Question

Explain the power (if any) the witches hold over Macbeth. Before Macbeth

could understand everything, the witches disappeared. What changed him to
be confident enough? What is his new reputation, and do you think caused
the changes?

Answer 1

In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the witches hold a significant power over Macbeth. They use their supernatural abilities to prophesize Macbeth's rise to power as king, which plants the idea in his mind that he could achieve this by any means necessary, even by committing regicide. Macbeth becomes obsessed with the prophecy and its fulfillment, and he becomes increasingly dependent on the witches' prophecies and guidance.

The witches' power over Macbeth is not direct, as they do not physically control or manipulate him. Instead, their power comes from their ability to plant the seeds of ambition and desire for power within Macbeth's mind. They also feed Macbeth's ego by telling him that he is destined for greatness, which reinforces his belief that he is entitled to the throne.

Macbeth's confidence grows after he hears the first prophecy from the witches, which comes true when he becomes the Thane of Cawdor. This success makes him believe that the prophecy of becoming king is also possible. As he becomes more confident in himself, he becomes more willing to take risks and pursue his ambition.

After Macbeth becomes king, his reputation changes from being a loyal and brave soldier to a ruthless and paranoid tyrant who will do anything to maintain his power. His new reputation is a result of his actions, as he becomes increasingly ruthless and paranoid, leading to the murders of those he perceives as threats to his power, including his friend Banquo and the innocent family of Macduff.

In summary, the witches hold a significant power over Macbeth through their ability to plant the seeds of ambition and desire for power in his mind. Macbeth's confidence grows after the first prophecy comes true, leading him to become more willing to take risks and pursue his ambition. His new reputation as a ruthless and paranoid tyrant is a result of his own actions, as he becomes increasingly desperate to maintain his power.

Answer 2

The witches in Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” hold a significant amount of power over the titular character. From the very beginning of the play, the witches’ prophecies influence Macbeth’s actions and decisions. For example, after hearing the prophecy that he will become king, Macbeth becomes consumed with ambition and begins to plot against King Duncan.

One of the most famous quotes from the play that demonstrates the witches’ power over Macbeth is when he says “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.” (Act II, Scene I). In this scene, Macbeth is hallucinating a dagger that leads him towards Duncan’s chamber. This hallucination is a manifestation of Macbeth’s guilt and inner turmoil, which were brought on by the witches’ prophecy.

Throughout the play, the witches continue to manipulate Macbeth through their prophecies and apparitions. They lead him to believe that he is invincible and cannot be defeated. This false sense of security ultimately leads to Macbeth’s downfall.

In addition to their influence over Macbeth, the witches also hold power over other characters in the play. For example, they prophesize that Banquo’s descendants will become kings. This prophecy drives Macbeth to have Banquo murdered in an attempt to prevent it from coming true.

The significance of the witches in “Macbeth” cannot be overstated. They represent the supernatural and the unknown, and their presence adds an element of mystery and foreboding to the play. The witches’ prophecies drive the plot forward and their manipulations have a profound impact on the characters and events of the story.

Lady Macbeth also reacts strongly to the witches’ prophecies. Upon hearing that her husband will become king, she becomes determined to make it happen. She encourages Macbeth to murder Duncan and even takes part in the planning of the crime. However, as the play progresses, Lady Macbeth becomes consumed by guilt and her mental state deteriorates.

In conclusion, the witches hold a great deal of power over Macbeth and other characters in Shakespeare’s play. Their prophecies and manipulations drive the characters to commit terrible acts and ultimately lead to their downfall. The witches represent an important element of the supernatural in “Macbeth” and their presence adds depth and complexity to the story.