Macbeth: Act 1, Scene 3 – Detailed Summary
Introduction
Act 1, Scene 3 is one of the most significant scenes in Macbeth. It marks the first appearance of Macbeth and Banquo and introduces the famous prophecy of the Three Witches. This scene serves as a turning point in the play because it plants the seeds of ambition in Macbeth’s mind and sets the tragic events of the drama into motion.
1. The Witches Gather on the Heath
The scene opens on a lonely heath during stormy weather. The Three Witches meet as they had promised in Act 1, Scene 1. They discuss their recent activities while waiting for Macbeth and Banquo.
The First Witch asks the others where they have been. The Second Witch says she has been killing pigs. The Third Witch asks the First Witch what she has been doing.
The First Witch recounts an encounter with a sailor’s wife who was eating chestnuts. When the Witch asked for some, the woman rudely refused. Angered by this insult, the Witch decided to take revenge.
Although she cannot directly kill the sailor, she plans to torment him. She will raise powerful winds and create storms to prevent him from reaching home safely. She intends to make his life miserable by depriving him of sleep and leaving him exhausted and weakened.
The other witches offer their assistance, and together they prepare to carry out their supernatural plans.
2. The Arrival of Macbeth and Banquo
As the witches hear a drum, they realise that Macbeth is approaching.
Meanwhile, Macbeth and Banquo are returning from the battlefield after Scotland’s victory over the rebels and the Norwegian forces. As they walk across the heath, Macbeth remarks on the strange weather, saying:
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen.”
This statement is important because it echoes the witches’ earlier words:
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
The similarity subtly links Macbeth with the supernatural forces even before he meets the witches.
Banquo notices the strange appearance of the witches. He describes them as unusual creatures who look neither completely human nor completely supernatural. Their beards make it difficult for him to determine whether they are women or men.
3. The Witches’ Prophecies
The witches greet Macbeth with three remarkable predictions.
First Prophecy
They hail him as:
“Thane of Glamis.”
This title is already Macbeth’s by inheritance from his father.
Second Prophecy
They greet him as:
“Thane of Cawdor.”
This surprises Macbeth because he has not yet learned that Duncan has awarded him this title.
Third Prophecy
The witches finally greet him as:
“King hereafter.”
This prediction astonishes Macbeth even more because there seems to be no possibility of him becoming king while Duncan and his sons are alive.
The witches then turn their attention to Banquo.
4. The Prophecies for Banquo
Unlike Macbeth, Banquo receives a series of paradoxical predictions.
The witches tell him:
“Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.”
“Not so happy, yet much happier.”
“Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.”
These statements mean that although Banquo will never become king himself, his descendants will eventually rule Scotland.
The prophecies are mysterious and difficult to understand. Banquo listens with curiosity but remains cautious.
5. The Witches Vanish
After delivering their predictions, the witches suddenly disappear into the air.
Macbeth and Banquo are astonished by what has happened. They wonder whether they truly encountered supernatural beings or merely imagined the experience.
Macbeth is particularly fascinated by the prophecy that he will become king.
Banquo, however, remains skeptical and warns that evil forces sometimes tell partial truths in order to lead people toward destruction.
His warning foreshadows the tragic consequences that will follow.
6. Ross and Angus Arrive
Soon after the witches vanish, two Scottish noblemen, Ross and Angus, arrive with important news from King Duncan.
They congratulate Macbeth on his bravery in battle and inform him that the king has rewarded him with the title of Thane of Cawdor.
Macbeth is stunned because this is exactly what the witches had predicted moments earlier.
The fulfillment of the second prophecy immediately gives credibility to the witches’ words and makes Macbeth wonder whether the prophecy about becoming king might also come true.
7. Macbeth’s Growing Ambition
Upon learning that he has become the Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth begins to think deeply about the possibility of becoming king.
For the first time, ambitious thoughts enter his mind. He wonders whether fate will make him king without any action on his part.
However, darker thoughts also begin to emerge. Macbeth starts considering possibilities that disturb him.
In an aside, he admits that the idea of becoming king causes frightening thoughts to arise in his imagination. Even though he has done nothing wrong, the prospect of power begins to affect his mind.
This moment marks the beginning of Macbeth’s moral struggle.
8. Banquo’s Warning
Banquo observes Macbeth’s thoughtful silence and notices the effect that the prophecies have had on him.
He warns Macbeth that evil powers often tell small truths to gain a person’s trust before leading them into greater harm.
