Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches.
First Witch: When shall we three meet again?
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second: When the hurlyburly’s done,
Third: That will be ere the set of sun.
First: Where the place?
Second: Upon the heath.
Third: There to meet with Macbeth.
First: I come, Graymalkin.
Paddock calls anon.
All: Fair is foul, and foul is fair.
Hover through the fog and filthy air.
Definitions:
- hurlyburly: turmoil, confusion, fighting
- ere: before
- heath: barren place
- Graymalkin: name for a gray cat
- Paddock: toad
Assignment:
Discussion Questions
You can respond to the following discussion questions in a small group of 2-3 people. One person needs to take notes for your group.
1. The witches describe the present state of the world with the line “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” What does this mean?
2. The language of this scene creates an atmosphere. Pull out some descriptive words that clue us into this atmosphere (like “hurlyburly”). What do they tell us about the setting of this play?
3. Shakespeare only gives us the lines for this scene: no details exist about the setting, how the witches look, how they move, or any other things a director must consider when planning how to perform this scene. Use your imagination to create the details of this scene in the way you would like to see it on stage.
Respond to the following questions to get the details down on paper:
a. How do the witches enter?
b. How do they move?
c. What do they look like? Describe their faces. How old are they?
d. How is each witch different from the others?
e. How are they dressed? What are they carrying?
f. What do they do as they speak?
g. What sound effects do you need in this scene?
h. What does the background look like?
