The play opens up with this sentence. It is a very thoughtful way of starting the play, as it is a paradox and it clues to the reader that the play will have confusion in it and that what happens with the characters will not always make sense. In this passage, the witches are discussing when they will meet Macbeth, and apparently it will be after some sort of confusion. The ideas here are juxtaposing and they are related to their meeting with Macbeth. This could probably indicate that what they think if fair is foul, and what they think is foul is fair. Meaning that something bad which they think is good can happen to Macbeth, and something good which they think is bad can also happen to him.
“I’ll drain him dry as hay. Sleep shall neither night nor day/hang upon his penthouse lid.”
(I.iii.18)
This quote serves to show that the witches are indeed evil, as they will punish a man who is probably innocent because of something his wife did that did not please the witch.
In this passage, the witch is discussing the spell she has cast upon the man whose wife has been disrespectful to her. By including this story, Shakespeare is probably indicating that the witches indeed are very evil, as they are willing to punish a man who is probably innocent because of something his wife did that did not please them. By knowing the witches’ evil nature, it will probably help to explain something they do along the rest of the play, as it may be very harsh and evil but for no particular reason.
“Lesser than Macbeth and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier.” (I.iii.68)
The witches also give Banquo his prophecy, probably meaning that Banquo will have plenty and will be happy, however he won’t have as much as Macbeth.
Once again, the witches use a paradox in their speech. In this scenario, the witches are giving Banquo his prophecy. They say “lesser than Macbeth and greater”. Banquo probably will not be king like Macbeth will, but what he will get will be better than what Macbeth will get, as he is supposed to be lesser than macbeth but greater. They also say “not so happy, yet much happier”. Banquo probably will not have the happiness Macbeth has as king, but his future will overall be happier than Macbeth’s. Since the ideas are juxtaposing, it proves once again that the witches’ actions are confusing and contradictory.
Final thoughts:
The witches are confusing and like to use paradoxes
They are truly evil without much reason for being cruel
Their actions and words are essential to understanding the consequences of the prophecies they told Macbeth and Banquo.
Ju, good analysis and important comments on the witches’ use of paradox, as this is important to their characterization. (Watch “sentence” instead of verse.)
First of all, this play doesn’t have sentences, it has verses instead. Interesting first sentence on analysis, but it gets confusing because it is a run-on sentence. The witches discuss where AND where they will meet Macbeth. What confusion? Use quotes to describe (hurly-burly’s done (chaos) or when the battle’s lost and won). Fifth sentence confusing, what do you mean? Last sentence sound strange, the beginning sounds like a continuation to the last sentence. “(…) they will punish a man who is probably innocent because of something his wife did that did not please the witch,” confusing, is the man innocent because of what his wife did? Maybe you meant they will punish an innocent man because of something his wife did. The first two sentences of the third paragraph of analysis is a repetition of the second, but has a very nice analysis after it. Very good last paragraph on analysis! Good conclusion. Overall, it is an excellent blog post with insightful ideas and great connections to Shakespeare’s purpose. Good job Ju <3!
“I dreamt last night of the three Weird Sisters. To you they have shown some truth.” (II.I.25)
Banquo is saying that he dreamt of the Weird Sisters and that they have spoken the truth to Macbeth. Even though the Witches have not appeared to either Banquo or Macbeth since, they are still present, as Banquo is even dreaming about them. In this verse we learn Banquo is still confused and curious about the prophecy, and probably wishes to discuss it with Macbeth as he brings it up. However, while Macbeth has already planned out how he will make the prophecy be true, Banquo is still thinking about it and has not yet decided what he shall do.
“Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep’” (II.ii.47)
In this verse Macbeth says that he has heard some voices speaking to him after he murdered Duncan. The voices could possibly be interpreted as the Witches speaking to Macbeth, as a way of showing that even if they are not present they are still observing and taking a part on what is happening. Another way to interpret this verse would be that even though Macbeth has not seen the Witches again, they are still present in his unconscious, as he is starting to hear voices similar to theirs in his head, when in reality it is all a part of his imagination. This interpretation could be similar to Banquo’s on the previous verse, as he is also thinking about the Weird Sisters and their prophecy.
“Then ‘this most like the sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.” (II.iv.41)
This verse is simple and there is not much to talk about, but is shows how the prophecy is proving to be true, as Macbeth is the one appointed to be king after Duncan’s murder.
Final Thoughts:
In this act we see that the prophecy is becoming true
Even though the Witches do not appear once in this act, they are still present in dreams and unconsciously.
