Inclusion In Macbeth

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Shakespeare's inclusion of witches and the supernatural was familiar to Elizabethan audiences. Yet, in Macbeth, Shakespeare's darkest play, their inclusion, and the technique of using black and white to depict evil and good, is especially evident. At the beginning of the play we meet Macbeth who is a brave warrior fighting the king's battles. This is the first insight into Macbeth's ambitious character. However, a chanced meeting with three witches on the moor gives a new direction to Macbeth and his future achievements. This is in contrast to Banquo who declines the witches' prophecies. The three "weird sisters" tell Macbeth that he will be king: "All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!" (Act 1 Scene 3) How scary for an Elizabethan

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