Banquo’s attitude contrasts sharply with Macbeth’s. While Macbeth becomes fascinated by the possibility of kingship, Banquo remains cautious and rational.
This difference between the two men becomes increasingly important as the play progresses.
9. Macbeth Decides to Let Fate Work
As the scene draws to a close, Macbeth reflects on the fulfillment of the witches’ second prophecy.
He wonders whether fate itself might make him king without requiring him to take any action.
He says:
“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,
Without my stir.”
At this stage, Macbeth has not yet decided to commit any crime. However, the desire for power has already begun to take root in his mind.
Conclusion
Act 1, Scene 3 is a pivotal scene because it introduces the witches’ prophecies and awakens Macbeth’s ambition. The fulfillment of the prediction that he will become Thane of Cawdor convinces Macbeth that the witches may possess genuine supernatural knowledge. While Banquo remains cautious and skeptical, Macbeth becomes increasingly fascinated by the possibility of becoming king. The scene marks the beginning of Macbeth’s internal conflict and sets in motion the tragic chain of events that will ultimately lead to his downfall.
Macbeth: Act 1, Scene 3 – Detailed Analysis
Act 1, Scene 3 is one of the most crucial scenes in Macbeth because it introduces the supernatural forces that influence the action of the play and marks the beginning of Macbeth’s tragic transformation. Although Macbeth enters the scene as a celebrated hero, he leaves it as a man troubled by ambition and tempted by thoughts of power. Shakespeare carefully develops major themes such as ambition, fate and free will, appearance versus reality, the supernatural, temptation, and moral conflict. The scene acts as the true starting point of Macbeth’s psychological journey toward tragedy.
1. The Supernatural and Its Influence
The dominant feature of this scene is the presence of the Three Witches. Shakespeare immediately creates an atmosphere of mystery, darkness, and uncertainty through their appearance.
The witches are unlike ordinary human beings. Their strange appearance, unusual speech, and magical powers make them symbols of the supernatural world. They seem capable of influencing natural events, such as creating storms and tormenting sailors.
More importantly, they possess knowledge of future events. Their prophecies reveal information that no ordinary person could know, such as Macbeth’s promotion to Thane of Cawdor.
The witches represent forces that disturb the natural order. Their arrival signals that Scotland is entering a period of confusion and disorder. Throughout the play, they function as agents of temptation, encouraging human weaknesses rather than directly controlling human actions.
Thus, the witches are important not because they force Macbeth to act, but because they awaken desires that already exist within him.
2. The Beginning of Macbeth’s Ambition
One of the most significant developments in this scene is the awakening of Macbeth’s ambition.
Before meeting the witches, Macbeth is presented as a loyal and courageous soldier. However, the prophecy that he will become king immediately captures his imagination.
The most revealing aspect of the scene is that Macbeth reacts very differently to the prophecy than Banquo does.
When Macbeth hears:
“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”
he becomes deeply fascinated.
The prophecy introduces a possibility that he had perhaps never seriously considered before. Almost immediately, his thoughts begin moving beyond loyalty and duty toward personal advancement.
The audience sees the first signs of his tragic flaw:
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Desire for power
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Ambition
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Obsession with future greatness
This ambition is still undeveloped, but the witches have planted the seed that will eventually grow into destructive obsession.
3. Fate Versus Free Will
Act 1, Scene 3 introduces one of the play’s most important philosophical questions:
Does fate control human life, or do people create their own destiny?
The witches predict Macbeth’s future, but they never instruct him to commit murder.
After learning that he has become Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth wonders:
“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me.”
At this point, Macbeth seems willing to let fate work naturally. He believes that if he is destined to become king, events may unfold without any action on his part.
However, Shakespeare leaves the question unresolved.
The prophecy may reveal the future, but Macbeth’s choices determine how that future is reached. The tragedy arises because Macbeth eventually decides to take control of fate through violence.
The scene therefore raises an important issue:
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The witches provide possibilities.
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Macbeth provides the actions.
4. Banquo as Macbeth’s Foil
A foil is a character whose qualities contrast with another character and highlight important differences.
In this scene, Banquo acts as Macbeth’s foil.
Both men:
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Hear prophecies.
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Are ambitious soldiers.
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Receive predictions of future greatness.
Yet their reactions are very different.
Macbeth becomes fascinated and emotionally affected by the prophecy. His mind immediately begins exploring its implications.
Banquo, on the other hand, remains calm and skeptical.
He warns:
“The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s
In deepest consequence.”
Banquo understands that evil forces may tell partial truths to gain a person’s trust.
