act 4•scene 2 the comparison of the witches

Question 1

A1, 1: Presents three prophecies to Macbeth

A4, 1: Present three prophecies to Macbeth

Answer 1

• Repetition
• Reminder of their power and influence over Macbeth
• Reinforce the role of the supernatural in the play - danger, risk, suffering and chaos
• First on stage = Importance

Question 2

A1, 1: Focus on Macbeth’s destiny

A4, 1: Focus on Macbeth’s destiny (Divine right of Kings)

Answer 2

• Continuity of the Witches influence
• Foreshadows conflict and Macbeth being power hungry
• Divine right of Kings?

Question 3

A1, 1: Clear prophecies using simple sentences

A4, 1: Conditional prophecies
“No man woman born.” “Macbeth will never vanquished be until.”
Advice - Based
Imperatives: “Be bloody, bold and resolute.” “Beware Macduff.”

Answer 3

• Shows they still have loyalty in Macbeth and still feel it is their duty to warn him
• Creates ambiguity and interpretation
• Infers Macduff as someone to be afraid of
• Reinforces his approach, ambitious and wants more
• A false sense of security?

Question 4

A1, 1: Prophecies given by the Witches

A4, 1: Prophecies given through conjured hallucinations

Answer 4

• Creates imagery and an insecure feeling about the Witches power
• Makes you feel as if you are a part of it
• Stage directions

Question 5

A1, 1: Take turns
Finish sentences
Refer to the future and predicts correctly

A4, 1: Witches’ use of spells reinforces expectations
The cauldron consists ingredients are all the entrails or body parts of loathed animals or human beings, which, taken together, can be interpreted as making a complete monster: tounge, leg, liver, lips, scales, teeth, and so on
Shows Macbeth’s characterisation

Answer 5

• Shows the Witches have no mercy and that Macbeth should be fearful
• Ruthless
• How they had changed after Hecate is a warning and changes the way we now view them

Question 6

A1, 1: Setting: An isolated place with thunder

A4, 1: Setting: An isolated place with thunder

Answer 6

• Pathetic fallacy
• Imagery creates an unsettled atmosphere
• Foreshadows disagreements
• Setting stayed the same
• Macbeth’s actions haven’t stopped any actions
• Still unsettled