What truth was shown to Banquo? Good first analysis, what might Banquo suspect of Macbeth and why? The voices were a curse made over Macbeth and are not present on his unconscious but on his subconscious. How do you know it was all part of his imagination? Nice second analysis also =D. Who says the last verse? Is there any significance to whom and when he is saying that? Are the witches present or is it their curse? Very good analysis of the witches’ presence and good connections with the quotes. ❤ ❤
Ju, a good analysis of how the witches continue to impact Macbeth and Banquo. Is it significant that M and B have quite negative reactions to their interactions or thoughts about the witches?
“But who did bid thee to join with us?” (III.iii.63)
Macbeth has hired two murderers to kill Banquo, and we see him talking to the murderers and convincing them to kill Banquo in the beginning of the act. However, once the murderers are gathering to perform the assassination, a third murderer shows up. This third murderer claims that Macbeth has hired him as well. It is interesting how Macbeth hires three murderers, and this could maybe be a reference to the three witches. At this point, the murderers are as evil as the witches are, as they have agreed to murder someone.
“I will tomorrow (and betimes I will) to the Weird Sisters. More shall they speak, for now I am bent to know by the worst means the worst.” (III.iv.164-166)
In this verse, we see that once again Macbeth is still confused and curious about the prophecy. He says that he will visit the Witches the following day and will ask them for more information. Macbeth says “for now I am bent to know by the worst means the worst”. This could probably mean that Macbeth is feeling that things are starting to go the wrong way, and he is willing to ask the Witches to tell him what will start to go wrong. We have a clue about what will happen from now on in the play, as things will apparently start going badly for Macbeth and his wife.
“I have not reason, beldams as you are?” (III.v.3-33)
Hecate is speaking, is not happy with what happened, is jealous, describes Macbeth as selfish, wayward son.
This scene is very interesting, as we see only one of the Witches speaking to the Hecate. The Hecate is sort of the “queen” of the Witches, their leader. The Witch asks the Hecate why she is mad. From then, the Hecate goes into a 30 line speech about why she is mad. She basically says that she is not really happy with what the Witches have been doing with Macbeth. It is possible to say that she may even be a little jealous of everything, as she is not involved and the Witches did not consult her before doing anything. Also, it is interesting how the Hecate describes Macbeth. She seems to know his true nature, as she calls him selfish, for example. Throughout the play, it is pretty obvious that Macbeth is selfish because of the things he is willing to do in order to succeed. The Hecate also calls Macbeth a “wayward son” meaning that he is difficult to predict and usually has perverse behavior, as we have seen until this point in the play. Her appearance is also interesting, as it shows how even the Witches have someone superior to them.
Final thoughts:
Macbeth is still confused about the prophecy
The Witches are still observing even though they rarely appear
The Hecate seems to know Macbeth true personality, and we see it is not a good one from how she describes him.
Ju, good comments on the witches here. Your comment about Hecate recognizing Macbeth’s true character and the witches miscalculating it is most interesting.
In this scene, the Witches appear to be casting a spell of some sort. These verses are written in a series of rhyming couplets, giving a musical quality to it all and adding to the idea that they are casting a spell. The first two verses contain the word “thrice” (“Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed” and “Thrice, and once the hedge-pig whined”). This could be a reference to the Holy Trinity once again, creating once again the idea of an evil Holy Trinity. As during the period this play was written the Church had great influence over the people, creating a sort of evil Holy Trinity could just add to the drama and cause even more fear in the audience regarding the Witches. Also, the play is written in Iambic Pentameter and the Witches’ verses are written in trochaic tetrameter, that adds to the idea that they are not human and speak in a different manner.
“I conjure you by that which you profess, answer me” (IV.i.51-147)
Macbeth demands more information about the prophecy. Instead of only telling him what will happen, the Witches decide to use some visuals, showing him the three apparitions.
These apparitions indicate to Macbeth that he should be careful with Macduff, but he is reassured that he will not be harmed because the Witches say that no man born of a woman can harm Macbeth. However, Macbeth is a little scared of the future because the Witches only show a line of kings that look like Banquo. It is interesting how Macbeth believes his prophecy and takes action by killing Duncan, but he never once thinks that if his prophecy is true, Banquo’s prophecy is also true. He was very surprised when he saw Banquo’s lineage, when in reality he shouldn’t be, because if he believed in his prophecy and it came true, he should believe in everyone’s prophecy as it will also come true. Therefore, in this passage, we see that Witches could have tricked Macbeth somehow, as they say that only the one who has not been born of a woman will be able to overthrow Macbeth, and this could be an indication of what is about to happen throughout the rest of the play.
