“When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?” (First Witch)

Explanation: The witches discuss when they will next meet, suggesting they always appear in dark and stormy conditions.
Analysis: This immediately establishes a mysterious and ominous atmosphere. The storm symbolizes disorder, foreshadowing the chaos that will unfold in the play.
Themes: Supernatural, fate, disorder.
Language Devices:

• Pathetic Fallacy: The storm reflects the play’s dark mood.
• Tricolon: “Thunder, lightning, or in rain” emphasizes the witches’ association with bad weather and chaos.

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“When the hurly-burly’s done, When the battle’s lost and won.” (Second Witch)

Explanation: The witches will meet again once the battle is over. The phrase “lost and won” suggests that one side will win while the other loses.
Analysis: The paradox of “lost and won” foreshadows Macbeth’s fate—though he will win the battle and gain power, he will ultimately lose everything.
Themes: Fate, paradox, duality.
Language Devices:

• Paradox: The battle is both “lost and won,” mirroring the contradictions in Macbeth’s story.
• Foreshadowing: Macbeth’s rise and fall are hinted at in this line.

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“That will be ere the set of sun.” (Third Witch)

Explanation: The witches will meet Macbeth before the sun sets.
Analysis: Darkness is linked to their presence, reinforcing the theme of evil and foreboding events.
Themes: Darkness, supernatural forces.
Language Devices:

• Symbolism: The setting sun represents the end of light and the dominance of darkness—both literally and metaphorically.

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“Where the place?” “Upon the heath.” (First and Second Witch)

Explanation: They plan to meet on a barren heath, a desolate, open place.
Analysis: The heath is symbolic of isolation and disorder, reflecting Macbeth’s later descent into moral chaos.
Themes: Isolation, supernatural influence.
Language Devices:

• Setting as Symbolism: The heath represents chaos, mirroring the disorder in Scotland.

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“There to meet with Macbeth.” (Third Witch)

Explanation: The witches intend to meet Macbeth, signaling that he is important to their plans.
Analysis: This line foreshadows that Macbeth will be influenced by supernatural forces.
Themes: Fate, supernatural, power.
Language Devices:

• Dramatic Irony: The audience knows the witches plan to manipulate Macbeth before he even appears.

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“I come, Graymalkin.” “Paddock calls.” “Anon.” (Witches)

Explanation: The witches refer to their spirit companions—Graymalkin (a cat) and Paddock (a toad).
Analysis: This reinforces their connection to witchcraft and dark magic. In Shakespeare’s time, witches were believed to have animal familiars that helped them in their spells.
Themes: Supernatural, dark magic.
Language Devices:

• Allusion: References to witches’ familiars reflect common superstitions.

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“Fair is foul, and foul is fair; Hover through the fog and filthy air.” (All Witches)

Explanation: The witches chant that what seems good is bad, and what seems bad is good. They then vanish into the mist.
Analysis: This line encapsulates one of the central themes of the play: appearance vs. reality. It warns that things (and people) may not be what they seem, foreshadowing Macbeth’s moral confusion.
Themes: Deception, moral ambiguity, supernatural influence.
Language Devices:

• Paradox: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” highlights the blurred line between good and evil.
• Alliteration: “Fog and filthy air” creates a sense of unease.
• Symbolism: The fog represents deception and confusion, which will dominate the play.