Essay/Term paper: Analysis of witches in macbeth

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Macbeth

Analysis of Witches in Macbeth


In the play Macbeth by Shakespeare the three female witches play an
important part in the development of the story. This essay will analyze the
dramatic function of the witches in Act I of Macbeth.
I think that the reason that Shakespeare begins the play with the
witches is to gives us the impression that everything starts with the witches,
that is they are the catalysts for everything that happens in the play. I think
that the witches are also there to set the mood for the play, "Hover through the
fog and filthy air." This line gives us a sense of loneliness and desperation.

The play would be drastically different if it sprang from Macbeth's own
mind and he did not have any influence from the witches. If Macbeth did not
have any influence from the witches than he probably would not be thinking about
killing Duncan to become King. But with the witches help this idea was thrust
to the front of his mind and he thinks that he should kill Duncan because the
witches say that it is his destiny. I am sure that Macbeth would not be as
hesitant if the idea to kill Duncan came from his head without the witches help.
I say this because when you reason things out by yourself you tend to now what
is right and what is wrong, a conscience. But with the outside influence from
the witches he thinks that that is his destiny and he must do everything to
fulfill it.
What the witches say in the beginning is what influences the entire plot.
Macbeth hears these words and then tries to make them happen because he
listened to the witches and thinks that he is to become King. Macbeth wants
this to happen so badly that he tries to come up with plans and arrange things
in order for himself to meet this particular destiny.
The witches are essential to the play Macbeth, and without them the plot
of the play might be totally different, Macbeth might not kill Duncan and so on.
But we will never now because Shakespeare did not make two versions of his
classic play.