Witches

• What do the Witches symbolize in "Macbeth"?

  Pure evil and darkness
• What are the alternative names for the Witches in "Macbeth"?

  Weird sisters and Wayward sisters
• How does Shakespeare portray the Witches in "Macbeth"?

  As supernatural beings who give cryptic prophecies
• What is the first prophecy given to Macbeth by the Witches?

  That he will become Thane of Cawdor
• What does the phrase “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” foreshadow?

  The theme of appearance versus reality in the play
• What do the Witches represent in relation to classical mythology?

  The three fates who control destiny
• How do the Witches' roles relate to the concepts of fate and free will?

  They suggest that they control the fates and destinies of men
• What is the significance of the Witches in the context of the early 17th Century audience?

  • They represent societal fears of witchcraft
  • James I's interest in witch trials influenced their portrayal
  • Witches were seen as a genuine threat, not just fiction
• Who was the monarch during the time "Macbeth" was written?

  James I
• How did James I's beliefs influence Shakespeare's portrayal of the Witches?

  He viewed them as agents of evil and a threat
• What is the connection between the Witches and regicide in "Macbeth"?

  Witches are portrayed as inspiring regicide, linking it to evil
• How does Shakespeare depict the consequences of regicide through Macbeth's character?

  He experiences mental torment and suffering
• What does the Witches' proclamation about sleep signify?

  It indicates a curse that leads to Macbeth's deterioration
• What role does the Bible play in the portrayal of the Witches?

  The Witches subvert the holiness of Christianity
• How are the Witches perceived in relation to the devil according to King James I's 'Daemonologie'?

  As agents of the devil carrying out his work
• What is the significance of the Witches forming an anti-trinity?

  It opposes the Christian trinity, symbolizing evil
• How does Macbeth's relationship with the Witches change throughout the play?

  He transitions from seeking guidance to relying on them for evil
• What are the key characteristics of the Witches' speech in "Macbeth"?

  • Supernatural and chant-like
  • Use of trochaic tetrameter
  • Rhyming couplets for spell-like quality
• What is the effect of the Witches speaking in trochaic tetrameter?

  It emphasizes their other-worldly nature
• How does Shakespeare use rhyming couplets in the Witches' dialogue?

  To create a spell-like sound and suggest power
• What are the key moments involving the Witches in "Macbeth" and their significance?

  1. 1.1: Introduction of Witches - Sets supernatural theme.
  2. 1.3: Meeting with Macbeth - Establishes prophecies and their impact.
  3. 3.5: Meeting with Hecate - Questions Macbeth's responsibility.
  4. 4.1: Second meeting - Further predictions demonstrate their power.
• How do the Witches depend on Macbeth in the play?

  They rely on him to fulfill their prophecies
• What story do the Witches refer to regarding a sailor?

  It illustrates their control over others to create chaos
• Who meets with the Witches to discuss Macbeth's downfall?

  Hecate, the Goddess of Witchcraft
• What question arises regarding Macbeth's responsibility for his downfall?

  Is Macbeth entirely responsible for his downfall?
• What are the three predictions made by the Witches through apparitions?

  “Beware Macduff”, “none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth”, and “Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until / Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill / Shall come against him”
• What does the scene with the apparitions demonstrate about the Witches' power over Macbeth?

  It shows the immense power that the Witches and their prophecies hold over Macbeth.
• How are the Witches dependent on Macbeth?

  • The Witches need Macbeth to fulfill their prophecies.
  • They cannot directly kill man but must control others to create chaos.
• What does the rhyming couplet about the sailor illustrate about the Witches' power?

  It shows their limited power over man, as they can only cause a storm, not directly destroy his ship.
• How do the Witches influence Macbeth's actions?

  They trigger his entrenched ambitions and inspire him to act upon them.
• What argument is made about Macbeth's role compared to the Witches?

  Perhaps Macbeth is a greater force of evil than the Witches as he physically carries out the act of regicide.
• What does it mean that the Witches are a catalyst for Macbeth's actions?

  It means they spark his desire for power, but he had the potential to sin already.
• What psychological state does Shakespeare's play explore regarding Macbeth?

  It explores Macbeth's psychological state rather than the supernatural.
• How does King Duncan's character relate to the Witches' influence?

  Duncan linguistically echoes the Witches, showing their control over all aspects of the world.
• What does the parallelism in Duncan's speech signify?

  It signifies how the Witches exert control over even the king.
• How does Banquo's experience with the Witches differ from Macbeth's?

  Banquo dreams of the Witches but resists their influence, while Macbeth succumbs to it.
• What role does Lady Macbeth play in relation to the Witches?

  Lady Macbeth can be interpreted as a fourth witch, exerting evil influence over Macbeth.
• How does Lady Macbeth's speech connect her to the Witches?

  She lapses into rhyming couplets, mimicking the Witches' form of speech.
• What does Lady Macbeth's greeting to Macbeth imply?

  It implies a connection between her and the Witches' influence over Macbeth.
• How does Lady Macbeth emasculate Macbeth?

  She questions his manhood and calls him a coward, tempting him back into murder.