Meet Macbeth

How is Macbeth introduced through in/direct characterization?

The first time that Macbeth is mentioned in the play is through indirect characterization by the witches and later the Captain, who praises him as a brave warrior. This is shortly followed by Duncan referring to the tragic hero as ‘noble Macbeth’. However, when we meet Macbeth ‘in person’ for the first time in the third scene of Act 1, he almost immediately notices the presence of the three witches and based on his reactions to them and the message that they uncover about him becoming Thane of Cawdor and King, more is revealed about who he is. This occurs repeatedly throughout the script.

What elements of foreshadowing do the witches provide?

In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the three witches as main sources foreshadowing. In the play they are conveyed as prophecies. The audience experiences a little of these prophecies almost immediately in the opening scene and act of the play. When they talk about meeting Macbeth they say they will greet him, "when the battle's lost and won." (Shakespeare, pgage1) And then they yell together, "fair is foul, and foul is fair."(Shakespeare, page1) These two examples foreshadow that some sort of evil will be coming and that there will also be a victory of sorts, but the audience doesn't know specifically what yet. These also suggest a great battle is to be fought against good and evil and the events that follow will unfold at a rapid pace. This foreshadowing can be detected by the audience because they can feel the emotion of doom and evil rising.

How does Shakespeare's approach to exposition give the reader background information about the setting and characters and a sense of what's to come without spoiling the play?

Shakespeare is good at providing a sense of what is going to happen without exactly telling you what is going to happen. He goes around the subject to give you more of a sense of the next big thing that is going to happen.

How does Shakespeare's characterization of Macbeth reflect a sense of tone (i.e., the author's attitude toward the character/s, audience, and/or subject matter)?

The attitude Shakespeare has toward the audience and characters is more somber or sinister. This play is not a happy play and always has something that will definitely go wrong.

What themes appear evident in Macbeth's character and conduct?  To what extent do you think these themes will drive the rest of the play? 

A theme is between cruelty and masculinity. I am sure everyone will end up hurt or dead or wishing they were dead. I am sure something will happen whereas everyone will regret it.