Final Thoughts:
The Witches create the idea of an evil Holy Trinity and are not human
The Witches prophecy will still come true regarding Banquo’s part
The Witches have apparently tricked Macbeth in thinking that he will not be overthrown.
Very good use of literary terms, and very nice that you added the cause and effect the passages had in the audience. And very good tracing the witches. The final thoughts helps us understand the main ideas of this act, which is very nice and helpful.
Very good organisation in paragraphs making it clear what is being analysed. Goof work on how the witches relate to Macbeth thinkings and wishes. It helps us make clear to know that the witches are completely different from normal people. The final thoughts are really good as they point out the main points of the quotes chosen.
“As I did stand my watch upon the hill, I looked toward Birnam, and anon methought the wood began to move.” (V.v.37-39)
“Despair thy charm, and let the angel whom thou still hast served tell thee Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped.” (V.viii.17-20)
As we see in these passages, the Witches’ prophecy have come true. They have deceived Macbeth in a way, as they do not lie to him exactly, but they give him false hope. Macbeth had assumed that no one would be able to defeat him as there was no way a forest could move into a castle, when in reality the men used the forest as a disguise. Also, they said that no one born of a woman would be able to kill him, and of course in the real world no one can’t be born of a woman. Macduff was still born of a woman, but it wasn’t natural birth, and the Witches did not mention that in their prophecy exactly.
It is also interesting how we have not yet seen Banquo’s prophecy come true, since the play ends with Malcolm becoming king, but we do not know if Fleance ever becomes king. However, since all the other prophecies have come true, we can assume that somehow Banquo’s will also.
Final thoughts:
The Witches never lie, but they are not 100% honest
Everything they said became true, even if there were some confusions in the meaning of their prophecies.
I find it interesting how the witches’ prophecies have to be analyzed to truly understand their meanings. The meaning of the man born of woman prophecy is not at all clear but they are not lying. Once you understand the prophecy you see how they simply want to trick you but don’t lie. I agree with the inferrence that Banquo’s lineage will some day become kings because maybe the prophecy has yet to come true and the play ended. The confusion in the meanings of the prophecies are meant to be there because they are supernatural beings who communicate differently and with metaphors and a lot of hidden meaning.
Macbeth Characters and Motifs 
Act I
“Fair is foul and foul is fair.” (I.i.12)
The play opens up with this sentence. It is a very thoughtful way of starting the play, as it is a paradox and it clues to the reader that the play will have confusion in it and that what happens with the characters will not always make sense. In this passage, the witches are discussing when they will meet Macbeth, and apparently it will be after some sort of confusion. The ideas here are juxtaposing and they are related to their meeting with Macbeth. This could probably indicate that what they think if fair is foul, and what they think is foul is fair. Meaning that something bad which they think is good can happen to Macbeth, and something good which they think is bad can also happen to him.
“I’ll drain him dry as hay. Sleep shall neither night nor day/hang upon his penthouse lid.”
(I.iii.18)
This quote serves to show that the witches are indeed evil, as they will punish a man who is probably innocent because of something his wife did that did not please the witch.
In this passage, the witch is discussing the spell she has cast upon the man whose wife has been disrespectful to her. By including this story, Shakespeare is probably indicating that the witches indeed are very evil, as they are willing to punish a man who is probably innocent because of something his wife did that did not please them. By knowing the witches’ evil nature, it will probably help to explain something they do along the rest of the play, as it may be very harsh and evil but for no particular reason.
“Lesser than Macbeth and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier.” (I.iii.68)
The witches also give Banquo his prophecy, probably meaning that Banquo will have plenty and will be happy, however he won’t have as much as Macbeth.
Once again, the witches use a paradox in their speech. In this scenario, the witches are giving Banquo his prophecy. They say “lesser than Macbeth and greater”. Banquo probably will not be king like Macbeth will, but what he will get will be better than what Macbeth will get, as he is supposed to be lesser than macbeth but greater. They also say “not so happy, yet much happier”. Banquo probably will not have the happiness Macbeth has as king, but his future will overall be happier than Macbeth’s. Since the ideas are juxtaposing, it proves once again that the witches’ actions are confusing and contradictory.
Final thoughts:
The witches are confusing and like to use paradoxes
They are truly evil without much reason for being cruel
Their actions and words are essential to understanding the consequences of the prophecies they told Macbeth and Banquo.
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Ju, good analysis and important comments on the witches’ use of paradox, as this is important to their characterization. (Watch “sentence” instead of verse.)
