Macbeth - Act 1 Summary (AQA GCSE English)
Main Theme: Ambition and Fate
Setting: Scotland
Key Events in Act 1:
- Three witches appear and predict Macbeth's future: he will become king.
- Macbeth meets King Duncan, who praises him.
- Lady Macbeth learns about the prophecy and begins plotting King Duncan's murder.
- Macbeth feels conflicted but is influenced by Lady Macbeth's ambition.
Important Quote:
"Fair is foul, and foul is fair." (Witches)
Why Act 1 Matters:
It introduces Macbeth's ambition and the idea of fate vs. free will, setting up the tragic events that
follow.
Main Theme: Ambition and Fate
Setting: Scotland
Key Events in Act 1:
- Three witches appear and predict Macbeth's future: he will become king.
- Macbeth meets King Duncan, who praises him.
- Lady Macbeth learns about the prophecy and begins plotting King Duncan's murder.
- Macbeth feels conflicted but is influenced by Lady Macbeth's ambition.
Important Quote:
"Fair is foul, and foul is fair." (Witches)
Why Act 1 Matters:
It introduces Macbeth's ambition and the idea of fate vs. free will, setting up the tragic events that
follow.
