Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, begins with three witches meeting on a bleak Scottish moor. In the first few lines, they set the tone for the entire play with their eerie incantations and ominous predictions. As the story unfolds, we see the tragic downfall of Macbeth, a once-great general whose ambition and thirst for power lead him to commit unspeakable acts of violence. But why should readers keep reading? The answer lies in Shakespeare’s masterful storytelling, which weaves together themes of fate, free will, and the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition. With its unforgettable characters, haunting imagery, and timeless themes, Macbeth is a play that continues to captivate audiences centuries after it was first performed.
Introduction
Macbeth, the Scottish play by William Shakespeare, is one of the greatest tragedies of all time. It tells the story of Macbeth, a brave Scottish general who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become king. Driven by ambition and encouraged by his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the throne. However, guilt and paranoia consume Macbeth, leading to a tragic end. The opening lines of the play set the tone for the entire story, and we will explore them in this article.
The Opening Line
The play starts with three witches meeting in a stormy heath. The first line of the play is spoken by the first witch: “When shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning, or in rain?” This line sets the atmosphere of the play, a dark and gloomy world where supernatural forces are at work. The use of weather elements like thunder, lightning, and rain creates a sense of foreboding and mystery. The repetition of “three” emphasizes the importance of the witches, who will play a pivotal role in the story.
The Second Line
The second line is spoken by the second witch: “When the hurly-burly’s done, when the battle’s lost and won.” This line refers to the ongoing war between Scotland and Norway, which Macbeth is fighting in. The line suggests that the battle is chaotic and confusing, with no clear winner or loser. The use of the phrase “hurly-burly” creates a sense of disorder and violence. The line also hints at the theme of appearance vs. reality, a major theme in the play.
The Third Line
The third line is spoken by the third witch: “That will be ere the set of sun.” This line suggests that the witches have a plan and that they are waiting for something to happen. The use of the phrase “ere the set of sun” creates a sense of urgency and inevitability. The line also foreshadows the events to come, as the witches will later meet Macbeth and give him a prophecy that will change his life forever.
The Three Witches
The three witches are one of the most iconic elements of Macbeth. They are mysterious and otherworldly, and their prophecies drive the plot of the play. The opening lines of the play introduce them as powerful and important characters. The repetition of “three” emphasizes their unity, and the use of weather elements creates a sense of magic and wonder.
Their Prophecy
Later in the play, the witches meet Macbeth and give him a prophecy that he will become king. This prophecy sets in motion the events that lead to Macbeth’s downfall. The witches’ prophecy also raises questions about fate and free will, as Macbeth’s actions seem to fulfill the prophecy but also lead to his downfall. The opening lines of the play foreshadow the witches’ prophecy, creating a sense of inevitability and doom.
The Theme of Ambition
Macbeth is a play about ambition and its consequences. The opening lines of the play suggest that ambition is a powerful force that can lead to great things but also great destruction. Macbeth’s ambition to become king drives him to murder and betrayal, ultimately leading to his downfall. Lady Macbeth’s ambition to see her husband become king drives her to manipulate and control him, leading to her own tragic end.
The Power of Ambition
The opening lines of the play suggest that ambition is a powerful force that can drive people to do great things. Macbeth’s bravery and skill as a warrior are a testament to his ambition and his desire to prove himself. However, the play also suggests that ambition can be destructive if left unchecked. Macbeth’s ambition leads him to betray his king and his friends, ultimately leading to his own downfall.
The Consequences of Ambition
The opening lines of the play also suggest that ambition has consequences. Macbeth’s actions lead to the deaths of many people, including his own wife and best friend. Lady Macbeth’s ambition leads to her descent into madness and eventual suicide. The play suggests that ambition can be a double-edged sword, driving people to greatness but also leading to their destruction.
Conclusion
The opening lines of Macbeth set the tone for the entire play, introducing the three witches, the theme of ambition, and the sense of foreboding and mystery that permeates the story. The use of weather elements, repetition, and foreshadowing create a sense of inevitability and doom, hinting at the tragic events to come. Macbeth is a timeless play that continues to captivate audiences with its powerful themes and unforgettable characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening lines of Macbeth?
The opening lines of Macbeth are spoken by the three witches and are as follows: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair: / Hover through the fog and filthy air.”
What is the significance of the opening lines of Macbeth?
The opening lines of Macbeth set the tone for the entire play, introducing the theme of appearance versus reality. The witches’ paradoxical statement “fair is foul, and foul is fair” suggests that things are not always what they seem, and that there is a sense of confusion and disorder in the world of the play. Additionally, the bleak imagery of “fog and filthy air” creates a sense of darkness and foreboding, foreshadowing the tragic events to come.