This contrast is extremely important because it demonstrates that the witches are not solely responsible for Macbeth’s downfall. Banquo faces the same temptation but chooses wisdom and caution.
The difference lies in the characters themselves, not in the prophecy.
5. Appearance Versus Reality
This scene further develops the theme of appearance and reality, first introduced in Act 1, Scene 1.
The witches appear to offer harmless information, but their words carry dangerous consequences.
Their prophecies seem beneficial:
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Macbeth becomes Thane of Cawdor.
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Banquo’s descendants will be kings.
However, beneath these attractive promises lies potential destruction.
Similarly, the witches themselves blur distinctions between categories:
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Human and supernatural
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Male and female
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Truth and deception
Nothing about them is straightforward.
Shakespeare suggests that reality is often hidden beneath appearances. What seems positive may conceal danger, and what appears truthful may lead to disaster.
This idea becomes one of the central themes of the entire play.
6. The Theme of Temptation
The witches function as agents of temptation.
Importantly, they do not tell Macbeth to kill Duncan. They simply present him with an attractive possibility.
The temptation works because it appeals to something already present within Macbeth.
His reaction shows that:
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He is intrigued.
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He desires advancement.
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He begins imagining future power.
The scene resembles many literary and religious stories in which temptation begins with a simple suggestion rather than direct coercion.
Macbeth’s downfall begins not with action but with thought.
The moment he starts imagining himself as king, his moral struggle begins.
7. Macbeth’s Psychological Conflict
One of the most fascinating aspects of the scene is Shakespeare’s exploration of Macbeth’s inner mind.
After hearing the prophecy, Macbeth experiences conflicting emotions.
He is:
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Excited by the possibility of kingship.
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Disturbed by the thoughts it creates.
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Confused about what the future holds.
He admits that the idea of becoming king causes his heart to race and fills him with frightening imaginings.
For the first time, the audience sees that Macbeth possesses an active and troubled imagination.
This psychological complexity makes him a tragic hero rather than a simple villain.
The conflict between:
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Moral duty
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Personal ambition
begins here and drives the entire tragedy.
8. Dramatic Irony in the Fulfilment of the Prophecy
A powerful moment of dramatic irony occurs when Ross and Angus announce that Macbeth has become the new Thane of Cawdor.
The audience has just heard the witches predict this title moments earlier.
Its immediate fulfilment gives credibility to the witches’ words and encourages Macbeth to believe that the prophecy about kingship may also come true.
The irony lies in the fact that what appears to be a blessing becomes the first step toward disaster.
The promotion is:
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A reward for loyalty.
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The beginning of temptation.
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The starting point of tragedy.
What seems like good fortune ultimately contributes to Macbeth’s downfall.
9. Symbolism of the Heath and the Storm
The setting of the scene is highly symbolic.
The heath is an open, barren, and isolated landscape. It exists between civilization and wilderness.
This reflects Macbeth’s situation:
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He stands between loyalty and ambition.
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Honour and corruption.
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Stability and chaos.
The stormy weather further reinforces the atmosphere of uncertainty.
Nature itself appears disturbed, suggesting that unnatural events are about to unfold.
The setting mirrors the confusion and conflict developing within Macbeth’s mind.
10. Significance of the Scene in the Play
Act 1, Scene 3 is a turning point because it:
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Introduces the witches’ prophecies.
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Awakens Macbeth’s ambition.
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Establishes Banquo as Macbeth’s moral contrast.
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Develops the themes of fate, free will, and temptation.
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Strengthens the theme of appearance versus reality.
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Begins Macbeth’s psychological conflict.
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Sets the tragedy into motion.
Without this scene, there would be no chain of events leading to Duncan’s murder and Macbeth’s eventual downfall.
Conclusion
Act 1, Scene 3 is the scene in which Macbeth’s tragedy truly begins. Shakespeare uses the witches’ prophecies to awaken ambition, introduce moral temptation, and create uncertainty about the relationship between fate and human choice. While Banquo responds with caution and wisdom, Macbeth becomes captivated by the possibility of power. The scene reveals that the greatest danger does not come from the witches themselves but from the ambitions they awaken within Macbeth. It is therefore the moment when a loyal hero begins the journey toward becoming a tragic tyrant.
Macbeth Act 1, Scene 3
Short Answer Questions and Answers
1. What were the witches discussing at the beginning of the scene?
The witches were discussing their recent activities while waiting for Macbeth. One witch spoke about taking revenge on a sailor whose wife had refused to share her chestnuts. She planned to create storms and make the sailor suffer. This conversation highlights the witches’ malicious and supernatural nature.
