If you have enjoyed this video, please consider making a small donation: br This video is a line-by-line walkthrough guide for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth: Act 1, Scene 1 and Scene 2.br br For each scene, I provide a close reading of the text, including:br — Detailed explicationbr — Commentary br — Literary analysis br br All commentary is supplemented by in-text, line-by-line study notes designed to help students:br — Prepare for GCSE, A-Level, IB, and AP evaluationbr — Prepare for general high school and college quizzes, exams, and essaysbr — Generate ideas for analysis essaysbr — Participate knowledgeably in class discussionsbr Click here to download the annotated text of Macbeth: br This video contains 3 parts:br br In the first part (from 00:08), I briefly explain the important historical and political background of the play. The Scottish feudal system and the Thane of Cawdor’s rebellion against good King Duncan are discussed. At 05:40, I introduce the main characters and themes.br br In the second part (09:59), I read through Act 1, Scene 1. The Witches are introduced, as well as the important theme of Appearance vs Reality and Equivocation.br br In the third part (17:00), I read through Act 1, Scene 2. The horrors of MacDonwald’s rebellion and Macbeth’s heroic exploits are discussed. King Duncan is revealed as grateful yet naive.