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1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
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English Literature
19 Nov 2025
626
2 pages
Ever wondered how Shakespeare makes his witches so creepy and memorable? In Macbeth's opening scenes, these supernatural characters... Show more
You'll need to understand how Shakespeare makes the witches seem all-knowing from their very first scene. The witches appear omniscient - they know things ordinary humans couldn't possibly know, especially about the future.
When the Third Witch says "That will be ere the set of sun" about meeting Macbeth, she's speaking with complete certainty about future events. Shakespeare uses a declarative statement (a confident, direct sentence) to show they're not guessing - they actually know what's coming.
This supernatural knowledge isn't just for show. Shakespeare establishes early on that these characters can predict the future, which makes their later prophecies to Macbeth much more believable and terrifying for the audience.
Key insight The witches' certainty about future events sets up the entire plot - if they can predict meeting Macbeth, what else do they know about his fate?
The witches don't just work alone - they share an unnatural mental connection that's genuinely unsettling. When they chant "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" in perfect unison, Shakespeare is showing us something impossible for normal humans.
Speaking the exact same words simultaneously isn't just coincidence - it's supernatural. This synchronisation hints at their otherworldly powers and immediately makes them untrustworthy characters. A Jacobean audience would have linked this to devil worship, making anyone connected to them (like Macbeth) seem cursed.
The witches also use rhyming patterns that connect across speakers - Witch Two says "When the battle's lost and won," and Witch Three continues with "That will be ere the set of sun." This isn't normal speech; it suggests their words are rehearsed and planned.
This rehearsed quality is crucial because it shows the witches have been preparing for Macbeth's arrival. They're not reacting to events - they're orchestrating them through equivocation (deliberately ambiguous language designed to mislead).
Remember The witches' unnatural speech patterns and shared consciousness make them seem like one entity with three voices - much more threatening than three separate individuals.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the profound themes of guilt, conflict, and the psychological impact of war in Simon Armitage's poem 'Remains'. This resource provides in-depth analysis, key quotes, and contextual information essential for understanding the poem's exploration of a soldier's haunting memories and the brutal realities of combat. Ideal for GCSE English Literature students.
English LiteratureExplore the complexities of Romeo's unrequited love for Rosaline in Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'. This annotation delves into themes of love, emotional turmoil, and the impact of family feuds on personal relationships. Ideal for students studying Shakespeare's techniques and character development.
English LiteratureExplore pivotal quotes from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' across Acts 1 to 4, highlighting themes of guilt, morality, and the supernatural. This analysis delves into Lady Macbeth's manipulation, Macbeth's descent into wickedness, and the witches' foreboding presence. Ideal for students studying character development and thematic elements in the play.
English LiteratureExplore the critical historical and thematic context of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', including the divine right of kings, the Great Chain of Being, and the influence of witchcraft. This summary highlights key motifs, character analysis, and societal expectations during the Jacobean period, essential for essay writing and deeper understanding of the play.
English LiteratureExplore the intricate plot of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' with a focus on key characters, themes, and pivotal moments. This summary highlights Lady Macbeth's guilt, the influence of the witches, and the tragic downfall of Macbeth, providing a comprehensive overview for students. Ideal for exam preparation and deeper understanding of the play's motifs and character dynamics.
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Ever wondered how Shakespeare makes his witches so creepy and memorable? In Macbeth's opening scenes, these supernatural characters aren't just random spooky figures - they're carefully crafted to manipulate both Macbeth and the audience through clever language tricks and eerie... Show more
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Join milions of students
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You'll need to understand how Shakespeare makes the witches seem all-knowing from their very first scene. The witches appear omniscient - they know things ordinary humans couldn't possibly know, especially about the future.
When the Third Witch says "That will be ere the set of sun" about meeting Macbeth, she's speaking with complete certainty about future events. Shakespeare uses a declarative statement (a confident, direct sentence) to show they're not guessing - they actually know what's coming.
This supernatural knowledge isn't just for show. Shakespeare establishes early on that these characters can predict the future, which makes their later prophecies to Macbeth much more believable and terrifying for the audience.
Key insight: The witches' certainty about future events sets up the entire plot - if they can predict meeting Macbeth, what else do they know about his fate?
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The witches don't just work alone - they share an unnatural mental connection that's genuinely unsettling. When they chant "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" in perfect unison, Shakespeare is showing us something impossible for normal humans.
Speaking the exact same words simultaneously isn't just coincidence - it's supernatural. This synchronisation hints at their otherworldly powers and immediately makes them untrustworthy characters. A Jacobean audience would have linked this to devil worship, making anyone connected to them (like Macbeth) seem cursed.
The witches also use rhyming patterns that connect across speakers - Witch Two says "When the battle's lost and won," and Witch Three continues with "That will be ere the set of sun." This isn't normal speech; it suggests their words are rehearsed and planned.
This rehearsed quality is crucial because it shows the witches have been preparing for Macbeth's arrival. They're not reacting to events - they're orchestrating them through equivocation (deliberately ambiguous language designed to mislead).
Remember: The witches' unnatural speech patterns and shared consciousness make them seem like one entity with three voices - much more threatening than three separate individuals.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the profound themes of guilt, conflict, and the psychological impact of war in Simon Armitage's poem 'Remains'. This resource provides in-depth analysis, key quotes, and contextual information essential for understanding the poem's exploration of a soldier's haunting memories and the brutal realities of combat. Ideal for GCSE English Literature students.
English LiteratureExplore the complexities of Romeo's unrequited love for Rosaline in Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'. This annotation delves into themes of love, emotional turmoil, and the impact of family feuds on personal relationships. Ideal for students studying Shakespeare's techniques and character development.
English LiteratureExplore pivotal quotes from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' across Acts 1 to 4, highlighting themes of guilt, morality, and the supernatural. This analysis delves into Lady Macbeth's manipulation, Macbeth's descent into wickedness, and the witches' foreboding presence. Ideal for students studying character development and thematic elements in the play.
English LiteratureExplore the critical historical and thematic context of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', including the divine right of kings, the Great Chain of Being, and the influence of witchcraft. This summary highlights key motifs, character analysis, and societal expectations during the Jacobean period, essential for essay writing and deeper understanding of the play.
English LiteratureExplore the intricate plot of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' with a focus on key characters, themes, and pivotal moments. This summary highlights Lady Macbeth's guilt, the influence of the witches, and the tragic downfall of Macbeth, providing a comprehensive overview for students. Ideal for exam preparation and deeper understanding of the play's motifs and character dynamics.
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
