Macbeth- THE WITCHES

• What do the Witches symbolize in "Macbeth"?


  Pure evil and darkness
• What are the Witches commonly referred to as in the play?

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

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

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

  It foreshadows the theme of appearance versus reality
• What does the term "Weird Sisters" imply about the Witches?

  It associates their speech with prophecy and fate
• How do the Witches relate to the concept of the three fates in classical mythology?

  They reflect the past, present, and future through their predictions
• Why is the inclusion of witches significant to the contemporary audience of Shakespeare's time?

  Because they were believed to be real threats and were feared
• Who was the monarch during the time Shakespeare wrote "Macbeth"?

  James I
• How does Shakespeare portray the Witches to appeal to James I?

  As inherently evil and agents of Satan
• What is the significance of the North Berwick Witch Trials in relation to the play?

  They highlight James I's interest in witchcraft
• How does Shakespeare connect witches to regicide in "Macbeth"?

  By demonstrating that witchcraft is infernal and leads to severe consequences
• What does Macbeth's association with the supernatural imply about his character?

  It suggests he will suffer severe consequences
• What does the Witches' proclamation about sleep imply for Macbeth?

  That he will suffer from insomnia and deterioration
• How do the Witches subvert the holiness of Christianity in "Macbeth"?

  By symbolizing perceived evil within the Bible
• What role do the Witches play in the fall of man according to the text?

  They cause man to succumb to temptation
• How do the Witches form an anti-trinity in the play?

  By appearing in threes, opposing the Holy Trinity
• How does Macbeth's reliance on the Witches change his character?

  It signifies his transition from good to evil
• What is the structure of the Witches' speech meant to emphasize?

  Their supernatural characteristics
• What effect does the use of trochaic tetrameter have on the Witches' dialogue?

  It makes them sound other-worldly and dangerous
• What do rhyming couplets in the Witches' speech symbolize?

  Spell casting and bringing things into existence
• What are the key moments involving the Witches in "Macbeth"?

  1. 1.1: The Witches are introduced, establishing the theme of the supernatural.
  2. 1.3: The Witches meet Macbeth and Banquo, predicting Macbeth's rise to power.
  3. 3.5: Hecate meets the Witches, indicating her desire to influence Macbeth's downfall.
  4. 4.1: The Witches provide further prophecies through apparitions, showcasing their power over Macbeth.
• 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?

  They mention a sailor whose wife is tormenting him
• What does the Witches' curse about sleep imply for Macbeth's fate?

  It suggests he will suffer greatly due to his actions
• How does the Witches' influence reflect on the theme of fate versus free will in "Macbeth"?

  It raises questions about whether Macbeth is controlled by fate or his own choices
• 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 rely on Macbeth to fulfill their prophecies.
  • They cannot directly kill men but must control others to create chaos.
• What does the rhyming couplet about the sailor illustrate about the Witches' power?

  It shows the limited power they have over man.
• How do the Witches influence Duncan's fate?

  The Witches cannot kill Duncan but can influence the men around him.
• In what way does Macbeth become a puppet for the Witches?

  Macbeth acts upon the Witches' suggestions and temptations, triggering his fall.
• What is suggested about Macbeth's nature in relation to the Witches' influence?

  Macbeth may have had the potential to sin but needed the Witches' suggestion to act.
• What does Shakespeare's play explore regarding Macbeth's psychological state?

  It explores Macbeth's psychological state rather than the supernatural.
• What does King Duncan's speech echo in relation to the Witches?

  Duncan linguistically echoes the Witches when he says “when the battle’s lost and won”.
• How does the parallelism in Duncan's speech relate to the Witches' control?

  It shows how the Witches exert control over all aspects of the world, including the king.
• What is Banquo's reaction to the Witches' influence?

  Banquo admits to dreaming of the Witches but serves as evidence that they can be resisted.
• How does Banquo serve as a foil to Macbeth?

  Banquo's resistance to the Witches contrasts with Macbeth's acceptance of their influence.