Question 1: To what extent do the Witches influence the other characters?
Shakespeare uses the witches as agents of the unknown and representatives to his audience
about the incomprehensible nature of the supernatural and destiny. In the opening of
MacBeth, the witches spoke the lines “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” which blurs the line
between good and evil. Shakespeare purposefully used the juxtaposition between ‘foul’ and
‘fair’ to highlights to the audience that the witches embody the unpredictable and mysterious
forces that lie beyond human understanding. By placing them at the heart of Macbeth's
downfall, Shakespeare highlights the power of the supernatural and destiny in the lives of
individuals. Additionally, their first prophecies to Macbeth spoke, “All hail Macbeth…Thane
of Glamis…king hereafter…” The prophecies reflects that the witches do not merely predict
Macbeth’s future; they manipulate his perception of reality, causing him to make fatal
decisions. Their cryptic language and obscure nature suggest that the forces they represent are
beyond the grasp of human reasoning. This portrayal emphasises the idea that destiny is not
something that can be fully understood or controlled, but rather a force that operates in ways
that are inscrutable and often destructive. Furthermore, Shakespeare utilises the witches’
preternatural evil characteristics to highlight the theme of destiny in the play. During the
witches’ second prophecy, they stated “…none of Women born shall harm Macbeth…” Their
prophecy reflects on Macbeth’s false perception that he is the master of his fate despite other
prophecies were shown true. Shakespeare demonstrates to the audience that the witches are
the main elements of the play, manipulating the outcomes and decisions based on Macbeth’s
hamartia. Thus, through the themes of the supernatural and destiny, the witches are the main
driving force of the play, influencing Macbeth to face his tragic downfall.
Question 2: How was ambition shown in Act 1
Shakespeare evinces the role of ambition through the witches’ prophecy and Lady Macbeth to
fuel Macbeth’s fatal flaw. In Act 1, Scene 1, Macbeth’s ambition is not made obvious to the
audience as when faced with the possibility to take the throne through the witches’ prophecy,
he does not immediately act to claim it or even think of murder. However, Shakespeare uses
Lady Macbeth to fuel Macbeth’s ambition through her vicious quote, “when you durst do it…
be so much more the man…” Through the witches’ prophecy and the encouragement of lady
Macbeth, Macbeth, an already powerful man, felt shameful and admonished by his wife
whom he had assumed would not begin plotting the moment she gained the information.
Additionally, Shakespeare embedded the quote “If we should fail- … We fail?” when
Macbeth attempts to interrupt his wife’s horrifying efforts to kill Duncan. Shakespeare has
purposefully utilised the rhetorical question to indicates to the audience that at this point in
the play, failure is not an option they are willing to accept because it would mean their
ambitions remain unfulfilled which emphasised on the stakes involved. Additionally,
Macbeth uses the quote “Stars, hide your fires,” in Act 1, Scene 4. Shakespeare uses the
imagery of stars to suggest a desire to conceal one’s ambitioning an intention which
underscores the nefarious nature if his ambitions and his awareness of the potential
consequences. The imagery highlights to the audience how ambition can drive individuals to
extremes, compelling them to hide their true intention to achieve their goals. Thus, in Act 1,
Macbeth’s ambition for power acts as his fatal flaw which foreshadows the transformative yet
corrupting influence of unchecked ambition later in the play.
Question 3: How is the reader invited to view the themes of good vs evil.
In Macbeth, the reader is invited to view the themes of good vs. evil through the play's
exploration of moral ambiguity. Shakespeare explores the manifold nature of justice in
Macduff’s moral dilemma – his struggle between country and family is amongst the most
powerful and tragic event in the play. Effectively committing treason by fleeing Scotland to
collaborate with Malcom, it appears that he selfishly leaves his family behind in severe
danger of the wrath of the violent Macbeth. Lady Macduff quotes, “…Wisdom? Leave his
wife…he love us not…” Shakespeare uses Lady Macduff’s fears to show the audience that
Macduff’s intentions are not made clear at this point in the play, deliberately enhancing the
climax of the story. Furthermore, Shakespeare demonstrates that such dire actions have
consequences by showing the visceral act of violence when Macduff’s son and wife are slain.
Upon learning about his family’s deaths, Macduff’s justifies his decision of the desire to see
his country and people free. This led him to support Malcom fully and unknowingly, fulfils
the prophecy to kill Macbeth. Macduff’s commitment to “…bring thou this fiend of
Scotland…my sword’s length set him…” showcases to the audience the disturbing nature of
moral ambiguity as Macduff is equally responsible for the tragedy that has befallen on his
family, despite Macbeth ordered their killing. Thus, Shakespeare revealed to the audience the
moral ambiguities through Macduff.
