Page 2: Banquo's Character and Moral Strength

Banquo's character serves as a crucial contrast to Macbeth, particularly in their responses to supernatural temptation. Shakespeare employs antithesis to highlight their divergent paths.

Quote: "Speak then to me" reveals Banquo's measured curiosity about the prophecies, contrasting with Macbeth's desperate interest.

Vocabulary: 'Foil' - a character whose qualities emphasize those of another character through contrast.

The relationship between Banquo and his son Fleance raises questions about motivation and sacrifice, adding complexity to his character.

Highlight: Banquo's repeated description as 'noble' and 'worthy' establishes him as a moral benchmark in the play.

The Witches in Macbeth

The "Weird Sisters" play a pivotal role in Shakespeare's Macbeth, serving as supernatural catalysts for the tragic events that unfold. Their presence reflects contemporary fears about witchcraft and explores themes of fate, free will, and morality.

Vocabulary: "Weird Sisters" derives from Old English "wired" meaning fate, connecting the witches to ideas of destiny and prophecy.

Shakespeare draws parallels between the three witches and the three Fates of classical mythology, who were believed to control human destiny. This association emphasizes the witches' perceived power over mortal affairs.

Example: In mythology, the three Fates spin, measure, and cut the "thread of life," mirroring the roles of the three witches in Macbeth.

The supernatural elements in the play held significant meaning for Shakespeare's audience, particularly given King James I's interest in and writings about witchcraft. By portraying the witches as evil agents of Satan, Shakespeare demonstrated loyalty to the king's beliefs.

Highlight: Shakespeare's depiction of witches aligns with King James I's "Daemonologie," potentially securing royal favor and financial support for his theatrical productions.

The witches' role in instigating regicide (the killing of a king) serves to condemn this act, which was considered a grave sin against God's will. This theme resonates with the concept of the Great Chain of Being, a hierarchical structure believed to be divinely ordained.

Quote: "Macbeth shall sleep no more" illustrates the severe consequences of regicide, including psychological torment.

Biblical allusions further emphasize the witches' evil nature. They are portrayed as an anti-trinity, perverting the holy concept of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their temptation of Macbeth parallels the serpent's temptation in the Garden of Eden.

Definition: Anti-trinity refers to an evil counterpart to the Christian Holy Trinity, emphasizing the witches' opposition to divine order.

Shakespeare uses distinct poetic techniques to set the witches apart:

1. Trochaic tetrameter creates an otherworldly rhythm, marking them as dangerous and different.
2. Rhyming couplets evoke spell-casting, reinforcing their supernatural abilities.

These literary devices contribute to the witches' characterization as powerful, mysterious, and morally ambiguous figures central to the play's exploration of fate and free will.