ACT 1…SCENE 1

Location
An open place(thunder and lightning)

Characters
•The three witches

The first witch wants to know when the three of them will meet
again and whether it would be in thunder , lightening or in rain.

The second witch will reply that they will meet after the "hurly
burly" is done i. e. when the battle (will be revealed in the second
scene)is over, either won or lost.

The third witch will say that the result of the battle will be known
only just before the set of sun.

The first witch will ask where they will meet to which the second
witch says thatthey will meet upon the heath(flat waste tract of land
covered with shrubs)and the third witch will confirm that they will
meet there to "meet with Macbeth".

In the background can be heard the crying call of their spirits. The
first witch's spirit is a cat called Graymalkin. The second one's is a
toad called Paddock. The third one's is a harpy(a creature with the
head and face of a woman and the claws of a bird) .All three will
leave the place because their spirits are calling to them.

Before they leave, they will join hands and dance in a circle
chanting 'Fair is foul and foul is fair' and then they will fly off
through the dark and foggy air.

Fair is…… fair:

What is fair to men is foul to them and vice versa. The witches
delight in the reversal of values. They belong to the world of
darkness and mischief which is the world of Satan. . The witches
are "the lawless of human nature". Evil is their good"(just as Satan
says, "Evil, be thou my good")

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1) Who suggests meeting on the heath?

a) The First Witch
b) Macbeth
c) Paddock
d) The Second Witch

2) When will the next meeting take place?

a) In thunder, lightning, or in rain
b) Upon the heath
c) In a castle
d) In a forest

3) What is the purpose of the meeting?

a) To plan a battle
b) To meet Macbeth
c) To cast spells
d) To discuss the weather

4) What is the meaning of the phrase “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”?
a) The witches are describing the weather
b) The witches are describing the moral ambiguity of the situation
c) The witches are describing the appearance of Macbeth
d) The witches are describing their own actions

5) What is the significance of the phrase “Graymalkin” and

“Paddock”?
a) They are the names of the witches’ familiars
b) They are the witches’ code words
c) They are the names of the witches’ coven leaders
d) They are the names of the witches’ magical tools
6) What time of day is the meeting scheduled to take place?
a) During the day
b) At night
c) Ere the set of sun
d) At dawn

7) How do the witches plan to travel to the meeting?

a) On foot
b) By horse
c) Hovering through the fog and filthy air
d) By boat

8) What is the witches’ attitude towards the meeting?

a) Excited
b) Indifferent
c) Reluctant
d) Eager

9) How many witches are involved in the meeting?

a) Two
b) One
c) Three
d) Four

10) What is the significance of the phrase “Hurlyburly”?

a) It refers to the witches’ plan
b) It refers to the chaotic state of the battlefield
c) It refers to the witches’ coven
d) It refers to the witches’ ritual

11) Amidst thunder and lightning enter

a) three witches
b) a cat
c) a toad
d) a bleeding Sergeant
12) The scene is set on
a)a hill
b)wasteland
c)the side of a road
d) the bank of a river

13)The name of the cat is

a) Tom
b)Macavity
c)Graymalkin
d) Paddok

14)The toad belongs to

a)the first witch
b) the third witch
c) the second witch
d) Macbeth

15. Hurly Burly means

a) commotion
b) confusion
c) chaos
d) murder

Give reasons:

1.The three witches appear because……

They wish to meet with Macbeth on the heath.

2.The witches speak in eerie tones and make ominous predictions

before disappearing because......

3. The witches have been introduced because…

this is a tragedy of the triumph of evil and Shakespeare puts the
audience at once in the right mood for accepting this unnatural
world.
4.The witches say the phrase "Fair is foul and foul is fair because
.....
They symbolise forces opposite to the moral order presided over
by God and are the lawless of human nature and "Evil is their
good"

5.The phrase hurly burly is referred to here because.....

It signifies tumult and confusion, that of battle as well as the
murder of Duncan-a violation of natural law bringing unnatural
confusion and disorder.

LONG QUESTION

Q.What is the dramatic significance of Macbeth's Act 1 scene 1….

