The role of the witches

Authors Avatar

The role of the witches

William Shakespeare wrote the play Macbeth, the Scottish play, in 1606. He wrote it for King James 1st who had a fascination with witches and the supernatural. “Macbeth” is based on actual events in the history of Scotland. It is said that it is unlucky to say “Macbeth” when it is performed.

Around the 16th and 17th century people had an obsession with witchcraft. Witches were thought to have unbelievable powers; predicting the future, flying and killing animals with diseases. Elderly women who were single or who lived with animals were in constant danger from misogyny. People who were considered witches were punished in barbaric ways; they were hung or burnt at the stake. Witches were said the wear ragged looking clothes, but actually they wore clothes from that era.

Join now!

The three witches in ‘Macbeth’ and are introduced right at the beginning of the play. The witches are very important as they tell Macbeth about himself and his future. If the witches had not been there, then Macbeth might not have been influenced to do what he did. The witches told Macbeth three prophesies: He will be Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glams and King. With these prophesies, Macbeth was introduced to ideas of greatness. It was sometimes thought the witches had the ability to reverse the natural order of things. But it was Macbeth’s decision to do what ...

This is a preview of the whole essay