of the witches’ prophesy. She expresses her doubts that Macbeth has what it takes to seize the throne.
She calls on evil spirits to help her gather the courage to do what must be done in order to make Macbeth king.
While Macbeth is reluctant to consider murder, Lady Macbeth embraces the idea.
Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to make himself look innocent and welcome King Duncan to their home.

7. ACT I: scene vi-vii
King Duncan arrives at Inverness and Lady Macbeth greets him.
In Macbeth’s soliloquy, he contemplates the reasons to abstain from murdering King Duncan.
King Duncan is his liege.
King Duncan is his cousin.
King Duncan is his guest.
King Duncan has been good to him and is a good king.
Lady Macbeth calls in to question Macbeth’s manhood when he voices his reluctance to kill Duncan.
Macbeth eventually concedes and agrees to Lady Macbeth’s plan.