Top Quotes from Act One Scene One of Macbeth

Act One Scene One of Macbeth is brief but significant, setting the ominous and mysterious tone for the entire play. The scene features the three witches gathering amidst thunder and lightning, hinting at the chaos to come. Below are some of the most iconic quotes from this scene, including the one highlighted in the video.

1. "Fair is foul, and foul is fair"

This line, spoken by the witches, encapsulates the theme of moral confusion that permeates the play. It suggests that appearances can be deceiving, and things that seem good might actually be evil, and vice versa. The sibilance in the F sounds—as mentioned in the video—creates an eerie effect, reinforcing the unsettling nature of the witches.

2. "When shall we three meet again, in thunder, lightning, or in rain?"

This is the very first line of Macbeth, spoken by one of the witches. It sets the supernatural and foreboding mood, as the witches gather in a storm. The chaotic weather mirrors the turmoil that will unfold in the plot.

3. "Hover through the fog and filthy air"

As the witches exit, this line further emphasizes the unnatural and murky moral landscape they inhabit. It aligns with the theme of deception and confusion, as the "fog" metaphorically represents the unclear motivations and hidden truths in the play.

These quotes, though brief, introduce some of the central themes of Macbeth: the inversion of morality, the supernatural, and the ominous atmosphere of foreboding and treachery.