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Essay on macbeth witches
Essay on macbeth witches
Role of witches in macbeth essay
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Many of William Shakespeare’s works have made a monumental impact on the
way people view specific aspects of the supernatural due to his interpretations. In
Macbeth, the reader sees how Shakespeare views witches, apparitions, and other
supernatural entities and how they can affect a person; all of which affect Macbeth in
one way or another. For example the witches completely alter the course of Macbeth’s
life entirely by unveiling his future in the first act. Another example happened in act 3
scene 4; the ghost of Banquo appears to Macbeth and only to Macbeth which makes
him look psychotic. This paper will be fully directed to the effect act 4 scene 1 had on
Macbeth.
In act 4 scene 1, the audience is greeted by the same 3
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Macbeth has absolutely nothing and nobody to
fear (Wilkins, Brian).
Upon hearing this great news, Macbeth shows joy and less fear. The second
apparition has almost counter acted the effects of first apparition's message. Something
is still uneasy in Macbeth’s mind about Macduff. Macbeth now expresses that Macduff
is harmless to him, but just to make sure, Macbeth will still have Macduff killed just so
he won’t cause any distress to him. This apparition represents the childish fear Macbeth
is showing towards losing “his” crown. Also, this apparition represents the willingness of
Macbeth to kill someone innocent, like a child, to keep “his” crown safe.
The third apparition appears in the form of a child wearing a crown with a tree in
his hand. The child says that Macbeth has absolutely nothing to worry about. Also,
Macbeth needs to a brave and proud and that he will never be defeated (Shakespeare,
138). Macbeth loves the messages he is receiving. His fear is starting to fade away from
his mind. Macbeth now believes that he will never have to worry about anyone coming
to kill him for the crown. However, one thing he is worrying about is if any of
Macbeth thinks he is unstoppable now because of this revelation and continues with his conspiracy to kill people even though at times he regrets it.
Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Ed. Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. New York: Washington Square Press New Folger Edition, 1992
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, there are several references to supernatural activity. This supernatural activity is very crucial to the storyline. Supernatural defined by Webster relates to an existence beyond the visible observable universe. The Three Apparitions are spoken of in Act IV of the play, but the supernatural is first introduced by the three witches in Act I. The three witches who speak the apparitions are the opening characters in Macbeth. After reading the book, I fully understand Shakespeare reasoning for including them in the story. Each of the three apparitions depicts a clue of Macbeth’s future.
instill in him the need to be King. Still, desire is not enough for Macbeth and he is thus driven "to seek certainty as his one objective. He wants certainty from the witches . . . at whatever cost" (Campbell 228). Macbeth, however, is not completely lost yet; honour and justice remain in him, and although it takes him some time to fully consider the consequences of the witches' words on him, he rejects his horrible thoughts of murder and postpones all action: "If chance will have me king, why,chance may crown me, / Without my stir" (I. iii.143-144). For the time being, Macbeth's true essence is in control, that of loyalty and honour.
Seeing the ghost of Banquo is the breaking point for Macbeth. The ghost also causes him to think more irrationally, which leads to the murder of Macduff. Also, after the murder of Duncan, Macbeth is full of regret and guilt. The voices he hears reflect his mental state. “Methought I heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more!”
can all be predicted through these first few lines in Act 1 Scene 1, events and themes that
Ross says, “I am so much a fool, should I stay longer, it would be my disgrace and your discomfort. I take my leave at once” (Shakespeare 4.2). This quote shows that Ross has no evil-minded due to the fact he leaves Lady Macduff and her child to die. Still, this shows Macbeth cruelty by sending the soldier to kill Macduff’s family. Macbeth says, “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife give th ’edge o’th’sword/ his wife, his babes, all unfortunate souls” (Shakespeare 4.1). The significance of this quote shows Macbeth cruelty thinking about his plan on how to kill the Macduff’s. Since Macduff’s family are not a threat to him, but his mind led him to worsen the situation. Macbeth says, “Time, thou anticipat’st my dread exploits: / the flighty purpose never is o’ertlook/ unless the deed go with it” (Shakespeare 4.1.). This quote shows that Macbeth is talking to himself about time so he can make up his plan instantly. He promises that from this time on if dreams the plan, he will act on it and carry it out for a purpose. To conclude with paragraph 3, Macbeth has no innocence over the people that do not have a threat to him. So Macbeth’s morality finds its way to justice which has to be solved.
From the very beginning of the play, supernatural and unnatural forces have inspired and encouraged Macbeth. They interfere with natural events and completely change the character of Macbeth and his wife. Witches, apparitions, ghosts, and other unnatural images are used to demonstrate the evil effects and consequences those forces can have. Shakespeare is successful in telling his audience that only evil will come when Macbeth or any other person tampers with natural forces for personal gain.
his ideas in his speech in Act I, scene ii when he says "If all the year were
In Macbeth, there are many different ways the play has been acted out. One of the most differing elements between the plays is the scene where Banquo's ghost makes an appearance. Is some versions, Banquo’s ghost is left out so the Macbeth is the only one who is aware of it’s presence. In others, the ghost makes an appearance on stage so the audience knows that it does exist. Both methods have their positives and negatives. In the tragedy Macbeth, including the ghost on stage is more efficient than leaving it out because it makes the scene more clear for the audience, adds intensity to the scene, and provides a better relation to what Macbeth is experiencing.
reason to warn Macbeth of the fate in store for him, since it is most
Macbeth’s story highlights the inherent goodness found in all of us, but also the evil that lurks within us, unnourished. Although there is no redemption for Macbeth’s evil sins, he finally comes to acknowledge his crimes and thus can provoke pity in the eyes of the audience. Macbeth’s psychological journey from a courageous general to a “ dead butcher” (5.9.41) is one that truly merits to be called a tragedy.
However, this experience is not one that gives him courage or ambition but one that gives him fear, enough to make a man go mad. At the party, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost which he describes as “a bold one that dare look on that which might appall the devil” (III.vi.63). He begins to act like a madman in front of all those loyal to him and reveals that Banquo is dead. Despite Lady Macbeth’s attempt to cover up his act by blaming it on a childhood illness, Macbeth’s followers begin to lose question their king, lose trust in him, and even wonder if he is the one who murdered Duncan. After the banquet, Macbeth seeks the witches out of their cave so that he can learn more about his future and silence those who are plotting against him despite what the consequences may be. This reveals that Macbeth has completely fallen for the witches prophecy. There, he sees a line of eight kings followed by Banquo’s ghost. The last king holds a mirror to reflect a never-ending line of kings descended from Banquo. When he sees this, he exclaims“ thou art look like the spirits of Banquo: down!” (IV.i.123). This vision confirms that Banquo’s descendants inherit the throne and contributes to Macbeth’s anxiety, fear and to his further loss of control. He becomes even more insecure about his position as king and can no longer make his decisions
To begin, Macbeth’s superstitions affected many of his everyday actions. Some people believe the witches made him make all these rash choices, but it was all Macbeths doing. Even tho the witches were trying to get into his head when they told Macbeth his later three proph...