Answer :
Among William Shakespeare's opening scene , Act 1 scene I is
considered unique . It excites curiosity beyond any other opening
scene in Shakespeare. The scene at once burst into wild action.
Shakespeare's opening scene usually serves the purpose of
exposition. But in Macbeth, the exposition (explanation) is deferred
to Act i, Scene 2. The first scene only tells us that a battle is raging
somewhere and that the three witches are to meet Macbeth
thereafter.

According to the poet Colridge the keynote of the play is struck

with the appearance of the three witches, also called the "Weird
Sisters". It is a world of moral anarchy symbolised by the evil
beings to whom "Fair is foul and foul is fair" . They prepare us for
the atmosphere of fear and blood shed which pervades through the
play. They meet in thunder , lightning or in rain and "hover through
the fog and filthy air". The scenic background is in harmony with
the spirit of evil. The word "hurlyburly" signifies tumult and
confusion, that of battle as well as the murder of Duncan-a violation
of natural law bringing unnatural confusion and disorder.
Every battle is lost by one side and won by the other, but the
witches are indifferent as to which it is that does the losing and the
winning . The words "When the battles lost and won" suggest
Macbeth will win the battle but he will lose at the same time of
triumph, another more important battle- that of his soul.

"Fair is foul and foul is fair" indicates that everything is unnaturally

reversed in this sinister world and that everything is ambiguous
and uncertain. The expression "fog and filthy air" depicts the
atmosphere of confusion in which deceitful evil operates. The
commotion in nature is symbolic of the moral storm that crashes
through the play.

A reference to Macbeth made by the third witch clearly indicates

that there is a profound relationship between the witches and
Macbeth which will prevail through the entire play

The term "three" and the familiars Paddock and GrayMalkin

symbolize occult and witchcraft . An element of supernaturalism is
evident in this brief yet meaningful scene.

Q.Referring closely to Act 1 Scene I, describe the atmosphere in

this scene.
Answer:
The scene opens with the mention of thunder and lightning which
symbolise the ominous powers of the witches as well as the evil
mental structures of the main characters of the play. As they also
stand for extreme weather conditions, it gives us an idea about the
unstable state of affairs in Duncan's kingdom. The scene is
pervaded by a gloomy atmosphere where supernatural entities in
the form of witches were present. They are inhabitants of the
darkness which they instil in Macbeth's mind. It is after listening to
their prophecy the hidden seeds of Macbeth's dark ambition are
brought out and later he intends to take up foul means to fulfil the
evil amibitions, The ambience is mysterious and indicative of foul
play, it clearly shows the instability, confusion and noise which
results due to the constant strife in the country. It indicates the
battles to be fought relentlessly till the triumph of justice prevails.

Q.3. Explain what battles the witches were talking about in the
scene?
Answer:
One of the predominant themes of the play Macbeth, is the
individual war of the characters against their own flaws. The act
opens with a gloomy scene where supernatural elements in the
form of witches, who are inhabitants of the dark world appearing as
evil visions. They instil the same evil intentions in Macbeth's mind.
It is after listening to their prophecy the hidden seeds of Macbeth's
ambition are watered and he decides to take up foul means to fulfil
it. The ambience is indicative of the battles and their evil
developments throughout the play. The literal battle took place
between Duncan's army and the rebel Macdonwald's army as well
as the army of the King of Norway. Both Macbeth and Banquo were
major warlords of Duncan's army who heard the prophecies of the
witches, yet Banquo remained calm and heeded to his higher noble
discernment between what is right and what is wrong. But
Macbeth's main flaw was yielding to it and resorting to evil means
to fulfil the devilish ambition. He won the battle as the king's
General but lost the one against
his vaulting ambition.

