The witches in Macbeth not only add to the gothic theme of the play, but also act as a constant messenger to Macbeth. Through their prophetic dialogue, Macbeth is informed of us future, from which he acts so as to secure that future. Arguably without the witches, there would be no story, as Macbeth would have no real desire to overthrow Duncan. The witches also demonstrate the fundamental idea of power which is clearly evident within the play, Macbeth is in a sense under the control of the witches and Lady Macbeth, as he is influenced by what they tell him. However the witches are controlled by Hecat (Goddess of witches), suggesting that there are bigger sources of power working above that of the supernatural.
* Possibly nature? (emphasised in the end of the play when the trees move, from the castle it seems as if the trees (nature) are attacking the castle).
I think the witches are also present in Macbeth to demonstrate how the character of Macbeth has changed from the beginning of the play. When Macbeth first encounters the witches he comes across as innocent and puzzled, and when speaking to the witches refers to them as 'imperfect speakers', yet in act 4, he refers to them as 'secret, black and midnight hags', this shows how he has changed and become more evil as he insults the witches.
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I like your commenst and think that your last paragraph is correct in saying that Macbeth is a power hungry goober!
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So from the first prophecy Macbeth starts to draw power, coming back to the witches demanding to know more. I agree with your comment about Macbeth being controlled by the women in the play and also how there are bigger forces at work :)
ReplyDeleteI really like your point that the witches show a significant change in Macbeth. The presence of their characters at different stages of the play show Macbeth's different stages as well - from innocence to evil.
ReplyDeletei agree that without them there would be no real reason for him to overthrow duncan which is interesting because it shows that without them what would the story be like..
ReplyDeletei agree completely, i wondered myself if the events would still take place and i think that, yeh they definately help to show the changes Macbeth goes through. its like he gets worse everytime he see's or thinks of them
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your point that the Witches change Macbeth, he becomes very rude and arrogant after they show him the visions as he believes himself to be invincable.
ReplyDeleteDoes he insult them because he realises that he has allowed himself to be tricked by them? Does it show his weakness because he is unable to accept his own evil?
ReplyDeletei agree with you that Macbeths character has changed towards Act 4 like you mentioned, this shows that the witches have influenced Macbeth. this shows that the witches are very influential in this play. i like the way you say that eventhough the witches are influencing Macbeth i like way you have mentioned that eventhough Macbeth is being influenced by a higher power there is a higher power influencing the witches x
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