Macbeth. The impact of the witches on audiences then and now.

Authors Avatar

        

        

THE IMPACT OF THE WITCHES ON THE AUDIENCE THEN AND NOW

William Shakespeare wrote the play, Macbeth, for King James in 1606. For many people living in the early 17th Century, there was a strong belief in witchcraft and the supernatural. Witches were perceived as evil, sub-human and servants of the devil. Shakespeare therefore introduced the witches knowing that they would grip an audience as anything to do with witchcraft would strike fear. In England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, specific laws against witchcraft were passed. Therefore, the audience’s in Shakespeare’s time would have reacted to the opening scene and subsequent scenes involving the witches very seriously, as many would have had an almost hysterical fear of witches. They may have analysed what was being said by the witches more closely than any other characters. The audiences of the day may have been both frightened and intrigued to see the evil of the witches manifested physically on stage. Today of course, witches are perceived by the general population as something to laugh at and are seen as daft women who practise silly spells on hillsides. Therefore, modern day audiences may be thrilled by the witches’ appearances despite not believing in witchcraft. They may view the witches’ role in the play as being somewhat humorous. Today’s Shakespearean audience’s enjoyment of the play would be enhanced by the use of sophisticated lighting techniques and props. Whilst audience reaction to the witches may have changed throughout the ages, the main vocal points of the play: greed, ambition, power, betrayal, empire building and murder are still part of the human condition.

In Act 1 Scene 3, the witches gave predictions to Macbeth and Banquo. This scene is one of the most important in the play as these predictions led Macbeth to begin his reign of terror over Scotland. The witches have a huge influence on Macbeth, and subsequently the entire plot of the play. Macbeth’s actions focus on his meeting with the witches. Macbeth is totally spellbound by the witches. He hears the desires of his mind as they cunningly plant the seed of evil. The witches talked in riddles which Macbeth, in his weakness, interprets into his own interest, and he decides to only hear what favours himself. Hence, the witches exist as a constant reminder of the potential for evil in the human imagination. Therefore, Macbeth is not deceived by the witches but by his ill-founded reliance on his own interpretation.

Join now!

The opening scene is set in open moorland; a place removed from the ordinary society of mankind and accepted social rules. Shakespeare brings the human world and the supernatural world together. The weather is unhealthy and hostile to men; the “fog and filthy air” suggests a sense of evil and darkness. The lightening represents confusion, disorder and turmoil. The witches’ conversation emphasises that their evil and vindictive will won’t be thwarted by men.

When Shakespeare first introduces us to the three witches, they reveal that they are “there to meet Macbeth.” We know that Macbeth and Banquo are returning after ...

This is a preview of the whole essay