2. Why does the First Witch want to punish the sailor?
The First Witch wants to punish the sailor because his wife rudely refused to give her some chestnuts. Although she cannot kill the sailor directly, she plans to torment him by creating storms and depriving him of sleep. Her actions show the witches’ spiteful and vindictive character.
3. What is significant about Macbeth’s statement, “So foul and fair a day I have not seen”?
This statement is significant because it echoes the witches’ earlier words, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” Macbeth’s words connect him to the witches even before they speak to him. The line also introduces the theme of appearance versus reality.
4. How does Banquo describe the witches when he first sees them?
Banquo describes the witches as strange and unnatural creatures. He notices that they look like women but have beards, making their appearance confusing. Their unusual features suggest that they belong to the supernatural world rather than the ordinary human world.
5. What are the three prophecies given to Macbeth?
The witches greet Macbeth as the Thane of Glamis, the Thane of Cawdor, and the future King of Scotland. The first title already belongs to him, while the second is unknown to him at that moment. The third prophecy predicts his future rise to the throne.
6. What prophecies do the witches make about Banquo?
The witches tell Banquo that he will be “lesser than Macbeth, and greater” and “not so happy, yet much happier.” They also predict that he will never be king, but his descendants will become kings. These paradoxical statements puzzle Banquo.
7. How does Macbeth react to the witches’ prophecies?
Macbeth is surprised and intrigued by the witches’ predictions. He becomes especially interested in the prophecy that he will become king. The prophecies immediately stimulate his imagination and awaken ambitious thoughts within him.
8. How does Banquo react differently from Macbeth?
Banquo remains cautious and skeptical about the witches’ words. He does not become obsessed with the predictions as Macbeth does. Instead, he warns that evil forces often tell small truths in order to lead people toward greater harm.
9. What news do Ross and Angus bring to Macbeth?
Ross and Angus inform Macbeth that King Duncan has rewarded him with the title of Thane of Cawdor. This news confirms one of the witches’ prophecies. As a result, Macbeth begins to wonder whether their prediction about becoming king may also come true.
10. Why is the fulfillment of the Thane of Cawdor prophecy important?
The fulfillment of this prophecy proves that the witches’ words contain some truth. It makes Macbeth believe that the prophecy about becoming king might also be fulfilled. This event strengthens the influence of the witches over Macbeth’s thoughts.
11. What warning does Banquo give Macbeth about the witches?
Banquo warns that evil forces often tell partial truths to gain a person’s trust. He believes that these truths may eventually lead people into danger and destruction. His warning foreshadows the tragic consequences of Macbeth’s growing ambition.
12. What internal conflict begins within Macbeth in this scene?
Macbeth experiences a conflict between his ambition and his sense of morality. While he is excited by the possibility of becoming king, he is also disturbed by the thoughts the prophecy creates. This struggle becomes one of the central conflicts of the play.
13. What does Macbeth mean when he says, “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me”?
Macbeth means that if fate intends him to become king, it may happen naturally without any effort on his part. At this stage, he is not planning any criminal action. He is still hoping that destiny will accomplish the prophecy for him.
14. How does this scene introduce the theme of fate and free will?
The witches predict Macbeth’s future, suggesting the influence of fate. However, they do not tell him how to achieve it. This raises the question of whether Macbeth’s future is predetermined or shaped by his own choices.
15. Why is Act 1, Scene 3 considered a turning point in the play?
This scene marks the beginning of Macbeth’s transformation. The witches’ prophecies awaken his ambition and introduce the possibility of kingship. From this moment onward, Macbeth becomes increasingly preoccupied with power and his future destiny. The tragic events of the play begin with this encounter.
Macbeth Act 1, Scene 3
Long Answer Questions and Answers
1. Describe the encounter between Macbeth, Banquo, and the Three Witches.
Macbeth and Banquo encounter the Three Witches while returning from the battlefield after Scotland’s victory. The witches appear on a lonely heath during stormy weather, creating an atmosphere of mystery and unease. Banquo is immediately struck by their strange appearance and questions whether they are truly women. The witches greet Macbeth with three titles: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future King of Scotland. They also make several predictions about Banquo’s future and the future of his descendants. After delivering their prophecies, the witches suddenly vanish. Macbeth is fascinated by their words, while Banquo remains cautious. The encounter marks the beginning of Macbeth’s growing ambition and sets the tragedy in motion.
