Witchcraft In Macbeth

Question 1

Did King James I beliefs influence Shakespeare decisions ?

Answer 1

Definelty
For example the expedition which James I took when looking for his wife is incorporated in the play during the line ‘yet it shall be tempest tossed’ referees to the storm James experienced on his way to Denmark

Question 2

What purpose do the witches serve ?

Answer 2

Set the pace for the play
Serve as a warning against witchcraft, evil and bloodshed

Question 3

What are the witches reminiscent of ?

Answer 3

Greek tragedy witches and the three fates in Greek mythology who decided fates of Mortals
Hecate in Macbeth shows parallels to the classical goddess of witchcraft

Question 4

How is structure used with the witches ?

Answer 4

The play opens with the witches and ends with bloodshed
By creating this parallel in structure and narrative Shakespeare suggests that witchcraft can only end with bloodshed