ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Act 1, scene 3 The three witches greet Macbeth as “Thane of Glamis” (as he is), “Thane of Cawdor, ” and “king hereafter.” They then promise Banquo that he will father kings, and they disappear.

Detailed explanation-2: -Three “Weïrd Sisters” appear to Macbeth and his comrade Banquo after a battle and prophesy that Macbeth will be king and that the descendants of Banquo will also reign. When Macbeth arrives at his castle, he and Lady Macbeth plot to assassinate King Duncan, soon to be their guest, so that Macbeth can become king.

Detailed explanation-3: -It is Banquo who first describes the Witches. His words in Act 1, Scene 3 depict the Witches as stereotypical hags – ‘withered’ and ‘wild’, unearthly beings (’That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ Earth’) with ‘skinny lips’, chapped (’choppy’) fingers and beards (1.3. 40–46).

Detailed explanation-4: -The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be promoted twice: to Thane of Cawdor (a rank of the aristocracy bestowed by grateful kings) and King of Scotland. Banquo’s descendants will be kings, but Banquo isn’t promised any kingdom himself.