Play description
ACT I
Scene 1. Three sinister witches foretell a meeting with Macbeth, then vanish mysteriously.
Scene 2. Duncan, king of Scotland, receives news that his generals Macbeth and Banquo have
defeated a rebel army led by the Thane of Cawdor. Delighted, Duncan orders that the Thane’s title be
given to Macbeth.
Scene 3. On a desolate heath the witches meet Macbeth and Banquo; they greet Macbeth as Thane of
Cawdor, then prophesy that he shall ‘be king hereafter.’ Banquo demands what the future holds for
him and is told that he will be the ancestor of a line of kings. No sooner have the witches vanished
than emissaries from Duncan arrive to announce that Macbeth is indeed now Thane of Cawdor.
Macbeth muses on the witches’ prophecy and we learn that dark thoughts are in his mind.
Scene 4. Duncan names his son Malcolm heir to the throne of Scotland. This troubles Macbeth, who
hints once more of his ‘black and deep desires.’
Scene 5. Lady Macbeth learns of her husband’s promotion and the witches’ prophecy that he will
become king. Word arrives that Duncan intends to spend that night in Macbeth’s castle and Lady
Macbeth vows that the king will never leave alive.
Scene 6. The unsuspecting Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle.
Scene 7. Macbeth’s conscience is tormented at the thought of the crime to be committed, but Lady
Macbeth spurs him on.
