ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The witches gather on the moor and cast a spell as Macbeth and Banquo arrive. The witches hail Macbeth first by his title Thane of Glamis, then as Thane of Cawdor and finally as king. They then prophesy that Banquo’s children will become kings.

Detailed explanation-2: -After a battle in Scotland, Macbeth and his friend Banquo meet three witches, who make three prophecies-Macbeth will be a thane, Macbeth will be king and Banquo’s sons will be kings.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Three Witches first appear in act 1, sc 1, where they agree to meet later with Macbeth. In act 1, sc 3, they greet Macbeth with a prophecy that he shall be king, and his companion, Banquo, with a prophecy that he shall generate a line of kings. The prophecies have great impact upon Macbeth.

Detailed explanation-4: -Banquo laughs at the prophecies but Macbeth is excited, especially as soon after their meeting with the witches Macbeth is made Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan, in return for his bravery in the battle. He writes to his wife, Lady Macbeth, who is as excited as he is.

Detailed explanation-5: -The witches tell him he’ll be less happy than Macbeth but far happier, and predict that Banquo will never be king, but his descendants will be. Macbeth will soon murder Banquo to try to keep this from happening, but he will fail to kill Banquo’s son Fleance, who could end up making the witches’ prophesy come true.