Edexcel – Shakespeare Macbeth

You should spend about 55 minutes on this section.

You should divide your time equally between parts (a) and (b)
of the question.

From Act 1, scene 1, the whole scene, lines 1-13

In this extract the three witches meet on the heath to discuss
their next meeting where they will meet Macbeth.

Act 1 Scene 1 A desert 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.

a) Explore how Shakespeare presents the power of the witches by open-

ing the play with this scene.
Refer closely to the extract in your answer. 20 marks
b) In this extract there is a strong sense of the supernatural.
Explain the importance of the supernatural elsewhere in the play.
In your answer, you must consider:
• how the supernatural is shown;
• why the supernatural is important.
20 marks