Macbeth - How do the events of Act 1 prepare the audience for what happens in the rest of the play?

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Daniel Leigh 11Saul

How do the events of Act 1 prepare the audience for what happens

in the rest of the play?

The play ‘Macbeth’ was written by William Shakespeare as early as 1606

and is thought to have been written for King James I who was especially

afraid of Witches, who are important characters and affect many of

Macbeth’s decisions throughout the play.

Macbeth starts the play as a noble in the service of King Duncan I of

Scotland. He starts as Thane (noble) of Glamis and soon becomes Thane

of Cawdor, after putting down the rebellion in that region.

In the play "Macbeth", there are many interesting sections that concentrate

on the suspense and the involvement of the supernatural. The use of the

supernatural in the witches, Lady Macbeth, nature, the vision, the ghost

and the apparitions are all key elements in making "Macbeth" as a tragedy

play. With the sense of the supernatural and interference of the spirits,

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are led to dangerous tempting things.

Macbeth's character becomes completely different from the brave soldier

to the evil king and to his tragic death where he discovers humility again

when it is too late. Lady Macbeth's character also changes from being a

loving wife and masculine woman to madness woman. The use of

supernatural also makes the play interesting to the audience. Examining

certain scenes of the play, it is noticed that the supernatural is definitely a

major factor on the play's style.

On their way home from the battle between Norway and Scotland which

they won, Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches.  The witches foretell

that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the king of

Scotland and that Banquo will become

        “Not so happy, yet much happier”

and that one of his (Banquo’s) descendants will become king.  These

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predictions for consequences later in the play as the supernatural events in

Act 1 are the first in the series, therefore preparing the audience for later

incidents, for instance in Act 4 when the witches start concocting spells.

When everybody gets home from the battle, there is a joyous celebration

for the victory over Norway.  Included in the party, Duncan proclaims his

successor to reign after he dies, he proclaims that Malcolm will take over

his throne- Macbeth is disappointed to say the least.  

When Duncan does this, the audience sees Macbeth’s ambition ...

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