the witches Flashcards
What role do the witches play in the play?
They embody the supernatural and introduce the theme of equivocation.
The witches manipulate Macbeth, sparking his ambition while leaving their intentions ambiguous.
How does the character of the witches develop throughout the play?
The witches remain constant in their cryptic nature, but their influence grows.
They continue to manipulate Macbeth through half-truths.
In which scenes do the witches play an important part?
Act 1, Scene 3; Act 4, Scene 1.
Act 1, Scene 3 features their first encounter with Macbeth, while Act 4, Scene 1 includes apparitions.
How does the theme of supernatural/witchcraft affect the understanding of the witches?
It emphasizes their role as agents of chaos, blurring the line between fate and free will.
This theme highlights the witches’ manipulative nature.
How does the historical context of the play enhance the understanding of the witches?
The witches reflect Jacobean fears of witchcraft and the occult.
They play into contemporary anxieties about the supernatural’s influence on human behavior.
What does the quote ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’ introduce?
The theme of appearance vs. reality.
This quote is from Act 1, Scene 1.
What does the quote ‘All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! Hail to thee, that shalt be king hereafter!’ signify?
It sets Macbeth’s ambition into motion.
This quote is from Act 1, Scene 3.
What does the quote ‘Something wicked this way comes’ highlight?
How Macbeth has become evil.
This quote is from Act 4, Scene 1.
