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What are the witches also known as? Why is this significant?
The weird sisters. Weird in this context comes from the Anglo-Saxon term for fate or destiny.
How are the witches’ horrible natures visually represented?
Hideous appearances. Banquo describes them as being “so withered, and so wild in their attire, that look not like th’inhabitants o’th’earth”
Why does Shakespeare present the witches as haggard, untrustworthy, spiteful women?
In accordance to popular belief at the time that witches should be feared.
What is significant about the witches’ speech?
They speak in rhymed speech - this gives them a slightly ridiculous, exaggerated, supernatural effect.
How are the witches different from the other characters through speech?
They use rhyming couplets whereas the other characters use blank verse or prose.
How did King James see the unnatural dark powers of witchcraft?
At odds with the divine powers of Christianity
How do the witches manipulate Macbeth’s life?
They give him information that spurs him into action. However, some may argue that they are simply reporting upon Macbeth’s unchangeable destiny and the events of the play would’ve happened regardless.
