» We finally meet the infamous Lady Macbeth

Act I summary: » She is reading a letter from Macbeth, which informs

her of his victory and the prophecies
Scene Five » Shows the equality in the relationship – equal power,
equal respect
» We also get to see the darker side to this Scottish lady:
she will do anything, including casting aside her
femininity, to help her husband realise his ambition &
fulfil the prophecy
» An attendant informs her that Duncan will be coming to
stay
» Macbeth returns, and the couple discuss the possible
courses of action (murder…)
» Lady Macbeth assures him that he can leave the plan
up to him
» Revealing her power and the respect Macbeth has for
her by letting her have control

2 www.wolkskool.co.za

Act I summary: » Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle at

Inverness
Scene Six » Lady Macbeth greets him, and reveals
her duplicitous nature
» “Honoured hostess” (l. 10)…
» Again, shows Lady Macbeth’s power
and the equal power relations between
her and Macbeth
» This is dramatic irony
» When something the audience knows
is contradicted/not known by the other
characters
 » Macbeth and Lady Macbeth host a feast for their
Act I summary: guests, this scene takes place immediately outside
of the feast
Scene Seven » Macbeth starts the scene with another soliloquy
» Expressing his concern about taking the throne from
Duncan
» Here we see the conflict between his loyalty and his
ambition
» Lady Macbeth enters and criticises Macbeth for not
acting and reveals her plan to remove Duncan from
the throne and have Macbeth crowned
» Lady Macbeth’s power and resilience is revealed
again and contrasted by Macbeth’s unwillingness
to act
» She is sure that they will not fail and Macbeth is thus
convinced

» Establish background
So, what’s the
» Which is foreboding
point of Act I? » Set the socio-political context
» Introduce & expose characters
» Set the stage for the plot
» Introduce themes:
» Guilt
» Ambition
» Gender roles
» Good leadership vs tyranny
» Fate vs free will

5 www.wolkskool.co.za