Setting: Act 1, Scene 4

a. Scene Observations

• i. Where

This scene takes place in a room in King Duncan’s palace.

• ii. Time

The scene should be between midday to sunset as Macbeth and Banquo have now arrived in the King’s palace after meeting the witches in the previous scene.

• iii. Context

After this scene, the setting changes to King Duncan’s palace in Forres to Macbeth’s castle in Inverness. (Forres is approximately 30 miles east of Inverness).

b. Act Analysis
The setting of the King’s palace automatically creates a very grand, classy atmosphere, creating a really relaxed/casual mood among the characters in this scene. If I had to further emphasize the setting, I would make the lighting around the stage brighter, to create a happier and lighter mood.
Tragic aspect is developed as the joyful atmosphere of the palace tricks the characters into believing that everyone is happy. However, they fail to realize Macbeth’s discontent when Malcolm, the King’s son, is declared as heir to the throne.

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