Q. Discuss what the witches meant by "hurly burly" and "battles

lost and won".
Ans. The first scene begins with mention of thunder and lightning
which is a feature of turbulent weather conditions and a typical
Shakespearian premonition of ill-bodings. It directly refers to the
political instability and moral anarchy through Scotland. The
witches who appear in the first scene give us ideas about some of
the important thematic concepts which are present throughout the
play; they plan to meet after "hurly-burly" (mayhem), and after the
"battles lost and won". The former means the confusion and noisy
anarchy of the battle. It thus stands for the lawlessness, contusion
and noise which results due to the constant strife in the country.
The latter indicates the battles that were being fought at that
moment when they meet. Apparently the actual battle took place
between Duncan's army and the rebel Macdonwald's army as well
as the army of the King of Norway which was lost by the rebels.
Macbeth won the battle on the battlefield as the king's General, but
lost the one against his ambition.

5.
Q. With close reference to Scene I where the witches say, as 'Foul
is fair and fair is foul", discuss which characters are to be
considered fair or foul.
Ans.
One of the striking features of Shakespeare's tragedies has always
shown that no matter how high the post of noble or bearings of a
character is, everyone of them has a grey side, one which can get
manipulated by baser instincts. In the play, the witches prophesied
Macbeth sitting on the throne. But Macbeth should not have trusted
such evil beings who mislead mortal humans with their foulness
and should have been careful of any alluring opportunity. But he
believed in them and watered his hidden "dark and deep desires"
and played foul. His wife Lady Macbeth encouraged her husband to
commit the deadly crime of regicide to become the queen. But it is
important to note that the later murders were not under the
guidance of his wife, but devised by Macbeth himself as he had
transformed into a bloodthirsty tyrant. Macbeth was fair as a valiant
soldier with a remarkable personality. He turns foul under his faul
wife's influence. Macduff was a fair character throughout the play. It
is with a sense of revulsion that the reader finds that a fair
character like Duncan becomes a victim of foul play by , while
nurthering ambition might be fair and yet Macbeth achieved it by
foul means.

6. Discuss the significance of three

Ans.
The first act of the play opens with ominous and mysterious
entities, the witches. They hail from the evil world and they
successfully prognosticate the culpability of the protagonist to
unleash his evilness to realise his ambition. The evil visions of the
witches thus stands for the evilness of the protagonist which
brings about his downfall. The witches give us ideas about some of
the predominant thematic concepts which are present throughout
the play. When they speak of "hurly-burly", it stands for the
lawlessness, confusion and noise which evidently is due to the
constant strife in the country. When they talk of "battles lost and
won", it indicates the battles which are fought throughout the play;
the internal battles against ambition in which noble qualities of
Macbeth and soft lady like qualities of Lady Macbeth lost, and the
external battles won against their foulness by Macduff and others.
The character of the witches is not only significant as an evil
influence over Macbeth but for giving the audience an idea q the
foul undertones of the adage, 'as you sow so you reap', is placed in
beautifully throughout the play. Shahespeare has given their
character a significance to mould the storyline in this way.

[05/03, 7:26 pm] PRABHA: Questions and Answers for Macbeth Act
1 Scene 1

1. What do the witches represent in the play Macbeth'?

Answer: In Shakespeare's play Macbeth', the witches are seen as

symbols of the supernatural as they possess the ability to see into
the future and perform magical spells. They also represent
temptation and the corrupting power. influence of

Throughout the play, the witches provide prophecies that influence

Macbeth's actions, leading him to believe that he is destined for
greatness and should do whatever it takes to become king. This
temptation ultimately leads Macbeth down a dark path, causing him
to commit murder and lose his grip on reality.

Furthermore, the witches can be seen as a symbol of chaos and

disorder as is evident from their Fair is foul and foul is fair'
statement. Their presence often brings confusion and uncertainty,
disrupting the natural order of things. Their appearance and
behavior also challenge traditional gender roles and societal
norms, adding to their unsettling nature.

2. With close reference to Act 1 Scene 1 of Macbeth, why do the

witches call upon Graymalkin and Paddock?

Answer: The witches call upon Graymalkin and Paddock because

they are familiar spirits or supernatural entities that serve as their
companions and helpers. The witches are casting a spell and
calling upon these spirits to aid them in their mischief and dark
magic.

ssroom Graymalkin is a cat while Paddock is a toad and they are

both associated with

a witches and witchcraft in folklore and literature. In the play, the

witches are invoking these spirits as a way of emphasizing their
connection to the supernatural world and their power to
manipulate. The appearance of these creatures also serves to
create a dark and eerie atmosphere which sets the tone for the rest
of the play.

