The Witches

• What are the Witches commonly referred to as in Macbeth?

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

  As supernatural beings giving 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?

  The theme of appearance versus reality
• What connotations does the term "Weird Sisters" have in relation to the Witches?

  It relates to fate and prophecy in Old English
• How do the Witches relate to the three fates from classical mythology?

  They represent past, present, and future
• What is the significance of the Witches in the context of the play?

  • They symbolize pure evil and darkness
  • They foreshadow events and themes
  • They influence Macbeth's actions and fate
• Why were witches significant to the contemporary audience of Macbeth?

  They were believed to be real threats
• How does Shakespeare appeal to James I through the Witches?

  By portraying them as agents of evil
• What book did James I write about witches?

  Daemonologie
• How does Shakespeare connect witches to regicide?

  By implying witchcraft leads to evil acts
• What does Macbeth's association with the supernatural imply?

  It leads to suffering and severe consequences
• How does the Witches' proclamation affect Macbeth's mental state?

  It leads to his lack of sleep and deterioration
• What religious themes are present in Macbeth regarding the Witches?

  They subvert the holiness of Christianity
• How do the Witches act as agents of the devil?

  By carrying out evil deeds on earth
• What is the significance of the Witches forming an anti-trinity?

  It opposes the Christian trinity of God
• How does Macbeth's reliance on the Witches change his character?

  He transitions from good to evil
• What are the key characteristics of the Witches' speech?

  • Supernatural and chant-like structure
  • Use of trochaic tetrameter
  • Rhyming couplets for spell-like quality
• What is the effect of the Witches being introduced in the first scene?

  It emphasizes their importance in the play
• What does the use of "thunder and lightning" signify in the opening scene?

  It sets a supernatural theme for the play
• How does the Witches' meeting with Macbeth reaffirm the theme of the supernatural?

  It highlights their predictions and influence
• What is the significance of the apparitions in the second meeting with Macbeth?

  They demonstrate the Witches' power over him
• What are the key moments involving the Witches in Macbeth?

  1. Introduction in Act 1, Scene 1
  2. Meeting with Macbeth and Banquo in Act 1, Scene 3
  3. Meeting with Hecate in Act 3, Scene 5
  4. Second meeting with Macbeth in Act 4, Scene 1
• How do the Witches depend on Macbeth?

  They rely on him to fulfill their prophecies
• 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 do the Witches predict to Macbeth through apparitions?

  “Beware Macduff” and “none of woman born”
• What does the scene with the apparitions demonstrate about the Witches' power?

  The Witches have immense power over Macbeth
• How are the Witches dependent on Macbeth?

  They need him to fulfill their prophecies
• What does the rhyming couplet about the sailor illustrate about the Witches' power?

  They can cause chaos but not directly kill
• How do the Witches influence Macbeth's actions?

  They trigger his entrenched ambitions
• What role does Macbeth play in relation to the Witches' influence?

  He becomes their puppet and vehicle for evil
• What does it suggest about Macbeth's character regarding his ambition?

  He had the intent to sin all along
• How does Shakespeare's play explore Macbeth's psychological state?

  It examines his internal struggles and ambitions
• What does Duncan's speech echo in relation to the Witches?

  He linguistically echoes the Witches' speech
• How does Duncan's character contrast with the Witches' influence?

  Duncan is presented as the pinnacle of virtue
• What does Banquo's dream about the Witches suggest?

  He is influenced by them but resists
• How does Banquo serve as a foil to Macbeth?

  He resists the Witches' influence
• How is Lady Macbeth similar to the Witches?

  She uses rhyming couplets to persuade Macbeth
• What does Lady Macbeth's use of language imply about her character?

  She connects to the Witches' inherent evil