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First of all, this play doesn’t have sentences, it has verses instead. Interesting first sentence on analysis, but it gets confusing because it is a run-on sentence. The witches discuss where AND where they will meet Macbeth. What confusion? Use quotes to describe (hurly-burly’s done (chaos) or when the battle’s lost and won). Fifth sentence confusing, what do you mean? Last sentence sound strange, the beginning sounds like a continuation to the last sentence. “(…) they will punish a man who is probably innocent because of something his wife did that did not please the witch,” confusing, is the man innocent because of what his wife did? Maybe you meant they will punish an innocent man because of something his wife did. The first two sentences of the third paragraph of analysis is a repetition of the second, but has a very nice analysis after it. Very good last paragraph on analysis! Good conclusion. Overall, it is an excellent blog post with insightful ideas and great connections to Shakespeare’s purpose. Good job Ju <3!
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Act II
“I dreamt last night of the three Weird Sisters. To you they have shown some truth.” (II.I.25)
Banquo is saying that he dreamt of the Weird Sisters and that they have spoken the truth to Macbeth. Even though the Witches have not appeared to either Banquo or Macbeth since, they are still present, as Banquo is even dreaming about them. In this verse we learn Banquo is still confused and curious about the prophecy, and probably wishes to discuss it with Macbeth as he brings it up. However, while Macbeth has already planned out how he will make the prophecy be true, Banquo is still thinking about it and has not yet decided what he shall do.
“Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep’” (II.ii.47)
In this verse Macbeth says that he has heard some voices speaking to him after he murdered Duncan. The voices could possibly be interpreted as the Witches speaking to Macbeth, as a way of showing that even if they are not present they are still observing and taking a part on what is happening. Another way to interpret this verse would be that even though Macbeth has not seen the Witches again, they are still present in his unconscious, as he is starting to hear voices similar to theirs in his head, when in reality it is all a part of his imagination. This interpretation could be similar to Banquo’s on the previous verse, as he is also thinking about the Weird Sisters and their prophecy.
“Then ‘this most like the sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.” (II.iv.41)
This verse is simple and there is not much to talk about, but is shows how the prophecy is proving to be true, as Macbeth is the one appointed to be king after Duncan’s murder.
Final Thoughts:
In this act we see that the prophecy is becoming true
Even though the Witches do not appear once in this act, they are still present in dreams and unconsciously.
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What truth was shown to Banquo? Good first analysis, what might Banquo suspect of Macbeth and why? The voices were a curse made over Macbeth and are not present on his unconscious but on his subconscious. How do you know it was all part of his imagination? Nice second analysis also =D. Who says the last verse? Is there any significance to whom and when he is saying that? Are the witches present or is it their curse? Very good analysis of the witches’ presence and good connections with the quotes. ❤ ❤
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Ju, a good analysis of how the witches continue to impact Macbeth and Banquo. Is it significant that M and B have quite negative reactions to their interactions or thoughts about the witches?
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Act III
“But who did bid thee to join with us?” (III.iii.63)
Macbeth has hired two murderers to kill Banquo, and we see him talking to the murderers and convincing them to kill Banquo in the beginning of the act. However, once the murderers are gathering to perform the assassination, a third murderer shows up. This third murderer claims that Macbeth has hired him as well. It is interesting how Macbeth hires three murderers, and this could maybe be a reference to the three witches. At this point, the murderers are as evil as the witches are, as they have agreed to murder someone.
“I will tomorrow (and betimes I will) to the Weird Sisters. More shall they speak, for now I am bent to know by the worst means the worst.” (III.iv.164-166)
In this verse, we see that once again Macbeth is still confused and curious about the prophecy. He says that he will visit the Witches the following day and will ask them for more information. Macbeth says “for now I am bent to know by the worst means the worst”. This could probably mean that Macbeth is feeling that things are starting to go the wrong way, and he is willing to ask the Witches to tell him what will start to go wrong. We have a clue about what will happen from now on in the play, as things will apparently start going badly for Macbeth and his wife.
“I have not reason, beldams as you are?” (III.v.3-33)
Hecate is speaking, is not happy with what happened, is jealous, describes Macbeth as selfish, wayward son.
This scene is very interesting, as we see only one of the Witches speaking to the Hecate. The Hecate is sort of the “queen” of the Witches, their leader. The Witch asks the Hecate why she is mad. From then, the Hecate goes into a 30 line speech about why she is mad. She basically says that she is not really happy with what the Witches have been doing with Macbeth. It is possible to say that she may even be a little jealous of everything, as she is not involved and the Witches did not consult her before doing anything. Also, it is interesting how the Hecate describes Macbeth. She seems to know his true nature, as she calls him selfish, for example. Throughout the play, it is pretty obvious that Macbeth is selfish because of the things he is willing to do in order to succeed. The Hecate also calls Macbeth a “wayward son” meaning that he is difficult to predict and usually has perverse behavior, as we have seen until this point in the play. Her appearance is also interesting, as it shows how even the Witches have someone superior to them.
