What did the witches plot in Act 1 Scene 3?

Answer 1

Witches held the same importance at the time of the writing and first performing of the Shakespearean play 'Macbeth' as they did at the time of the real, historical Macbeth [c. 1014-August 15, 1057]. In the seventeenth century, as in the eleventh, witches were believed to be in league with the devil. That was why Banquo told Macbeth to distrust the reasons for the witches making themselves and their predictions known, in Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 123-126.

Answer 2

In Act 1 Scene 3 of the Shakespearean play, the witches plotted the downfall of Macbeth [c. 1014-August 15, 1057]. They did so by their predictions regarding him and his friend and fellow General Banquo. They cleverly proceeded from the known to the unknown in what they said. The three witches started out hailing him as the Thane of Glamis, which Macbeth already was. Then they hailed him as the Thane of Cawdor, which seemed an impossibility to Macbeth. Cawdor included the powerful title and the prosperous possessions of a Scotsman who still was alive, as far as Macbeth knew. In the event of death or dispossession, the disposition of the title and the possessions would have been the King's decision. Possibly, King Duncan I [d. August 14, 1040] wasn't known for sharing or being generous. For example, he rewarded Banquo for a pivotal role in saving Scotland from invading Norwegians and rebellious Scotsmen with a mere 'thank you'. And then the witches hailed Macbeth as King of Scotland. That seemed an even greater impossibility. Duncan reigned, and had as sons the future King Malcolm III [d. November 13, 1093] and King Donald III [d. 1099]. Once again, the King may have been known to keep things very firmly within the family. Regardless, something about what Macbeth knew about the recipients of power and wealth led him to consider the noble and the royal titles as beyond his reach. But then Macbeth learned immediately after the witches vanished that he indeed was Thane of Cawdor. The combination of his own ambition and manipulability with the meddling of the witches made Macbeth foredoom his own tragedy. He made that next fatal, tragic mental connection of the kingship belonging to him by destiny, by due, and by right.

Answer 3

The witches in 'Macbeth' drove the plot of the play by their predictions. Their predictions gave Macbeth the motiveto follow his murderous path to power. The witches called Macbeth thane of Glamis and of Cawdor, and future king. Macbeth already was thane of Glamis. Then he became thane of Cawdor by the execution of the previous title holder. With two out of three statements showing themselves true, Macbeth decided that the throne of Scotland was his by right, and by destiny. The witches told Macbeth twice that Banquo's line would inherit the throne, and that Macduff was someone to watch out for. Once again, such predictions gave Macbeth the motive to consolidate his bloody rule. With those warnings in mind, he had Macduff's family killed. He went on to oppress the Scottish people so that they would be incapable of rebelling on their own or of aiding the exiled Donalbaine, Macduff, and Malcolm.

Answer 4

In Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth, the witches plot to meet Macbeth by the heath after the battle, where they plan to deliver prophecies that will plant the seeds of ambition and desire for power in his mind. They aim to manipulate him into a course of action that will ultimately lead to his downfall.