Natalie on Macbeth 1.1

Macbeth 1.1 (Natalie Erwin)

The opening scene of Macbeth sets the tone for the overall play filled with deceit, madness, and confusion between what is real and what is fantasy. Eerie and ominous, the weird sisters discuss the plans of when to meet again, “When the hurly-burly’s done, When the battle’s lost and won” (1.1.3-4). This foreshadows following events in the play, but leaves the audience to later wonder if the battle was one of nobility or sanity.

The first scene can be overlooked considering the whole of the play, however, it should be paid close attention. Shakespeare is an intentional writer, by introducing the three witches first he is truly introducing the plays main character. While the piece may be titled Macbeth the true catalysts are the witches. The weird sisters are the propellant for Macbeth’s heinous behavior by enticing him with the idea of power and providing explicit details as to achieving his goal. The scene may seem out of place and unfinished but Shakespeare is deliberately showing the audience that the world of Macbeth is never as it seems.