3 witches Flashcards
(5 cards)
“When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?”
serves to immediately establish a dark, ominous atmosphere, foreshadowing the chaos and evil that will unfold, while also hinting at the witches’ supernatural power and their intention to meet again when significant events are about to occur, likely during turbulent times signified by the weather imagery of thunder, lightning, and rain.
The power of the witches:
The question itself, “When shall we three meet again,” suggests that the witches have agency and control over their own appearances, adding to their mysterious and ominous nature.
“Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble”
signifying their malevolent spellcasting by emphasizing repetition, imagery of fire and bubbling liquid, and foreshadowing the chaos and trouble that will befall Macbeth due to their prophecies
These words suggest hard work and problems, foreshadowing the difficulties Macbeth will face due to his ambition and the witches’ prophecies
The line utilizes alliteration (“double, double,” “toil and trouble”) and strong plosive sounds (“d,” “b”) to create a harsh, unsettling tone that reflects the witches’ sinister nature.
- agents of evil
- disrupt the natural order
“By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes”
signifying that she senses the approaching presence of evil, specifically referring to Macbeth himself who is about to arrive, highlighting his transformation into a malevolent figure; the phrase “pricking of my thumbs” indicates an intuitive feeling or foreboding about something sinister nearing.
Irony: revealing his corruption and severity of actions
“Fair is foul and foul is fair”
uses paradox to foreshadow evil and deception
Foreshadowing: The line foreshadows that Macbeth’s rise to power will lead to tragic consequences.
Atmosphere: The line establishes an atmosphere of evil and danger, where appearances are not always what they seem.
Boundaries between good and evil are blurred and confused.
Analysis: The alliteration of the “f’ sound creates a sinister, uneasy tone. The repetition of “fair” and “foul” suggests the two ideas are interchangeable, emphasised further by the definite “is”. “Foul” is more dominant and intimidating than “fair” is caring and pleasant - the evil element overpowers goodness
The King at the time, James I, wrote a book stating all magic was evil - this chant sounds almost like a magical spell, and the audience would fear it.
“None of woman born shall harm Macbeth”
The line is deceptive and misleading, as it doesn’t account for babies born via caesarean section.
It gives Macbeth a false sense of security and invincibility, which contributes to his downfall.
It reflects the beliefs and fears of the Jacobean era, when witchcraft and the supernatural were common themes in literature and culture.
It sets the stage for Macbeth’s downfall and underscores the play’s theme of fate, deception, and the corrupting influence of power.
