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 he did; he was only influenced by the witches.
The witches’ prophesies were not only an influence to Macbeth. As Banquo was with Macbeth at the time, it influenced him as well. He was influenced as he had heard the three prophesies and knows that only his children will be king not him. Hearing all three prophesies, it affects his relationship with Macbeth as he knows what Macbeth is going to do. Banquo does not trust Macbeth anymore because he feels he does not know the real Macbeth. The witches also influence Lady Macbeth as Macbeth had written the letter so Lady Macbeth was encouraging Macbeth to fulfil the prophesies. The way Lady Macbeth is shown in the play shows that she controls Macbeth’s actions. She can manipulate Macbeth’s self-esteem by playing on his manliness and bravery. Although Macbeth has the final say, he loves Lady Macbeth and wants to make her happy.
Different characters refer to the witches in different ways. Macbeth referrs to them as protection and they are his guides in life. Lady Macbeth thinks that they are a helping hand towards the future. She also considers them temptresses. Banquo thinks of them as suspicious women who favour Macbeth more than him.
The language the witches use is different from the language the other characters use. The witches speak in seven syllables.
“And the very ports they blow
All the quarters that they know”.
This is an extract from Act 1 scene 3. Whereas the other characters speak in iambic pentameter
“What know believe, and what I can redress
As I shall find the time to friend, I will”
is an extract from Act 4 scene 3. These two extracts show that the witches speak in a different rhythm than the other characters. The witches also talk in chants and they speak in rhyme all the time, whereas the other characters only talk in rhyme occasionally, the porter does not either speak in rhyme. He uses the language of everyday life.
The witches talk to each other about where they are going to meet Macbeth. This scene takes place at the beginning of the play and it sets the scene of mystery and superstitions. In most of their other scenes they are talking to Macbeth, this sets a suspicious atmosphere.
Most of the witches’ scenes happen on a heath or in a deserted place. The scenes were set here because at the time the play was written; witches were hated so they hid away and were not seen. Also, with the scenes set in those places it is a completely different scenery from the rest of the play, which is mainly set outside or inside Macbeth’s castle, inside or outside the palace or a field.
In conclusion, the witches add a sense of mystery to the play. They impel Macbeth towards his destiny and have created a lasting impression on audiences for more than four centuries.