2. Discuss Macbeth’s reaction to the witches’ prophecies.
Macbeth is deeply affected by the witches’ prophecies, especially the prediction that he will become king. At first, he is surprised because he already knows he is Thane of Glamis but has no idea that he has been named Thane of Cawdor. When Ross and Angus later confirm this prophecy, Macbeth becomes even more convinced that the witches possess supernatural knowledge. The idea of becoming king excites him and stimulates his imagination. At the same time, he is disturbed by the thoughts that arise in his mind. He begins to wonder how the prophecy might come true. His reaction reveals the presence of ambition within him. This moment marks the beginning of his internal conflict between duty and desire.
3. How does Banquo respond to the witches’ predictions?
Banquo responds to the witches with much greater caution than Macbeth. Although he is curious about their prophecies, he does not become obsessed with them. He listens carefully when the witches predict that his descendants will become kings. However, he remains skeptical about trusting supernatural beings. Banquo warns Macbeth that evil forces often tell small truths to gain a person’s confidence before leading them toward destruction. Unlike Macbeth, he does not allow the prophecies to control his thoughts. His balanced and rational response highlights his wisdom and self-control. Shakespeare uses Banquo as a contrast to Macbeth throughout the play.
4. Explain the significance of the witches’ prophecies in Act 1, Scene 3.
The witches’ prophecies are significant because they drive the plot of the entire play. They awaken Macbeth’s ambition by suggesting that he will one day become king. The immediate fulfillment of the prophecy that he will become Thane of Cawdor makes the witches appear trustworthy. As a result, Macbeth begins to think seriously about the possibility of gaining the crown. The prophecies also create suspense because the audience wonders whether and how they will come true. In Banquo’s case, the prediction about his descendants becoming kings has important implications for the future. The prophecies introduce the themes of fate, free will, and temptation. They serve as the catalyst for Macbeth’s tragic downfall.
5. How does Shakespeare develop the theme of fate and free will in this scene?
Shakespeare develops the theme of fate and free will through the witches’ predictions and Macbeth’s response to them. The witches appear to reveal a future that is already determined. Their accurate prediction about Macbeth becoming Thane of Cawdor suggests that fate may control events. However, they never tell Macbeth what actions he should take to become king. Macbeth must decide for himself how to respond to the prophecy. At first, he hopes that fate will make him king without any effort on his part. Later, however, he chooses to take matters into his own hands. This raises the question of whether fate predicts events or whether individuals create their own destiny through their choices.
6. Examine the role of the supernatural in Act 1, Scene 3.
The supernatural plays a central role in this scene through the presence of the Three Witches. They create an atmosphere of mystery, fear, and uncertainty. Their ability to predict future events gives them an aura of supernatural power. The witches also demonstrate magical abilities when discussing their plans to torment a sailor. Shakespeare uses them to blur the line between reality and the supernatural world. Their prophecies influence Macbeth’s thinking and awaken desires that had previously remained hidden. However, the witches do not force Macbeth to act; they merely tempt him with possibilities. Their role highlights the danger of yielding to temptation and the influence of evil forces on human minds.
7. Compare and contrast Macbeth and Banquo in this scene.
Both Macbeth and Banquo are brave soldiers who encounter the witches together, but they react very differently to the prophecies. Macbeth becomes fascinated by the prediction that he will become king and immediately begins thinking about the future. Banquo, however, remains skeptical and cautious. While Macbeth is drawn toward ambition, Banquo focuses on understanding the true nature of the witches. Banquo warns that evil powers often use truths to deceive people. Macbeth allows the prophecy to influence his thoughts, whereas Banquo maintains his self-control. Their contrasting responses reveal important differences in their characters. Shakespeare uses Banquo as a foil to highlight Macbeth’s growing ambition and vulnerability to temptation.
8. Why is Act 1, Scene 3 considered one of the most important scenes in the play?
Act 1, Scene 3 is considered one of the most important scenes because it sets the entire tragedy in motion. It introduces the witches’ prophecies, which become the driving force behind many of Macbeth’s actions. The scene marks the first appearance of Macbeth and reveals the beginnings of his ambition. It also establishes the contrast between Macbeth and Banquo. The fulfillment of the prophecy about the Thane of Cawdor convinces Macbeth that the witches may be telling the truth. This encourages him to think about becoming king. The scene develops important themes such as fate, free will, temptation, and the supernatural. Without this encounter, the tragic events of the play would never unfold.
