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What effect is shakespeare trying to create by using the witches in Macbeth?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The text of Macbeth contains disturbing suggestions that when it was originally produced, the witches were no more terrifying than the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream. They were in fact a bit of a joke. The stage directions suggest that the witches sing and dance three times: once in Act III Scene 5 and twice in Act IV Scene 1, the famous Cauldron Scene. This scene contains the lines said by the character Hecate "And now about the cauldron sing, Like eves and fairies in a ring, Enchanting all that we put in" followed by the song "Black spirits, etc." Later the first witch says "But why stands Macbeth thus amazedly? Come sisters, cheer we up his sprites and show the best of our delights." followed by another song and dance.
If you get the impression that this makes Macbeth sound like a musical, you are probably right. Scholars believe that the only text we have of Macbeth is from a tarted up version of the play in which songs from Thomas Middleton's play The Witch and some further dialogue by Middleton, including the lines quoted above, were inserted by popular demand. The fact that there was a popular demand shows that the audience expected the witches to be funny, not scary. Middleton's alterations were made between 10 and 18 years after the play was first written so this public demand was among the original patrons. We actually have a description of the play written by one of the original patrons who saw it in 1610, before Middleton's revisions. He describes the witches in the scene where they prophesy to Macbeth and Banquo as "feiries or Nimphes" and again later as "nimphes" which confirms that they were portrayed as cute not frightening.
Modern practice is to remove all of the material clearly by Middleton and to portray the witches as frightening, which actually works better dramatically according to modern lights.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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Why did shakespeare change the character of the real Macbeth completely in his play?
Shakespeare was not interested in writing history. Even his so-called History Plays changed facts for dramatic effect. Macbeth is a tragedy. It was more important to create a tragic character than an accurate one.
What effect does it have on your initial response to Macbeth Macbeth and Banquo are confronted by the witches who predict both Macbeth's and Banquo's future?
Since this happens in Act 1 Scene 3, you probably have not had time to form an initial response before these things happen.
What effect does the Kings praise of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
A big effect
Why did shakespeare choose to write about the witches in Macbeth?
Most people believe that Shakespeare used the witches and other elements of the supernatural in the play "Macbeth" because a. it added a dramatic effect to the play and b. the new monarch at that time (James I) was very interested in the supernatural. So Shakespeare probably used this play to impress the king! Also, around the time that Shakespeare was writing this play, a lot of people were persecuted for being "witches", so you could think of "Macbeth" as an early form of satire!
Effect of the letter to Lady Macbeth?
The letter of Macbeth was important to Lady Macbeth. It reinforced for her that the two worked together as a couple. Her husband confided in her, and respected and depended upon her advice and guidance. He didn't just tell her that they'd have the honor of King Duncan I as their house guest at Inverness Castle. He also updated her on his interactions with the three witches and their predictions of ever greater things for him on the job. Because she was warned in advance of the visit and of the predictions, she could prepare her household for her guest and her victims.
What is the effect of the rhyme scheme used by the three witches in Macbeth?
The rhyme scheme used by the witches in Macbeth (ABAB) helps create a sense of rhythm and incantation, enhancing the mysterious and supernatural atmosphere of the play. It adds to the witches' otherworldly presence and makes their prophecies seem more powerful and foreboding.
Why did shakespeare change the character of the real Macbeth completely in his play?
Shakespeare was not interested in writing history. Even his so-called History Plays changed facts for dramatic effect. Macbeth is a tragedy. It was more important to create a tragic character than an accurate one.
What does the inclusion of the three witches suggest about the historical accuracy of the Holinshed's Chronicles?
The inclusion of the three witches in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" from Holinshed's Chronicles does not necessarily reflect historical accuracy. The witches are likely included for dramatic effect and to explore themes of fate and destiny in the play, rather than as a literal depiction of historical events.
Why do you think shakespeare chose to use apostrophe rather than have Macbeth describe a menacing dagger?
Shakespeare used apostrophe in Macbeth's soliloquy to create dramatic effect and emphasize Macbeth's hallucinations and inner turmoil. By having Macbeth address the dagger directly, it allows the audience to see the depth of his psychological struggle and descent into madness. It also adds an element of tension and suspense to the scene.
Macbeth say about the witches infected be the air whereon they ride and damned all those that trust them what Macbeth in effect saying about himself?
Macbeth is suggesting that the witches bring corruption wherever they go and that anyone who believes in them is also doomed. By aligning himself with the witches and putting his trust in their prophecies, Macbeth is essentially acknowledging his own descent into darkness and the consequences of his actions.
What was the major effect in England the time Shakespeare was writing Macbeth?
One major effect in England during Shakespeare's time was the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, where a group of Catholics attempted to assassinate King James I and members of Parliament. This event may have influenced the themes of power, ambition, and political betrayal in Shakespeare's "Macbeth."
What effect does it have on your initial response to Macbeth Macbeth and Banquo are confronted by the witches who predict both Macbeth's and Banquo's future?
Since this happens in Act 1 Scene 3, you probably have not had time to form an initial response before these things happen.
What effect does the Kings praise of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
A big effect
How could the witches greeting and Macbeth's reaction to it foreshadow his tragic flaw?
Macbeth becomes greedy and overly ambitious.
Why did shakespeare choose to write about the witches in Macbeth?
Most people believe that Shakespeare used the witches and other elements of the supernatural in the play "Macbeth" because a. it added a dramatic effect to the play and b. the new monarch at that time (James I) was very interested in the supernatural. So Shakespeare probably used this play to impress the king! Also, around the time that Shakespeare was writing this play, a lot of people were persecuted for being "witches", so you could think of "Macbeth" as an early form of satire!
Effect of the letter to Lady Macbeth?
The letter of Macbeth was important to Lady Macbeth. It reinforced for her that the two worked together as a couple. Her husband confided in her, and respected and depended upon her advice and guidance. He didn't just tell her that they'd have the honor of King Duncan I as their house guest at Inverness Castle. He also updated her on his interactions with the three witches and their predictions of ever greater things for him on the job. Because she was warned in advance of the visit and of the predictions, she could prepare her household for her guest and her victims.
How were stories with supernatural elements viewed differently in Shakespeare time versus how they are viewed today?
Shakespeare makes use of the supernatural in a number of plays. There are ghosts in Hamlet, Macbeth, Julius Caesar and Richard III. There are witches in Macbeth, Henry VI Part II, and The Tempest. There are fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream. In the Tempest Ariel is a spirit of the air. In Cymbeline the god Jupiter appears in a dream and in As You Like It, Hymen God of Marriage appears in order to marry all of the couples. What is the effect of all this? In many cases Shakespeare does it on purpose to highlight the difference between appearance and reality. In Hamlet, The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream there is also a play within a play which highlights that the play is only a play, and the fantasies are only imaginary. The supernatural makes the play seem a little more unreal.
