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.