The Role of Witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth

When examining the importance of the witches in William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', it is important to take into account their role, description, actions, setting, and influence on other characters and society. Furthermore, directors play a vital part in depicting the witches as unique, unconventional, and somewhat quirky individuals.

The play Macbeth illustrates the tragic downfall of a once honorable man due to various themes including tragedy, murder, deceit, treachery, insanity, ambition, vengeance, remorse, historical context, prophecy, and the supernatural. Set in the early 1600s during a period when beliefs in witches and other mystical beings were prevalent, it presents a stark contrast to our contemporary world in terms of technological advancements and societal norms.

During Shakespeare's era, disasters and misfortunes were frequently linked to witches and witchcraft, which involved the use of magical powers and the supernatural to manipulate events. With no other logical explanations for strange happenings, individuals turned to accusing witchcraft. King James I, who reigned during Shakespeare's time, had a deep dread of witchcraft and enacted a law in parliament that mandated death for those practicing it.

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Witches were viewed as allies of the devil, resulting in Witch Hunts. The play starts by presenting witches, depicting evil as a mystical force in line with the dominant beliefs of that period.

Setting the scene in such a way at the start of the play creates an atmosphere filled with evil. It leaves the audience with no doubt that the play revolves around the battle between pure evil and the forces of good.

The ominous ambiance ("A desert place", "Thunder and lightning") is established right from the beginning, as the witches demonstrate their powers:

'When will the three of us meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?'

The witches' fearlessness towards the weather highlights their contrasting attitude to society at the time. Thunder and lightning used to instill terror in people who couldn't understand them, but now storms are commonplace. The witches believe they can control both the weather and Macbeth, whom they seek to manipulate towards his downfall. Their eerie chanting builds suspense as they continue with their ominous verses:

‘Fair is foul and foul is fair’ Hover through the fog and filthy air.’

Pointing out that appearances can be deceiving, these supernatural women make it clear that Macbeth is in for a challenging journey, with the use of the term 'filthy' serving as a stark reminder. The witches' cryptic chanting adds to the intrigue, demonstrating Shakespeare's clever tactic of distinguishing them from the other characters in the play. In Act 1 Scene 1, Macbeth is also introduced as the central figure. Despite our initial lack of knowledge about him, it is apparent that his fate has already been determined by the witches. Their mysterious mission persists.

Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches in Act 1 Scene 3 after coming back from battle. The witches predict that Macbeth will become King, which he later echoes, establishing a mysterious bond between them.

’..I have never seen a day that is both so foul and fair.’

It is possible that Macbeth is in some way aligned with the witches and thus, evil. Alternatively, this could be an initial indication that Macbeth is beginning to emulate them. In contrast, Banquo comments on their outward appearance.

'These creatures are so wrinkled and wildly dressed that they don't even look human. You put your horny fingers on your skinny lips, and you look like women but with beards,'

This description of the weird sisters paints a vivid image of witches as ugly and unpleasant creatures. The audience at this time would have likely appreciated this portrayal. Despite being promised good things, Macbeth seems fearful in their presence, while Banquo remains distrustful, dubbing them 'Instruments of darkness'. After the encounter, Macbeth receives the news that he has become Thane of Cawdor, further adding to the mysterious atmosphere.

The instruments of darkness often tell us truths that lead us to harm, deceiving us with small truths to betray us in our deepest trust.

Banquo is cautioning Macbeth to beware, as evil powers can mislead! Despite this warning, Macbeth is struggling internally and shares his inner thoughts with the audience through a soliloquy.

The supernatural soliciting that I am experiencing cannot be defined as either good or bad. If it is bad, why has it already shown me signs of success? And if it is good...

Macbeth is questioning why positive things have occurred despite the witches being evil and his body's negative reactions even after good occurrences. He is puzzled about whether the witches are supporting him, and the mention of 'murder' in his speech intensifies his fear.

'My thought whose murder yet is but imaginary…'

Despite the witches not explicitly stating it, a seed of ambition has been firmly planted in both Macbeth's mind and the audience's mind. This ultimately leads to murder becoming the central theme of the story, fueled by Macbeth's ambition.

While Macbeth's ambition is overshadowed by Lady Macbeth's desire for power and persuasive skills, it is ultimately her influence that leads him to murder King Duncan. Despite having a moral compass at one point, Macbeth gives in to temptation after being influenced by his wife. The witches' prophecies seem to be coming true right before their eyes!

As Macbeth rises to power and becomes king, Banquo also falls victim to his betrayal. Despite Banquo's unwavering loyalty, Macbeth grows suspicious of him. Recognizing Banquo's intelligence and ability to foresee the future, Macbeth decides to get rid of him to prevent his descendants from taking the throne. Seeing Banquo as a danger, Macbeth feels compelled to eliminate his rival. Interestingly, it was Banquo who warned Macbeth about the real threats. It seems that the witches are still shaping events. Now more authoritative but increasingly troubled, Macbeth chooses to turn to the witches for guidance. It is important to note that he actively seeks their help rather than waiting for them to come to him.

The witches are eagerly anticipating his arrival at the 'fiery cauldron'.

'By the feeling in my thumbs,
Something evil is approaching'

The witches compare Macbeth to themselves, both being evil, as they continue to concoct their mixture of confusion and recite their magical incantations. The eerie weather mirrors the beginning of the play, enhancing the dark setting. Macbeth appears somewhat comfortable among them at first, simply curious about his fate. However, they deliver prophecies that will ultimately lead to his downfall. A spectral figure materializes before Macbeth, appearing as a head in armor (mistakenly identified by Macbeth as Macduff). Another apparition then appears, taking the form of a bloodied child.

Macbeth is invulnerable to harm from anyone who was born of a woman.

Macbeth misunderstands the apparitions, particularly the third one representing Malcolm as a crowned child with a tree. Not knowing that Macduff was born through Caesarean section, Macbeth becomes anxious about children and their fate. The witches trick him by depicting Banquo's descendants as future kings instead of his own. Feeling deceived, Macbeth curses the witches before they disappear, leaving him isolated. This misinterpretation leads to violent decisions like arranging the killing of Lady Macduff and her children. Consequently, Macduff seeks retribution and ultimately slays Macbeth.

With Macbeth's head on a pole, the audience sees the witches' power over him come true through all three apparitions. This demonstrates their control over Macbeth, who was previously esteemed for his integrity and honor. It prompts speculation about the extent of their influence on common people during the 1600s, taking into account the historical context and beliefs of that era. In the 17th century, witchcraft was linked to devilry and held a different significance compared to contemporary perceptions.

The witches in Macbeth prompt the debate of their existence as either real or a creation of Macbeth's mind. Despite their peculiar appearance and practices, they represent the supernatural and spark a conflict between good and evil within the play. Audiences from the 1600s would have been captivated by the witches' significance and intrigued by the supernatural elements present in Macbeth.