The Presentation of Witches in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

The Presentation of Witches in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Shakespeare is known all over the world for his advanced techniques in

writing plays and the one I am studying is Macbeth. Macbeth was

written for James the first, and was written because he was interested

in witchcraft. In the 17th century witchcraft was frowned upon to say

the least, and most people who practised witchcraft were burned at the

stake. This was because society couldn't handle witchcraft; they were

frightened of it.

But nowadays people understand witchcraft and don't see it as a

threat; they almost see it as thrilling and interesting.

There have been many different interpretations and productions of the

play and the two I have chosen are the BBCs version and a modern play

by Anne Ross Muir.

The BBC production was an old fashioned version and was set in

medieval Scotland in the 11th century and followed a more traditional

style.

The version directed by Anne Ross Muir followed a modern route in

trying to make the play more understandable. This was achieved by

making the play have modern qualities, which people can relate to

The BBCs was set in Scotland, at the time of war, when the monarchy

was not a stable establishment.

The first scene was set on a heath in the middle of no where which was

smart of the director because it really had an impact on the viewer

because of the darkness and almost mysterious place it was set. This

setting alerts the viewer to the point that they are getting goose

bumps and it is obvious that the director has deliberately chosen this

setting to enhance the quality of the play. But this isn't the major

factor, w...

... middle of paper ...

...and they are wearing masks. To

circle them they use roller skates, which enhances the way it alarms

both Macbeth and the and the viewer, it also creates confusion and

awakes an element of uncertainty.

In conclusion, in comparing these two productions I first of all

thought that the Anne Ross Muir production was weak and doesn't force

a dramatic start. I also think its important to not touch or change

anything about the way Shakespeare wrote this play. I think it would

be a great insult to Shakespeare if he were alive. And therefore I

think Shakespeare would be happier with the BBCs production because it

stays with the original text an original setting. I would like to say

the three witches were crucial and therefore without them it wouldn't

be a good play. This is because the witches make the play more

memorable.