The Witches in MacBeth Essay - 858 Words

The Witches in MacBeth Shakespeare utilized many sources of information when writing his plays. One of his sources for the witches in MacBeth was almost certainly Reginald Scots The Discoverie of Witchcraft, published in 1584. In his book, Scot refuted many of the common notions regarding witches and their powers; nevertheless, the book created a basic outline for the typical witch, including physical descriptions and abilities. The witches in MacBeth are representations of those described in Scots book. In the play, Shakespeare describes authentic witches in their physical appearance and behavior and MacBeths character is made more villainous through his association with these terrifying figures.†¦show more content†¦For example, they have familiars, or spirits given to them by the devil for the purpose of giving advice and performing evil deeds. The first witch has a familiar named Graymalkin and the second witch has one named Paddock. Paddock is often thought to be a toad, wh ich is consistent with the common ideas of the time period in England, as familiars were thought to be toads, cats, or some other small animal. The single mention of the familiars in the beginning indicates an attempt to authenticate the characters as witches. It becomes apparent that the witches are also responsible for committing evil deeds. Scot enumerates the capabilities of witches at the time: they ...raise haile, tempests, and hurtfull weather; as lightning and thunder...They can passe from place to place in the aire invisible (Scot 6). The first witch describes her plans to raise a storm and sink the ship belonging to the husband of a woman who would not share chestnuts with her. Her sisters offer to give her winds to aid her in her task. Then, the first witch admits the mans ship shall be tempest tossed (1.3.26). The witches also display the ability to become invisible. After their first meeting with MacBeth and Banquo, the witches seem to vanish into thin air. Banquo says, Whither are they vanished? and MacBeth answers, Into the air, andShow MoreRelatedEssay On The Witches In Macbeth1134 Words   |  5 Pagesplay, Macbeth, by, William Shakespeare, the witches have a significant role. They represent that some th ings are too good too be true and sometimes we shouldn’t try and follow everything that we hear. The witches give Macbeth many prophecies throughout the play. Macbeth listened to the things they said and it resulted in his death and his own downfall. The witches play the role in the play of, developing plot, advancing characters and setting themes. In the beginning of the play, the witches giveRead MoreThe Role Of The Witches In Macbeth1395 Words   |  6 Pages In the novel Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is told his prophecy by the three witches, mysterious, secretive creatures, who we are left to develop our own vision of. 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