Macbeth Questions Act Four, scene 1: Macbeth returns to the witches, apparently placing his trust in their knowledge.

Scene One

Macbeth returns to the witches, apparently placing his trust in their knowledge. However, as the audience knows through the dramatic irony of the Hecate speech, he will be deceived by them playing upon his own illusions and their creation in him of a state of false security.
1)  Read the opening of the scene, prior to Macbeth’s entrance. What do you think is the purpose of this scene?

2)  Look carefully at the three prophecies. In what ways does each encourage a sense of false security in Macbeth?