Act 1 Analysis by Lee
Hello everyone! This is my first post on the blog, and I've decided to type out my sample analysis of the opening act of Macbeth. I'd advise you to use this as a guideline rather than a concrete analysis. The reason I say this is because I'm no expert at English but I'm quite proud of this assignment nonetheless!
The Analysis
The opening act of this Shakespearean tragedy lays the foundations of the play. It gives a crisp and clear view to the plot and an immediate introduction to the characters. The audience are given the ability to establish the main and recurring themes.
From the outset, the theme of appearance versus reality lingers. Scene I incorporates pathetic fallacy into the brewing misfortune ahead. Three witches predicted the end of the battle between Scotland and Norway. These malign and supernatural creatures represent the evil and catastrophic events of the play:
"When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning or rain?"
The protagonist, Macbeth, then arises in conversation. This is an indication to the audience that he is a man of great power and nobility.
"Where the place?
Upon the heath.
There to meet with Macbeth
I come, Graymalkin!"
At this point in time, it is unknown as to why the "weird sisters" have taken a keen fascination to Macbeth, although one can assume that it is not for good intentions.
From the opening lines of the second scene, distasteful imagery and gory references are made. The war that had just finished, ended with much blood shed on the battlefield. This indicates that society is undoubtedly in chaos. The audience also get an initial view at some of the key characters, particularly Duncan the king. The begin to speak of Macdonwald, the Thane of Cawdor that had committed treason and betrayed the king. A contrast is made between the deceitful Macdonwald and the brave and meritorious Macbeth who has been nothing but noble and hardworking. Macbeth is shown to be a fearless and ruthless warrior, who wastes no time in completing his duties. Not only does he have the support of the surrounding public, but the king himself. It's evident that Duncan has a great deal of respect for Macbeth, and is perhaps overly praiseworthy at times. Macbeth isn't doing anything out of the ordinary or overly exuberant. Duncan refers to him as "a worthy gentleman". Instilling this level of trust in a person is dangerous territory for the king, who has been betrayed before. This suggests that he is perhaps a little naïve. It appears that he hasn't learned from this initial mistakes. Although slightly naïve, Duncan possesses many good qualities. He is a very fair, considerate and rewarding man. He refers to Macbeth as "valour's minion", in relation to his courage on the battlefield. Macbeth's fighting skills are vividly depicted in this scene:
"Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps."
There is a violent tag attached to Macbeth. One of the noblemen, Ross states that Macbeth is a suitable bridegroom for Bellona, the Roman goddess of war. This is a powerful description of him in itself.
Duncan then announces that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor, which is quite a prestigious title to be awarded.
At the end of the second scene, Macbeth sill hasn't made a physical appearance, but we still have a great understanding of his character.
Scene III is the precipitating event - the meeting between Macbeth and the three witches. Any assumptions or questions that the audience had in the first scene are now revealed. The extent of the witches brutal nature is shown in this scene
Unfinished Tabitha in case you're reading!
The Analysis
The opening act of this Shakespearean tragedy lays the foundations of the play. It gives a crisp and clear view to the plot and an immediate introduction to the characters. The audience are given the ability to establish the main and recurring themes.
From the outset, the theme of appearance versus reality lingers. Scene I incorporates pathetic fallacy into the brewing misfortune ahead. Three witches predicted the end of the battle between Scotland and Norway. These malign and supernatural creatures represent the evil and catastrophic events of the play:
"When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning or rain?"
The protagonist, Macbeth, then arises in conversation. This is an indication to the audience that he is a man of great power and nobility.
"Where the place?
Upon the heath.
There to meet with Macbeth
I come, Graymalkin!"
At this point in time, it is unknown as to why the "weird sisters" have taken a keen fascination to Macbeth, although one can assume that it is not for good intentions.
From the opening lines of the second scene, distasteful imagery and gory references are made. The war that had just finished, ended with much blood shed on the battlefield. This indicates that society is undoubtedly in chaos. The audience also get an initial view at some of the key characters, particularly Duncan the king. The begin to speak of Macdonwald, the Thane of Cawdor that had committed treason and betrayed the king. A contrast is made between the deceitful Macdonwald and the brave and meritorious Macbeth who has been nothing but noble and hardworking. Macbeth is shown to be a fearless and ruthless warrior, who wastes no time in completing his duties. Not only does he have the support of the surrounding public, but the king himself. It's evident that Duncan has a great deal of respect for Macbeth, and is perhaps overly praiseworthy at times. Macbeth isn't doing anything out of the ordinary or overly exuberant. Duncan refers to him as "a worthy gentleman". Instilling this level of trust in a person is dangerous territory for the king, who has been betrayed before. This suggests that he is perhaps a little naïve. It appears that he hasn't learned from this initial mistakes. Although slightly naïve, Duncan possesses many good qualities. He is a very fair, considerate and rewarding man. He refers to Macbeth as "valour's minion", in relation to his courage on the battlefield. Macbeth's fighting skills are vividly depicted in this scene:
"Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps."
There is a violent tag attached to Macbeth. One of the noblemen, Ross states that Macbeth is a suitable bridegroom for Bellona, the Roman goddess of war. This is a powerful description of him in itself.
Duncan then announces that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor, which is quite a prestigious title to be awarded.
At the end of the second scene, Macbeth sill hasn't made a physical appearance, but we still have a great understanding of his character.
Scene III is the precipitating event - the meeting between Macbeth and the three witches. Any assumptions or questions that the audience had in the first scene are now revealed. The extent of the witches brutal nature is shown in this scene
Unfinished Tabitha in case you're reading!