MACBETH AND HIS INTERACTIONS WITH THE WITCHES Flashcards
HOW DOES SHAKESPEARE PRESENT MACBETH AND HIS INTERACTIONS WITH THE WITCHES
Temptation and Ambition: The witches’ prophecies tap into Macbeth’s inner desires and tempt him with the prospect of power and glory. Despite initially dismissing their words, Macbeth becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of fulfilling the prophecies, revealing his ambitious nature and susceptibility to manipulation.
Conflict and Temptation: Macbeth’s interactions with the witches also highlight the internal conflict he faces between his ambition and his sense of morality. While he is tempted by the witches’ promises of power, he grapples with the moral implications of achieving his ambitions through treachery and murder. This inner conflict contributes to his tragic character arc as he struggles to reconcile his ambition with his conscience.
Manipulation and Deception: The witches’ ambiguous and cryptic prophecies contribute to Macbeth’s downfall by leading him to misinterpret their meaning. Their predictions fuel his paranoia and ambition, causing him to take drastic and ultimately self-destructive actions to secure his power. The witches’ role in manipulating Macbeth underscores themes of fate, free will, and the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition.
INTERACTIONS WITH THE WITCHES:TEMPTATION AND AMBITION:QUOTES
“All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!”
“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”
INTERACTIONS WITH THE WITCHES:CONFLICT AND TEMPTATION:QUOTES
“Why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs, against the use of nature?”
“I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.”
“To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself.”
INTERACTIONS WITH THE WITCHES:MANIPULATION AND DECEPTION:QUOTES
Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.
“Why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs, against the use of nature?
expresses his internal conflict regarding the temptation to fulfill the witches’ prophecies. He questions why he is yielding to the idea of committing regicide, despite the horrific imagery it evokes and the unsettling effect it has on his conscience. This quote reveals the struggle between Macbeth’s ambition and his moral integrity, highlighting the internal turmoil he experiences as he contemplates the heinous act before him.
“All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!”
“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”
The witches’ prophecies serve as a temptation for Macbeth by offering him the promise of power and greatness. The phrase “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” plants the seed of ambition in Macbeth’s mind, tempting him with the prospect of becoming king. This temptation awakens Macbeth’s desire for power and sets him on a path of ambition and intrigue.
Ambition: Macbeth’s response to the witches’ prophecies reveals his ambitious nature. Instead of dismissing the witches’ words as mere fantasy, Macbeth becomes intrigued by the idea of fulfilling the prophecies and attaining the throne. His ambition is ignited by the possibility of realizing his deepest desires, leading him to contemplate the actions he must take to seize power.
I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.
Macbeth reflects on his relationship with King Duncan and the moral dilemma he faces in considering the murder of his sovereign. He acknowledges his duty as Duncan’s subject and host to protect him, yet he is also tempted to betray him for personal gain. This quote highlights Macbeth’s conflicting loyalties and his internal struggle to reconcile his ambition with his sense of honor and loyalty.
“To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself.”
descent into moral degradation as he grapples with the guilt and remorse following Duncan’s murder. Macbeth acknowledges that acknowledging his own actions would lead to self-condemnation and introspective scrutiny. It suggests his increasing detachment from his own conscience and moral compass as he becomes consumed by ambition and power.
Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.
The quote continues with the line “laugh to scorn the power of man,” suggesting that Macbeth should disregard the threats posed by ordinary men. This advice plays into Macbeth’s growing paranoia and desire to consolidate his rule by eliminating potential challengers. The witches’ prophecies and manipulations have warped Macbeth’s perception of reality, causing him to see enemies and threats everywhere.
False Sense of Security: The final part of the quote, “for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth,” reinforces Macbeth’s false sense of security and invincibility. The prophecy serves to bolster his confidence and alleviate his fears, leading him to believe that he is untouchable and immune to harm. However, this false assurance ultimately contributes to his downfall, as Macbeth becomes increasingly reckless and overconfident in his actions.
