Consequently, when studying any Shakespeare play we must be aware of the different ways in which the characters and language of the play can be interpreted. Macbeth is a complex play which requires us, as an audience or readers, to make decisions about the nature of the characters, their motivations, their interactions and their choices. For example, the way in which we interpret the character of Lady Macbeth and her relationship with Macbeth will determine much of our response to the play. Similarly, the way in which we interpret the role of the witches and their effect on Macbeth will have an affect on our attitude towards fate and our ability to determine our own destiny. In the first three scenes of Act One, rather than meeting Macbeth immediately, we are presented with others' reactions to him.
Scene one begins with the witches, accepted symbols of evil.
They arrange to meet with Macbeth sometime in the near future when a battle which is obviously in progress is concluded. Scene two provides us with the views Duncan, the King, and the bloodied Captain have of Macbeth. The first part of scene three sees a return of the witches. Macbeth and Banquo are confronted by the witches who predict both Macbeth's and Banquo's future. Analyse Banquo's reaction to their prophesy regarding Macbeth.