Final thoughts:
Macbeth is still confused about the prophecy
The Witches are still observing even though they rarely appear
The Hecate seems to know Macbeth true personality, and we see it is not a good one from how she describes him.
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Ju, good comments on the witches here. Your comment about Hecate recognizing Macbeth’s true character and the witches miscalculating it is most interesting.
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Act IV
“Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed” (IV.i.1-30)
In this scene, the Witches appear to be casting a spell of some sort. These verses are written in a series of rhyming couplets, giving a musical quality to it all and adding to the idea that they are casting a spell. The first two verses contain the word “thrice” (“Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed” and “Thrice, and once the hedge-pig whined”). This could be a reference to the Holy Trinity once again, creating once again the idea of an evil Holy Trinity. As during the period this play was written the Church had great influence over the people, creating a sort of evil Holy Trinity could just add to the drama and cause even more fear in the audience regarding the Witches. Also, the play is written in Iambic Pentameter and the Witches’ verses are written in trochaic tetrameter, that adds to the idea that they are not human and speak in a different manner.
“I conjure you by that which you profess, answer me” (IV.i.51-147)
Macbeth demands more information about the prophecy. Instead of only telling him what will happen, the Witches decide to use some visuals, showing him the three apparitions.
These apparitions indicate to Macbeth that he should be careful with Macduff, but he is reassured that he will not be harmed because the Witches say that no man born of a woman can harm Macbeth. However, Macbeth is a little scared of the future because the Witches only show a line of kings that look like Banquo. It is interesting how Macbeth believes his prophecy and takes action by killing Duncan, but he never once thinks that if his prophecy is true, Banquo’s prophecy is also true. He was very surprised when he saw Banquo’s lineage, when in reality he shouldn’t be, because if he believed in his prophecy and it came true, he should believe in everyone’s prophecy as it will also come true. Therefore, in this passage, we see that Witches could have tricked Macbeth somehow, as they say that only the one who has not been born of a woman will be able to overthrow Macbeth, and this could be an indication of what is about to happen throughout the rest of the play.
Final Thoughts:
The Witches create the idea of an evil Holy Trinity and are not human
The Witches prophecy will still come true regarding Banquo’s part
The Witches have apparently tricked Macbeth in thinking that he will not be overthrown.
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Very good use of literary terms, and very nice that you added the cause and effect the passages had in the audience. And very good tracing the witches. The final thoughts helps us understand the main ideas of this act, which is very nice and helpful.
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Very good organisation in paragraphs making it clear what is being analysed. Goof work on how the witches relate to Macbeth thinkings and wishes. It helps us make clear to know that the witches are completely different from normal people. The final thoughts are really good as they point out the main points of the quotes chosen.
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Act V
“As I did stand my watch upon the hill, I looked toward Birnam, and anon methought the wood began to move.” (V.v.37-39)
“Despair thy charm, and let the angel whom thou still hast served tell thee Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped.” (V.viii.17-20)
As we see in these passages, the Witches’ prophecy have come true. They have deceived Macbeth in a way, as they do not lie to him exactly, but they give him false hope. Macbeth had assumed that no one would be able to defeat him as there was no way a forest could move into a castle, when in reality the men used the forest as a disguise. Also, they said that no one born of a woman would be able to kill him, and of course in the real world no one can’t be born of a woman. Macduff was still born of a woman, but it wasn’t natural birth, and the Witches did not mention that in their prophecy exactly.
It is also interesting how we have not yet seen Banquo’s prophecy come true, since the play ends with Malcolm becoming king, but we do not know if Fleance ever becomes king. However, since all the other prophecies have come true, we can assume that somehow Banquo’s will also.
Final thoughts:
The Witches never lie, but they are not 100% honest
Everything they said became true, even if there were some confusions in the meaning of their prophecies.
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I find it interesting how the witches’ prophecies have to be analyzed to truly understand their meanings. The meaning of the man born of woman prophecy is not at all clear but they are not lying. Once you understand the prophecy you see how they simply want to trick you but don’t lie. I agree with the inferrence that Banquo’s lineage will some day become kings because maybe the prophecy has yet to come true and the play ended. The confusion in the meanings of the prophecies are meant to be there because they are supernatural beings who communicate differently and with metaphors and a lot of hidden meaning.
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