3. Notes: The Witches Flashcards
What is the primary significance and purpose of the three witches in the play?
They serve as evil omens of the supernatural and are able to influence Macbeth’s behavior through their spells and prophecies.
Why might Shakespeare have included the witches in Macbeth for a Jacobean audience, particularly King James?
King James I was known for his interest in the supernatural and his belief in witchcraft, including witch hunting, so their presence would have been relevant and potentially very entertaining to him. King James wrote a book on witches called ‘demonology’
What is the significance of the witches’ introduction at the beginning of the play?
They set the scene and foreshadow the events that will follow, offering an early glimpse into the potential direction of the play.
What do the witches represent to the audience?
Omens of evil, and their presence highlights the frightening concept of the supernatural for a Jacobean audience.
What does the witches’ quote ‘fair is foul and foul is fair’ suggest?
It implies that the witches are responsible for inverting the natural order, turning what is good into bad and vice versa, bringing chaos and evil into the play.
What are the witches indirectly responsible for?
The murder of King Duncan, Macbeth’s rise and fall from power, and the fueling of Macbeth’s ambition through their influential messages.
What draws Macbeth to the witches’ predictions?
A powerful supernatural force.
Why does Macbeth need the witches’ guidance?
Because of flaws in his character, suggesting he is susceptible to their influence.
How do the three witches contribute to the audience’s understanding of future events in the play?
They provide foreshadowing, giving the audience hints about what will happen later on.
Besides foreshadowing, what other roles do the witches play in the development of the plot?
They act as a chorus, commenting on the unfolding events, and serve as a means of developing the storyline.
What atmosphere do the witches help to create throughout the play?
An atmosphere of tension, fear, and wickedness, which persists as a dominant theme from the beginning to the end.
How have the witches served their purpose by the end of the play?
They have tricked and manipulated Macbeth into believing his future was predetermined by fate, while in reality, it was his own ambition that led to his downfall.
Why is Macbeth ultimately unable to resist the witches’ prophecies?
His personality is such that he cannot resist their pronouncements and carries out their wishes as they intended.
What broader warning do the characters of the witches serve in the play?
They serve as a warning about the dangers of witchcraft.
why does Shakespeare use rhyming couplets when the witches speak?
The witches are the only characters in the play to speak in rhyming couplets. Shakespeare did this on purpose to add a strangeness to their speech and emphasise them as supernatural and different to the other mortal characters. he wanted to use theme to add a strangeness and build tension and intrigue for the audience.example ‘double, double, toil and trouble’
