Macbeth Active Reading Notes

Macbeth 

Act 1 Scene 1

- the three witches make an appearance. They agree to meet again. 

Act 1 Scene 2 

-Duncan, King of Scotland

-introduces Macbeth as a hero and Banquo (cousin of Macbeth) both fought in war

- Ross goes to see Macbeth at the end of scene 

Act 1 Scene 3 

- witches reappear, Banquo speaks to the witches. He asks if they a mortal

- witches hail to Macbeth & thane of Cawdor 

- they claim Macbeth will be king one day

- They turn to Banquo and say he will be lesser than Macbeth but greater. He will never be king but his children will. 

-Macbeth questions why he is thane of Cawdor but they exit 

- Ross and Angus appears, but Macbeth is still amazed about the prophecy 

Act 1 Scene 4 

- Malcom tells his father, Duncan about an execution 

- Duncan thanks Banquo and Macbeth and announced that Malcom is the new heir to the throne. 

- Macbeth realizes that he has to get passed Malcom to become king. 

- Duncan goes to Macbeth's castle for the evening. End scene. 

Meet Macbeth

• How is Macbeth introduced through in/direct characterization?
• What elements of foreshadowing do the witches provide?
• How does Shakespeare's approach to exposition give the reader background information about the setting and characters and a sense of what's to come without spoiling the play?
• How does Shakespeare's characterization of Macbeth reflect a sense of tone (i.e., the author's attitude toward the character/s, audience, and/or subject matter)?
• What themes appear evident in Macbeth's character and conduct?  To what extent do you think these themes will drive the rest of the play? 

Macbeth is introduced by indirect characterization. Another character introduces Macbeth about his gore and glory. He is almost "blood thirsty" as they describe. The witches foreshadow Macbeth's killing and his future actions. He uses the witches as like a distraction to the play. The setting and the characters are having a normal conversations about Macbeth and the king. The tone of the characters are dark, especially when describing Macbeth. They say he is this glorious warrior (similar to Beowulf), he is seen as this man with a bloody sword, so it is reflected as a dark monotone tone. I think being the glorious "hero" will have a bad ending to Macbeth.