There are many characters in the Tragedy of Macbeth all of whom play an important role. However, the witches in their peculiar way contribute immensely to the play’s effect. They introduce the theme of the play, foreshadow the future and add irony.
The three witches in the tragedy of Macbeth portray the theme of the play: "Fair is foul and foul is fair" (Act 1 Scene 1 line 10). There are many times when ambiguity is displayed throughout the drama. First, When Macbeth hosts King Duncan, he has the likings of a gracious host when in fact he is about to murder the king. Additionally, when it is found out that Duncan had died, Banquo says to look to the lady, implicating that they should not talk about such horrors in front of a fragile woman when in reality she was the mastermind behind the whole tragedy. Furthermore, Macbeth killed Duncan in order to claim honor and pleasure for himself however, this murder is what caused him so much mental anguish and suffering. Indeed, fair is foul and foul is fair.
Additionally, the witches add an element of foreshadowing to the play. They prophesized that …show more content…
According to Macbeth the prophecy of "for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth" (act IV, Scene i, line 74) meant than no man will be able to harm him for the obvious reason that all men are born from a woman. He felt safe with this knowledge when he killed young Siward saying,"thou wast born of woman but swards i smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, brandished by man that's of woman born." (act v , scene iii, line 13). The audience is able to mark his elevated confidence in this prophecy when he tells Macduff, "I bear a charmed life which must not yield to one of woman born." (act v scene iii, line 10). the plot takes an ironic turn when Macduff replies with confidence, “Despair thy charm; and let the angel whom thou still hast served tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's womb untimely ripp’d" (act v scene iii line
The three witches in the tragedy of Macbeth portray the theme of the play: "Fair is foul and foul is fair" (Act 1 Scene 1 line 10). There are many times when ambiguity is displayed throughout the drama. First, When Macbeth hosts King Duncan, he has the likings of a gracious host when in fact he is about to murder the king. Additionally, when it is found out that Duncan had died, Banquo says to look to the lady, implicating that they should not talk about such horrors in front of a fragile woman when in reality she was the mastermind behind the whole tragedy. Furthermore, Macbeth killed Duncan in order to claim honor and pleasure for himself however, this murder is what caused him so much mental anguish and suffering. Indeed, fair is foul and foul is fair.
Additionally, the witches add an element of foreshadowing to the play. They prophesized that …show more content…
According to Macbeth the prophecy of "for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth" (act IV, Scene i, line 74) meant than no man will be able to harm him for the obvious reason that all men are born from a woman. He felt safe with this knowledge when he killed young Siward saying,"thou wast born of woman but swards i smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, brandished by man that's of woman born." (act v , scene iii, line 13). The audience is able to mark his elevated confidence in this prophecy when he tells Macduff, "I bear a charmed life which must not yield to one of woman born." (act v scene iii, line 10). the plot takes an ironic turn when Macduff replies with confidence, “Despair thy charm; and let the angel whom thou still hast served tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's womb untimely ripp’d" (act v scene iii line