Macbeth Witches

Discuss the role of the witches in the play ‘Macbeth’ by
William Shakespeare

The witches play a significant part in the play ‘Macbeth.’ At the time when the play was written, there was witch-mania in Britain. King James 1st was also very interested in witches and witchcraft and he even wrote a book about it. These may have influenced Shakespeare into writing a play about the supernatural. The witches play a vital part in the storyline and plot of the play, enhancing it in many different ways and creating a moral in the story. The witches can also appeal to a modern day audience.

The play ‘Macbeth’ reflects many Elizabethan beliefs about witches and witchcraft. For instance, they believed that witches could raise evil spirits by concocting a brew from disgusting ingredients. This is shown in the first scene of Act 4 where the witches are making a ‘hell-broth’ to conjure up apparitions for Macbeth. They include repulsive ingredients such as, ‘Liver of blasphemi...