The presentation of the witches in the opening scenes is crucial to the atmosphere of Macbeth. Compare how act 1, scenes (1) and (3) are presented in two different versions of the play. Which do you feel makes the greater dramatic impact? Explain why.

Authors Avatar

The presentation of the witches in the opening scenes is crucial to the atmosphere of Macbeth. Compare how act 1, scenes (1) and (3) are presented in two different versions of the play. Which do you feel makes the greater dramatic impact? Explain why.

Shakespeare is known all over the world for his advanced techniques in writing plays and the one I am studying is Macbeth. Macbeth was written for James the first, and was written because he was interested in witchcraft. In the 17th century witchcraft was frowned upon to say the least, and most people who practised witchcraft were burned at the stake. This was because society couldn’t handle witchcraft; they were frightened of it.

But nowadays people understand witchcraft and don’t see it as a threat; they almost see it as thrilling and interesting.

There have been many different interpretations and productions of the play and the two I have chosen are the BBCs version and a modern play by Anne Ross Muir.

The BBC production was an old fashioned version and was set in medieval Scotland in the 11th century and followed a more traditional style.

The version directed by Anne Ross Muir followed a modern route in trying to make the play more understandable. This was achieved by making the play have modern qualities, which people can relate to

The BBCs was set in Scotland, at the time of war, when the monarchy was not a stable establishment.

Join now!

The first scene was set on a heath in the middle of no where which was smart of the director because it really had an impact on the viewer because of the darkness and almost mysterious place it was set. This setting alerts the viewer to the point that they are getting goose bumps and it is obvious that the director has deliberately chosen this setting to enhance the quality of the play. But this isn’t the major factor, which affected the play; it was the impact of the weather. The weather in the introduction was misty and also dirty. ...

This is a preview of the whole essay