The witches

• "Beards" (said by Banquo in Act 1)
• • Masculinity synonymous with power:


  Masculinity is presented as synonymous with power throughout the play, thus this description imbues them with a threat of dominance. They therefore appear androgynous , alike to Lady Macbeth, and their lack of gender conformity exacerbates them as duplicitous and powerful beings.
• In a patriarchal society where power is associated with a clear gender identity, the Witches' ambiguity becomes a potent symbol of their threat. They represent a chaotic force that can unravel the carefully constructed social order
• Appearance vs reality: 


  The Witches weave a web of deceit with supernatural ease due to their gender nonconformity and ambiguousness. They masquerade as prophets , whispering promises of a glorious future for Macbeth, all the while orchestrating his descent into a grim and ominous destiny.