Fair is foul and foul is fair

1. Fair is foul and foul is fair

2. What comes to mind when you think of witches?

3. Act 1 Scene 1: Meeting the Witches Act 1 Scene 1 introduces some of the most memorable characters in Shakespeare – The three witches! We are going to watch three different opening scenes of Macbeth to see how they have presented these characters. For each version, make notes about: 1.The setting 2. Costume/How the witches are portrayed 3. How the characters make you feel

4. Act 1, Scene 1 SCENE I. A desolate place . Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches First Witch: When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain? Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done, When the battle's lost and won. Third Witch: That will be ere the set of sun. First Witch: Where the place? Second Witch: Upon the heath. Third Witch: There to meet with Macbeth. First Witch: I come, Graymalkin ! Second Witch: Paddock calls. Third Witch: Anon. ALL Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air. Exeunt

5. Scene 1: The Setting The scene starts on a moor. The three witches enter to thunder and lightening. What does this tell you about the action that is to follow?

6. Act 1 Scene 1 questions: When are the witches planning to meet Macbeth? (Support your answer with quotations) Which words let us know that this is a play about opposites and the reversal of the natural order? Put the following things in their ‘natural order’: minerals, Man, beasts, plants, noblemen, God, kings

7. Reminder of homework Research witchcraft in Shakespearean England One of the key themes of the play was the consequences of killing a king – why was this so apt – what happened in 1605? Use your research to answer the question: Why was Macbeth so topical when it was first performed?