3. Where do the three witches resolve to meet in the opening scene

and why?
[05/03, 7:28 pm] PRABHA: Answer: In Act 1 Scene 1 of Macbeth, the
witches, also known as the three "weird sisters" resolve to meet on
the heath to encounter Macbeth. The heath represents a wild,
desolate and eerie place, often associated with danger and
supernatural powers.

The witches are portrayed as supernatural beings who possess the

ability to predict the future and manipulate the natural world. They
meet on the heath to discuss their plans and prophecies. The heath
is also a symbolic setting, representing the dark and chaotic forces
that exist outside of the natural world.

The witches' decision to meet on the heath is significant because it

sets the stage for the rest of the play. Their presence on the heath
foreshadows the chaos and disorder that will soon unfold in
Scotland. It also creates a sense of unease and suspense, hinting
at the supernatural elements that come into play throughout the
play.

4. How does the opening scene set the stage for the encounter
between Macbeth and the witches? What is the role played by the
witches?

Answer: We only hear of the plan of the witches to meet Macbeth

but do not get to meet the protagonist of the play in the opening
scene. However, by setting the scene in a desolate and eerie
location, with thunder and lightning in the background, the setting
creates a sense of foreboding and sets the tone for the
supernatural elements that will play a significant role in the play
and influence Macbeth.

Secondly, the appearance of the witches introduces the theme of

the supernatural and sets the stage for the encounter between
Macbeth and the witches. The witches speak in riddles and make
vague prophecies that leave Macbeth and Banquo confused and
intrigued.

Thirdly, the fact that they are planning a future meeting with
Macbeth suggests that they will play a significant role in the events
that will unfold later in the play. They set in motion the chain of
events that lead to Macbeth's downfall. In this way, they are both
catalysts for the action and symbols of the play's central theme.

Four, the witches' prophetic statements foreshadow the events that

will unfold in the play, including Macbeth's rise to power and his
eventual downfall. The witches tell Macbeth that he will become
king, and the ambiguous nature of the prophecy is misunderstood
by Macbeth. His increasing avarice (extreme greed for position)
sets him on a path of murder.Overall, Act 1 Scene 1 of Macbeth sets
the stage for the conflict between Macbeth and the witches by
introducing the supernatural elements, foreshadowing future
events, and setting a tone of foreboding and mystery.

5. With close reference to Act 1 Scene, explain 'Fair is foul and foul
is fair'.

Answer: In Act 1, Scene 1 of Macbeth', the three witches speak the

phrase "fair is foul and foul is fair" in unison. This phrase is a
paradox which means it is a statement that appears to be
self-contradictory or absurd but in reality, it contains a deeper
truth. It reflects one of the centra themes of the play that
appearances can be deceptive.

In the context of the play, the phrase suggests that things are not
always what they seem. The witches are implying that what is good
may actually be bad and what is bad may actually be good. This
sentiment sets the tone for the rest of the play as Macbeth and
other characters struggle to discern what is right and wrong. The
moral compass of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in particular is
broken as they go down the path of serious wrong.

The phrase can also be interpreted as a warning or a

foreshadowing of the events to come. The witches' prophecy sets
in motion a chain of events that will ultimately lead to Macbeth's
downfall and the phrase "fair is foul and foul is fair" could be seen
as a hint of the moral ambiguity and confusion that will
characterize the play.

It also hints at a reversal of fortunes with characters which were

once considered 'fair' becoming foul' and vice versa. This is central
to the play's theme of corruption of the mind and the soul. It
suggests that characters are not in control of their own destiny and
their actions are only a means of fulfilling
their actions indigital classroom their predetermined fate.

Thus the phrase "fair is foul and foul is fair" serves as a powerful
introduction to the themes and motifs of Macbeth and highlights
the idea that things are not always what they seem.