Character Analysis: The Witches in 'Macbeth'

Summary

This video script delves into the enigmatic presence of the three witches in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', exploring their limited on-stage appearances and their role in the play. It discusses the historical context of witchcraft during Jacobean times and how the witches' supernatural theme was a significant draw for audiences. The script also examines the witches' language, their power dynamics, and the dramatic irony Shakespeare employs to reveal their true influence. Finally, it touches on the debate over their power and the deceptive apparitions they present to Macbeth, highlighting the play's enduring relevance and the complexity of its characters.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The three witches in 'Macbeth' are a central topic of discussion, despite their limited on-stage presence.
• 🔮 Shakespeare strategically opens the play with the witches to pique interest and establish the supernatural theme, which was a significant draw during the Jacobean era.
• 👑 The historical context of witchcraft being a capital crime, especially under King James, adds depth to the play's opening and its appeal to the king as a patron.
• 📚 The rapid shift in beliefs about witchcraft between the play's first performance and the 18th century is highlighted, showing how societal views evolve.
• 📖 Samuel Johnson's 1745 critique points out the changing attitudes towards the supernatural in literature, reflecting a move away from such themes in serious drama.
• 🎼 The witches' use of trochaic meter distinguishes them from other characters who use iambic pentameter, emphasizing their otherworldly and wicked nature.
• 🤔 The extent of the witches' power is debated; whether they are prophetic or directive remains ambiguous, with some scholars suggesting they are not as influential as they seem.
• 🎭 Dr. Emma Smith's lecture explores the idea that the witches may not be as powerful as Macbeth perceives, using dramatic irony to suggest their limited influence.
• 🌬️ An example of the witches' limited power is shown when one witch seeks revenge on a sailor but cannot cause his death, only turmoil.
• 👸 The scene with Hecate in Act 3 Scene 5 suggests a hierarchy among the witches, with Hecate as their superior, further undermining the idea of the witches' supreme power.
• 🔮 In Act 4 Scene 1, the apparitions shown to Macbeth are deceptive and open to interpretation, with Macbeth misinterpreting them to his own comfort, highlighting his downfall.
• 👻 The final appearance of the witches and their absence from the battle scenes raises questions about their true impact and power within the narrative.

Q & A

What is the significance of the witches' presence in 'Macbeth'?

The witches' presence is significant as they introduce the theme of the supernatural and are used by Shakespeare to grab the audience's interest, especially during the Jacobean era when there was a great deal of interest and belief in witchcraft.

Why does Shakespeare open 'Macbeth' with the witches?

Shakespeare opens with the witches to suggest their significant role in the play, pique the audience's curiosity, and also to appeal to the interests of King James, who had a fascination with witchcraft.

How does the audience's perception of the witches change over time?

Over time, the audience's perception of the witches changes from fear and belief in their power to skepticism and amusement, as seen in Samuel Johnson's 1745 commentary on the play.

What is the role of the witches in the play's structure?

The witches' role in the play's structure is to create intrigue and foreshadow events, as well as to highlight the limits of their power through dramatic irony.

How do the witches' speeches differ from those of the other characters in 'Macbeth'?

The witches speak in trochaic meter, which is characterized by stressed syllables followed by unstressed syllables, setting them apart from the iambic pentameter used by the other characters and emphasizing their otherworldliness.

What debate arises regarding the witches' power in 'Macbeth'?

The debate revolves around whether the witches have the power to directly cause events or if they merely possess the power of prophecy to predict the future.

According to Dr. Emma Smith, how does Shakespeare use dramatic irony to undermine the witches' power?

Dr. Smith suggests that Shakespeare uses dramatic irony by showing the audience the witches' limitations in power before Macbeth arrives, allowing the audience to see that Macbeth's infatuation with them reveals more about his character than their actual power.

What is the significance of the witches' discussion about the sailor in Act 1 Scene 3?

The discussion reveals the witches' limited power, as one witch can only cause the sailor's ship to be tempest-tossed but not sink it, indicating that they cannot control life and death.

Why do some scholars believe that Act 3 Scene 5 may not have been written by Shakespeare?

Scholars believe this scene may not be by Shakespeare due to the sudden introduction of Hecate with many lines and the change in the witches' behavior, suggesting it could have been added by actors for their benefit.

What do the apparitions shown to Macbeth in Act 4 Scene 1 actually signify, and how does Macbeth interpret them?

The apparitions are deceptive and can be interpreted in a way opposite to what Macbeth believes. For example, the 'armed Head' foretells Macbeth's decapitation, but he misunderstands it as a sign of safety for himself.

Why is the final vision of the 'eight kings' significant to Macbeth?

The vision of the 'eight kings' signifies that none of Macbeth's own descendants will inherit the throne, which is a devastating revelation for him, considering his actions to secure his reign.