𝖂𝖎𝖙𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖘’ 𝕻𝖚𝖗𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖊

𝕭𝖞: 𝕴𝖟𝖟𝖞 𝖅, 𝕾𝖕𝖆𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖜 𝕲𝕭, 𝕵𝖆𝖎𝖒𝖊 𝕳

Why, even though they only appear for a
few scenes in the tragedy, were the
witches so significant and why did they
affect Macbeth so much?
 In Macbeth, the witches hold a prophecy that comes true,
but much to the contrast of what Macbeth hoped for.
The prophecy(s): What Macbeth hoped for:

1. Foretells that Macbeth will become thane 1. Macbeth hoped to be king

of Cawdor and then the king
2. Says the Banquo’s sons will become
kings after Macbeth
3. To be wary of Macduff
4. States that no man born of a woman can
harm him (Macbeth)
5. Declare that Macbeth won’t be defeated
until the Birnam woods move
2. Not to be discovered for killing the king
3. He hoped his children would be kings
4. He hoped that since he can’t be defeated until the
Birnam woods (a forest) moves, and that no man
born of a woman can harm him, that he will not be
defeated/killed
5. He hoped to get rid of everyone who was in his way
of staying king, and not dying
 What Witches Said:
The witches appear to
Macbeth and Banquo,
announcing Macbeth Thane of
Cawdor. The witches also
announce Macbeth as future
king of Scotland.
Effect on Macbeth’s Actions
Macbeth and Banquo are surprised
because Macbeth did not get announced
Thane of Cawdor yet.Macbeth, confused
at first, then thinks about it a
little more… he really likes the
thought of being king… he becomes
greedy for power and eventually kills
the king, so that he would become king
What Witches Said: Effect on Macbeth’s Actions

The witches also say Banquo is confused about what the

that Banquo’s sons witches said, and this causes Macbeth
would be king. to doubt Banquo’s loyalty

The witches show

Macbeth that he would
Gives Macbeth a false sense of
not be defeated until
security, and makes it seem like
the Birnam woods
he would not die by the hand of
move, and that
anyone, even though that is not
Macbeth would not be
the case.
killed by a man born
a woman.
What Witches Said: Effect on Macbeth’s Actions

Macbeth believes that

Macduff will be a traitor
The witches also
and orders everyone within
tell Macbeth to be
his (Macduff’s) bloodline
wary of Macduff
to be killed. The people
sent to kill Macduff kills
everyone in the castle, but
Macduff wasn’t there.
Why did Macbeth believe the Witches?

Macbeth, at first, didn’t believe the

witches. When Macbeth first came
across them; he was dumbfounded by
their bizarre greetings and thought
that they were crazy. After the witches
disappear, Ross and Angus (Two
Thanes) arrive to tell Macbeth that he
has been given the title Thane of
Cawdor by King Duncan; which aligns
with his ambitious desires. This
convinces Macbeth that the witches
prophecy was true.
𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖎𝖙𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖘 𝕰𝖋𝖋𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖔𝖓 𝕸𝖆𝖈𝖇𝖊𝖙𝖍
1. Macbeth grows power hungry and
greedily kills King Duncan.
2. Out of fear for his newly
possessed power as king Macbeth
sends an assassin after Banquo and
his eldest son; Banquo is slain
but his son lives.
3. Macbeth starts getting haunted by
Banquo’s ghost.
4. Macbeth becomes crazy driven by
paranoia
5. Eventually Macbeth gains a false
hope and a false sense of security
due to him doubting man not born
of a woman part of the prophecy.
6. Betrayed his own false sense of
security, Macbeth is slain by
Macduff, a man born via C-section
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rATeO2BWAFQ
 1. In your opinion, what was
🔥 ‼️
t i me the most impactful part of
n
ns
stio the prophecy for Macbeth?
esti o er t
h e q ue
2. Were the witches heroes,
u n s w
st a
Q id k
ju
villains, or neither?
 In conclusion
The Three Witches purpose was
to foretell Macbeth’s fate while
remaining mysterious and
presenting themselves only in
few scenes. But, even with small
appearances, they bring great
importance to the story and plot,
all while foretelling Macbeth’s
future, ending with his demise.