Witches Analysis Flashcards
What do the witches mean when they say “Instruments of darkness”
This is suggesting their evil musicality, perhaps showing how their words are almost hypnotic for Macbeth. This is compounded as they speak in trochaic tetrameter, which is distinct from the iambic pentameter that noble characters speak in throughout the play, this gives their speech an eerie songlike quality.
What does this quote from the witches “The pit of archeron” show
The witches appear synonymous with wickedness and hell. Acheron was one of the rivers that ran through Hades (the underworld/ hell in Greek mythology), as they are depicted as meeting there it reinforces how the Witches are inextricably linked with hell.
What does the quote “Fair is foul and foul is fair” show
They speak in paradoxes and oxymorons. This is seen when they chant this paradoxical phrase- their speech is conflicting, and what they appear to say, does not correlate with the reality. Their conflicting language is notable throughout the entirety of the play reinforcing their deceitful and duplicitous intentions.
What does this stage direction show “(An isolated place. Thunder)”
‘isolated’ creates an image of restriction, illuminating how they want to restrict Macbeth mentally and physically so it is easier for them to employ their deception. This juxtaposes Act 1 being [thunder and lightning]. The lack of light alludes to how they will continue to keep Macbeth both in the physical and metaphorical dark about their intentions.
What does this stage direction show “(Thunder and lighting)”
Shakespeare couples their introduction with pathetic fallacy-the atmosphere is volatile, ominous and dangerous from the offset. This could foreshadow the violence that will ensue throughout the play- the disrupted and aggravated weather being nature’s fury at this coming violence
