Shakespeare’s treatment of evil in Macbeth

The first 200 words of this essay...

The Perse School for girls English Literature

Centre number: 22135

Michelle Cheung

February 2002

Shakespeare's treatment of evil in Macbeth

It is clear right from the beginning of the play that the witches play a key role in the play. The opening scene shows the witches planning their meeting with Macbeth. Not only does this scene hold suspense and capture the audience's attention from the start of the play, it sets the atmosphere also. They meet on a moor in thunder and lightening, this portrays an evil image. This is how Shakespeare portrays evil at the start of the play.

Shakespeare used rhyming couplets for lovers and magical characters, as well as at the end of a scene to round it off. The Witches speak this certain way to stress their mysteriousness and sense of confusion. Some of their lines contradict each other and this can be very effective and powerful.

All: Fair is foul, and foul is fair

Hover through the fog and filthy air.

- (1.1)

This is to emphasise the witches hate for good, and love for evil. Also, this would have caused tension