What is the role of the witches in the story?
The Role of the Witches in Macbeth In the play, Shakespeare used the witches to represent the supernatural, evil, a destructive force and an inversion of natural order. People believed that witches had the power to change the weather and other special powers such as predicting the future and the power of flight.
How would you describe the witches in Macbeth?
How have the Witches been interpreted? It is Banquo who first describes the Witches. His words in Act 1, Scene 3 depict the Witches as stereotypical hags – ‘withered’ and ‘wild’, unearthly beings (‘That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ Earth’) with ‘skinny lips’, chapped (‘choppy’) fingers and beards (1.3. 40–46).
Why do the witches have the most power in Macbeth?
One could argue that the Three Witches are the most powerful characters because their prophecies influence Macbeth to assassinate King Duncan, drive the plot of the play, and significantly contribute to his downfall.
Who is most in control of Macbeth’s actions?
However, Macbeth’s actions and demeanor later in the play are the result of Lady Macbeth, who holds sway over her husband. It is she who at first coaxes and controls Macbeth, resulting in the change in his personality. The supernatural, in particular the three witches, exert control over both Macbeth and his lady.
Who holds the most power in Macbeth?
Macbeth
Where do we see power in Macbeth?
The theme of power in Macbeth is mostly presented through the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Spurred on by the witches’ prophecy, the two scheme to kill King Duncan so that Macbeth can assume his throne and Lady Macbeth can be queen.
How does Macbeth betray his own nature?
Betrayal and Murder (5) Macbeth betrays his own nature through the butchery of Macduff’s family; (5) Macbeth betrays Duncan by killing one who has shown kindness toward him and granted him titles and riches. The play begins with the betrayal of Scotland by Norway and the thane of Cawdor.
How do the witches influence Macbeth’s actions?
In the play the witches, with their spells, plan the downfall of Macbeth. They cannot directly harm him themselves, so they tell Macbeth predictions for his possible future, in order to make him act on them. The witches tell Macbeth that he will become the thane of Cawdor and then king of Scotland.
How did the witches prophecies come true in Macbeth?
The witches’ first prophecy comes true and King Duncan makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor. When King Duncan visits Macbeth’s castle, Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to murder King Duncan in his sleep to make the second prophecy come true.