The Witches -Macbeth

The Witches -Macbeth

1. Context

2. Symbolism

   • The witches trigger Macbeth's over-ambition, further causing his downfall.
   • The witches represent evil, and Shakespeare links them with the devil.
   • The witches symbolise the unnatural mannerisms that Macbeth uses: he kills due to his ambition; his wife calls upon the evil spirits; and his harmartia
   • the relationship between Macbeth and the witches show the audience that association with the supernatural always leads to suffering and dire consequences e.g. Macbeth committing regicide and then being killed

3. Quotes

   • "Fair is foul, and foul is fair."
     • Fair is his way of taking the throne (killing Duncan)
     • Foul is his guilt for killing Duncan (and Banquo)
     • Foul is his own death
     • Fair is his cosmic justice (similar concept to karma)
     • The witches are hinting to Macbeth about his tragic downfall - the only thing he cares about however, is the prophecy
   • "something wicked this way comes"
     • irony, pathetic fallacy
     • the witches are wicked, however by having them acknowledge Macbeth's wickedness, Shakespeare insinuates Macbeth is more evil than the witches
     • "something" refers to Macbeth, dehumanising him
     • hints to the audience Macbeth's downfall

4. Shakespeare's Intentions