Mammoth Memory

Witches gather Act 1, Scene 1

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You should be able to recall that the very first line of the Macbeth play is a witch. To recall the first word of the play, WHEN, use the following mnemonic:

See the three witches working out when they can meet.

See the three witches working out when they can meet.

This should enable you to recall the first line:

"When shall we three meet again?" 

 

Now use the last part of the last line to recall the start of the next line. 

Meet again → in thunder

Use the following mnemonic:

Imagine meeting in thunder.

Imagine meeting in thunder.

This will enable you to recall the line:

"In thunder, lightning and in rain".

 

Use the last part of the last line to recall the start of the next line.

Rain → when the hurly

Use the following mnemonic:

Imagine, while in the pelting rain hurling (hurly) a giant axe.

Imagine, while in the pelting rain hurling (hurly) a giant axe.

This will enable you to recall the line:

"When the hurly-burly's done"

 

Use the last part of the last line to recall the start of the next line.

Hurly-burly's done → when the battle's lost

Use the following mnemonic:

Imagine after hurling the axe the other side has lost and is flattened. 

Imagine after hurling the axe the other side has lost and is flattened. 

This will enable you to remember:

"When the battle's lost and won".

 

Use the last part of the last line to recall the start of the next line.

And won → that will be her (ere)

Although "ere" means "before" it sounds like her. 

Use the following mnemonic:

See the witch has won, holding up the axe. Someone says, "Who won," the other says "That will be her (ere)". 

See the witch has won, holding up the axe. Someone says, "Who won," the other says "That will be her (ere)". 

This will enable you to remember:

"That will be ere the set of the sun".

 

Use the last part of the last line to recall the start of the next line.

The set of the sun → where the place

Use the following mnemonic: 

The sun is setting and two creatures (weird) discuss where is the place the sun sets.

The sun is setting and two creatures (weird) discuss where is the place the sun sets.

This will enable you to remember:

"Where the place?"

 

Use the last part of the last line to recall the start of the next line.

Where the place → upon the heath

Use the following mnemonic:

See where the place the sun actually sets is into a heath.

See where the place the sun actually sets is into a heath.

Summary

With all these linked mnemonics you should be able to recall:

When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning or in rain?
When the  hurly-burly's done
When the battle's lost and won
That will be ere the set of sun
Where the place?
Upon the heath.

If you want to learn more or any other passages the above method illustrates how this can be accomplished.

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