Act 1, Scene 3

The witches tell Macbeth he will be king. They tell Banquo his sons will be kings. The first part comes true at once.

This scene in five words

WitchespromiseMacbeththecrown

Hide these. Ask the class for their five. Then show them. Then play today's sentence.

The quotes

6 big quotes in this scene.

So foul and fair a day I have not seen

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 3 · the supernatural · appearance and reality

Macbeth's first words copy the witches. He has not met them yet.

Lesser than Macbeth and greater

Witches · Act 1, Scene 3 · fate and free will · the supernatural

The witches tell Banquo he is lower than Macbeth, but higher too. His sons will be kings.

Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none

Witches · Act 1, Scene 3 · fate and free will · kingship

Banquo will never be king. But his children will. Macbeth cannot forget this.

If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me Without my stir

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 3 · ambition · fate and free will

Macbeth says he will wait and let luck make him king. He cannot wait.

Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 3 · ambition · guilt

Real danger scares him less than the things he imagines. His mind is his enemy.

The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray 's In deepest consequence

Banquo · Act 1, Scene 3 · the supernatural · appearance and reality

Banquo sees the trick. The witches tell small true things so you believe one big lie.