MACBETH Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more: 20 By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis; But how of Cawdor? The thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman; and to be king Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence 25 You owe this strange intelligence? or why Upon this blasted heath you stop our way With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you. (The Witches vanish) Q1: Starting with this conversation, explain how far Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a character who believes in the supernatural power of the witches. Write about: How Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s reaction to the witches here How Shakespeare presents his beliefs in them elsewhere in the play. Things to read / think / write about: READ the character analysis of the Witches Macbeth’s dramatic reaction to the predictions delivered by the “weird sisters”. It is so striking that Banquo observes Macbeth’s facial expression and addresses him directly (see lines 1 – 2). Banquo’s remark to the witches about Macbeth being “rapt withal”. Discuss the significance of this in the context of Macbeth’s belief in the supernatural. Shakespeare’s choice of imperative verbs when Macbeth commands the weird sisters (twice on line 20 and again on line 28). The significance of a series of questions addressed directly to the witches and Shakespeare’s choice of diction in Macbeth’s opinion that the witches possess “strange intelligence”. What does this series of questions convey to an audience about Macbeth’s belief in, and attitude towards, the supernatural? Consider the use of dramatic irony here, too. The audience is aware that Duncan has decreed the title Thane of Cawdor is to pass to Macbeth for his bravery in battle. Is Shakespeare trying to shape the audience’s opinion of belief in the supernatural? Consider Macbeth’s aside shortly after the first prediction is realised when Ross brings news that Duncan has bestowed the title Thane of Cawdor on Macbeth. In an aside, Macbeth reflects on the encounter and remarks: “This supernatural soliciting/Cannot be good, cannot be ill.” Discuss the significance of Macbeth’s uncertainty about the supernatural being good or evil here.
MACBETH Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more: By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis; But how of Cawdor? The thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman; and to be king Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence You owe this strange intelligence? or why Upon this blasted heath you stop our way With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you. (The Witches vanish) 20 25 Q1: Starting with this conversation, explain how far Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a character who believes in the supernatural power of the witches. Write about: How Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s reaction to the witches here How Shakespeare presents his beliefs in them elsewhere in the play. Things to read / think / write about: READ the character analysis of the Witches Macbeth’s dramatic reaction to the predictions delivered by the “weird sisters”. It is so striking that Banquo observes Macbeth’s facial expression and addresses him directly (see lines 1 – 2). Banquo’s remark to the witches about Macbeth being “rapt withal”. Discuss the significance of this in the context of Macbeth’s belief in the supernatural. Shakespeare’s choice of imperative verbs when Macbeth commands the weird sisters (twice on line 20 and again on line 28). The significance of a series of questions addressed directly to the witches and Shakespeare’s choice of diction in Macbeth’s opinion that the witches possess “strange intelligence”. What does this series of questions convey to an audience about Macbeth’s belief in, and attitude towards, the supernatural? Consider the use of dramatic irony here, too. The audience is aware that Duncan has decreed the title Thane of Cawdor is to pass to Macbeth for his bravery in battle. Is Shakespeare trying to shape the audience’s opinion of belief in the supernatural? Consider Macbeth’s aside shortly after the first prediction is realised when Ross brings news that Duncan has bestowed the title Thane of Cawdor on Macbeth. In an aside, Macbeth reflects on the encounter and remarks: “This supernatural soliciting/Cannot be good, cannot be ill.” Discuss the significance of Macbeth’s uncertainty about the supernatural being good or evil here.