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1
Milly
10/9/2025
English Literature
Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3
1,201
•
Oct 9, 2025
•
Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3: Witches, Prophecies, and Banquo's Skepticism - Summary & Questions
Milly
@milly_jthj
Witches' Prophecies and Their Impact
In Act 1, Scene 3 of Macbeth, the three witches meet with Macbeth and Banquo, delivering prophecies that will shape the course of the play. This scene is crucial for understanding the development of Macbeth's character and the themes of ambition and fate.
The witches greet Macbeth with three titles: Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor, and future King of Scotland. This Macbeth Act 1, Scene 3 summary highlights the supernatural elements that drive the plot forward. The audience experiences dramatic irony, knowing that Macbeth will indeed soon become Thane of Cawdor, though the witches themselves are unaware of this fact.
Quote: "All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!"
Banquo, in contrast to Macbeth, shows skepticism towards the witches' words. He questions their intentions and reliability, demonstrating a more cautious approach to supernatural intervention.
Quote: "The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray's in deepest consequence."
This Banquo skepticism in Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3 serves as a foil to Macbeth's growing ambition and willingness to believe in the prophecies.
The scene also introduces important imagery and foreshadowing. Macbeth's line "So foul and fair a day" echoes the witches' earlier words, establishing a connection between Macbeth and the supernatural forces at play.
Highlight: The paradoxical nature of this statement reflects the moral ambiguity that will characterize Macbeth's actions throughout the play.
As the scene progresses, we witness the Macbeth ambition development in Act 1 Scene 3. Macbeth's aside reveals his internal conflict and the stirring of his ambition:
Quote: "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir."
This moment marks the beginning of Macbeth's contemplation of kingship and the potential means to achieve it. The imagery of "borrowed robes" and "strange garments" further emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality that will persist throughout the play.
Vocabulary: Regicide - The act of killing a king.
The scene also touches on the concept of the Divine Right of Kings, a belief that would have been significant to Shakespeare's contemporary audience. Macbeth's thoughts of regicide would not only be a crime against the state but also an act against God's will.
Definition: Divine Right of Kings - A political and religious doctrine asserting that a monarch derives the right to rule directly from God.
In conclusion, Act 1, Scene 3 of Macbeth sets the stage for the tragic events to come. It introduces the supernatural element, plants the seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind, and establishes the contrast between Macbeth's reaction to the prophecies and Banquo's more cautious approach. This scene is essential for understanding the characters' motivations and the themes that will unfold throughout the play.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
English Literature
Oct 9, 2025
1,201
1 page
Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3: Witches, Prophecies, and Banquo's Skepticism - Summary & Questions
Milly @milly_jthj
Act 1, Scene 3 of Macbethis a pivotal moment in Shakespeare's tragedy, introducing the witches' prophecies and setting the stage for Macbeth's ambitious descent. This scene explores themes of... Show more
Witches' Prophecies and Their Impact
In Act 1, Scene 3 of Macbeth, the three witches meet with Macbeth and Banquo, delivering prophecies that will shape the course of the play. This scene is crucial for understanding the development of Macbeth's character and the themes of ambition and fate.
The witches greet Macbeth with three titles Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor, and future King of Scotland. This Macbeth Act 1, Scene 3 summary highlights the supernatural elements that drive the plot forward. The audience experiences dramatic irony, knowing that Macbeth will indeed soon become Thane of Cawdor, though the witches themselves are unaware of this fact.
Quote "All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!"
Banquo, in contrast to Macbeth, shows skepticism towards the witches' words. He questions their intentions and reliability, demonstrating a more cautious approach to supernatural intervention.
Quote "The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray's in deepest consequence."
This Banquo skepticism in Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3 serves as a foil to Macbeth's growing ambition and willingness to believe in the prophecies.
The scene also introduces important imagery and foreshadowing. Macbeth's line "So foul and fair a day" echoes the witches' earlier words, establishing a connection between Macbeth and the supernatural forces at play.
Highlight The paradoxical nature of this statement reflects the moral ambiguity that will characterize Macbeth's actions throughout the play.
As the scene progresses, we witness the Macbeth ambition development in Act 1 Scene 3. Macbeth's aside reveals his internal conflict and the stirring of his ambition
Quote "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir."
This moment marks the beginning of Macbeth's contemplation of kingship and the potential means to achieve it. The imagery of "borrowed robes" and "strange garments" further emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality that will persist throughout the play.
Vocabulary Regicide - The act of killing a king.
The scene also touches on the concept of the Divine Right of Kings, a belief that would have been significant to Shakespeare's contemporary audience. Macbeth's thoughts of regicide would not only be a crime against the state but also an act against God's will.
Definition Divine Right of Kings - A political and religious doctrine asserting that a monarch derives the right to rule directly from God.
In conclusion, Act 1, Scene 3 of Macbeth sets the stage for the tragic events to come. It introduces the supernatural element, plants the seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind, and establishes the contrast between Macbeth's reaction to the prophecies and Banquo's more cautious approach. This scene is essential for understanding the characters' motivations and the themes that will unfold throughout the play.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user