Chapter 1
ACT I, SCENE I – A desolate heath at night. Three witches meet and chant “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” foreshadowing supernatural meddling.
SCENE II – A Scottish camp near Forres. King Duncan learns from a bleeding captain that the Scottish forces, led by Macbeth and Banquo, have defeated the rebel Macdonwald and the Norwegian army. Duncan discovers that the current Thane of Cawdor has been a traitor and orders his execution, then announces that Macbeth will inherit the title of Thane of Cawdor.
SCENE III – The same heath. The witches, amid strange incantations, encounter Macbeth and Banquo. They hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor (yet unknown to him), and future king. They address Banquo as “lesser” and “greater,” predicting his descendants will be kings. Macbeth, bewildered, demands the meaning of the prophecies; the witches vanish. Ross and Angus arrive, bringing news that Macbeth has indeed been named Thane of Cawdor, confirming part of the prophecy. Macbeth wrestles with the implications, while Banquo warns that “instruments of darkness” may tell truth to betray. Macbeth contemplates ambition and fate.
SCENE IV – The royal palace at Forres. Duncan announces that his son Malcolm will be named Prince of Cumberland, establishing him as the heir. Macbeth sees this as an obstacle to the throne he has been prophesied to attain. He silently vows that the “stars hide their fires” to conceal his dark desires.
SCENE V – Macbeth’s castle at Inverness. Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth describing the witches’ predictions. She fears Macbeth is “too full o’ the milk of human kindness” to seize the throne and calls upon spirits to “unsex” her, filling her with cruelty. A messenger informs her that King Duncan will spend the night at their castle. Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to appear welcoming while secretly planning Duncan’s murder, insisting he must “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.”
SCENE VI – The great hall of Macbeth’s castle. Duncan, accompanied by his sons, Banquo, and other nobles, arrives and praises the pleasant setting. Lady Macbeth greets the king with exaggerated hospitality, masking her murderous intent.
SCENE VII – A lobby in the castle. Macbeth wrestles with the morality of killing Duncan, noting his duties as kinsman, subject, and host. He acknowledges his “vaulting ambition” but doubts his resolve. Lady Macbeth enters, chastising his hesitation and questioning his manhood. She lays out a detailed plan: the thane of Cawdor and Lennox will be drugged, Duncan will be slain in his sleep, and the murder will be blamed on the drugged servants. She urges Macbeth to seize the moment, promising they will not fail if he hardens his courage. Macbeth finally declares he is settled on the deed, pledging to “false face” to cover his “false heart.”