The Witches

Question 1

START

Answer 1

-plant ambition within Macbeth
-banquo observes ‘good sir, why do you start and seem fear, things that do sound so fair’

Question 2

‘Good sir why do you start and seem fear, things that do sound so fair’

Answer 2

Rhetorical Question: The question doesn’t seek an answer but is posed to make a point. In this case, it’s meant to draw attention to the character’s unexpected reaction.

Contrast: The line sets up a contrast between the “fair” (positive, good) nature of the news or prophecy and the character’s fearful reaction. This contrast emphasizes the character’s inner turmoil and hints at hidden doubts or knowledge.

Character Revelation: The line reveals something about the character’s state of mind. It suggests they are not entirely innocent or that they suspect hidden dangers beneath the surface of what seems favorable.

Foreshadowing: This kind of line can also serve as foreshadowing, hinting that the “fair” things might not be as good as they seem and that the character’s fears are justified.

Question 3

MIDDLE

Answer 3

-intensify Macbeths paranoia
-‘beware macduff’
-‘none of woman born shall harm Macbeth’
-false sense of security

Question 4

‘None of women born shall harm Macbeth’

Answer 4

Ambiguity: The prophecy is phrased in a way that seems absolute and reassuring. Macbeth interprets it literally, believing he is invincible since every human is born of a woman.

Dramatic Irony: The audience knows more than Macbeth. We later learn of Macduff, who was “from his mother’s womb untimely ripp’d” (i.e., born via Cesarean section), and therefore not “of woman born” in the conventional sense.

Foreshadowing: The prophecy foreshadows Macbeth’s eventual downfall. It creates a false sense of security, leading him to make reckless decisions.

Theme of Deception: The quote highlights the theme of deception and the unreliability of prophecies. The witches’ words are technically true but misleading, leading Macbeth to his doom.

Question 5

END

Answer 5

-culminate in Macbeths downfall
-highlight dangers of trusting dark forces
-‘from his mothers womb untimely ripped’

Question 6

‘From his mothers womb untimely ripped’

Answer 6

Fulfillment of Prophecy: It fulfills the witches’ prophecy that “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” Macduff was not naturally born, thus circumventing the prophecy’s literal meaning.

Dramatic Irony: The audience knows the prophecy and its loophole, creating dramatic irony as Macbeth believes himself invincible until this revelation.

Symbolic Significance: The unnatural birth could symbolize Macduff’s unique role in restoring order to Scotland, suggesting he is set apart from the natural order corrupted by Macbeth.

Emphasis on Fate vs. Free Will: The phrase underscores the play’s exploration of fate and free will. While Macbeth tries to control his destiny, the prophecy unfolds in an unexpected way, highlighting the limitations of human agency.