Witches Prophecies For Macbeth example essay topic

It is dark and dreary, there is a storm rolling in. From a distance one can hear three strange voices plotting to meet someone of great courage and strength. This is the opening scene to the famous play, Macbeth written by Shakespeare. The readers, or audience in those times, first get introduced to three characters that will be essential throughout the whole story, the witches. The witches take on many roles and functions. They are there to foreshadow events that will occur at a later point in time, manipulate Macbeth, set a theme of disorder and a supernatural element, and keep the readers guessing till the very end.

As stated before, scene one opens with the witches talking of their plans to meet with Macbeth. Whenever the witches are present the weather is stormy and the landscape is unwelcoming. "When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" (1, 1, 1-2) In modern English times witches and demons seemed to be more active in stormy weather. This sets a theme of disorder when the witches are near. King James the first and others of those times knew of witches' ability to harm and destroy strong people, just as they will do to Macbeth. With the witches ability to see into the future and prophesize certain events gives Macbeth a supernatural feeling.

The next time the reader encounters the witches is when they find out the witches prophecies for Macbeth. Macbeth meets the witches by chance when he and Banque are riding home. The first witch says; "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glam is" (1, 3, 48).

This is the title that Macbeth already holds. The second witch greets Macbeth with, "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Candor" (1, 3, 49). This is the title that Macbeth knows he will soon have. The last witch greets Macbeth by saying to him, "All hail Macbeth! That shalt be king thereafter" (1, 3, 50).

This greeting takes Macbeth by surprise. He is skeptical to believe that is what he will become. He states being king is not "within the prospects of belief" (1, 3, 75). He really believes it is not possible. Not only do the witches play an important role to Macbeth but, the also keep the readers guessing as to what will really happen. Readers ask their self the question; will their prophecies for Macbeth be true?

Therefore they continue to read in order to find out. The last time one meets the witches is very important. Once again there is thunder in the background and the weather is desolate. This time Macbeth unites with the witches on his own will, not by chance, unlike previous times. Macbeth demands answers from the witches despite the harm and destruction it may cause him. The witches approach to telling Macbeth what will happen in the future is different then before.

This time they are careful in the words they choose but they do not fail to tell the truth. The witches give Macbeth a false confidence, which leads Macbeth to believe he is invincible. "Infected be the air wher on they ride, / and damn all those that trust them!" (4, 1,138-139). From this it is clear how much Macbeth trusts the witches words. When really the witches are manipulating and deceiving him. The last prophecies the witches give prepare the reader for the final act, the downfall of Macbeth.