Question

Which effects does the setting of the opening scene have on the play Macbeth?

Answer 1

The opening scene of the play introduces the theme of the play and lets the audience know what to expect.  In this scene, the three Weird Sisters are conjuring.  Immediately they let the audience know that they will appear again in the play. ("When shall we three meet again"......."There to meet with Macbeth").

Answer 2

In the opening scene, we see thunder and lightning crash above a Scottish moor. The setting is mysterious and desolate. It immediately signals to the audience that the tale they are about to hear is likely to be a tragedy, as opposed to a comedy. The appearance of the witches in the first scene supports this assumption, while also demonstrating that the play contains supernatural elements.