Act I

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The mood is dark, eerie, and threatening. Thunder, lightning, a storm-swept heath, and the witches’ strange speech create a supernatural atmosphere and prepare the play’s tragic tone.

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The weird sisters are the three witches. The word 'weird' means 'fateful' and links them with the Fates of classical mythology. They are not just ordinary witches; they represent fate, prophecy, and m…

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They decide to meet Macbeth on the heath after the battle. Their plan shows that Macbeth’s future is already being shaped by supernatural forces in the play’s opening.

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It suggests that the play will blur the difference between what seems good and what is actually evil. This is a major theme of Macbeth: appearance and reality are often opposite.

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They greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and the future king. These prophecies awaken his hidden ambition and create the central conflict of the play.

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They say Banquo will not be king, but his descendants will be kings. This means Banquo is promised future greatness through his children, not through himself.

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Macbeth is unnerved because their prophecy seems to reveal his secret hopes. He is speechless with wonder, and Banquo notices his reaction. This moment shows the power of prophecy over Macbeth’s mind.

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Banquo warns that evil forces often tell partial truths to mislead people into ruin. He understands that a true statement can still be used for harmful purposes.