Meghin Clark

Macbeth response #5

Professor Staines

November 3rd, 2016

Magic

The idea of the three witches and their “powers” becomes

the focal discussion between Macbeth and Banquo. Although not sure if the witches are brewing

up a plan, but they very well could be highly involved with Macbeth. Banquo and Macbeth

discuss the witches and the idea of if their predictions have truth to it. The three witches in

Macbeth express the idea of if the witches using their magic relates to Macbeth.

In Act 2, Scene 1, the idea that there is a different atmosphere of vibes is rising. For

example, Banquo says to Fleance “…And yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers, / Restrain in

me the cursed thoughts that nature / Gives way to in response” (2.1.10). Banquo is having these

“cursed thoughts” and we learn that he has a dream about the three witches as well. The witches

powers could be taking over the mind of Banquo. The witches may very well be putting the

inferred cursed dreams into his head. Banquo says to Macbeth, “…I dreamt lastnight of the three

Weird Sisters / To you they have showed some truth” (2.1.25). Banquo is suggesting that maybe

the three witches could have involvement with Macbeth and their evil teachings. Macbeth,

although not sure of what Banquo is saying is true, soon sees that there could very well be

witchcraft around.
 Macbeth’s mind plays tricks on him as he tries to grab the dagger. For example, “A

dagger of the mind, a false creation / Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? / I see thee yet,

in form as palpable / As this which now I draw” (2.1.50). Macbeth imagines himself seeing a

dagger with blood on it, but is unsure of the reality of this thought.. This does confuse Macbeth

but does not startle him too much, as he continues on with killing of Duncan. As the night goes

on, the mysterious vibes continue and Macbeth hears loud knockings. For example, “ Whence is

that knocking / How is’t with me when every noise appalls me?” (2.2.75). The knockings

concern Macbeth and although this could very well be a trick of Macbeth’s mind, just like the

dagger, it could also very well have been witchcraft. Although Macbeth tells Banquo he has

hardly thought of the witches, he is definetly thinking of them now.

As the King’s death came, the idea of witchcraft becomes more likely. For example,

animals and their behavoir was different. For example, The conversation between Ross and the

old man, the old man says to Ross “ ’Tis unatural, / Even like the deed thats done. On Tuesday

last / A falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place, / Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed”

(2.4.15). Ross continues with the old man and describes his unnatural viewings, “ And Duncan’s

horses / Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race / Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls,

flung out / Contending gainst’ obedience, as they would / Make war with mankind” (2.4.20). The

animals represent the chaos that has came after the killing of Duncan. This could be an example

of the witches and their witchcraft.

All the commotion leads up to the belief that there is witchcraft around. Macbeth

envisions a The unusual events could define morality since Macbeth said killed Duncan. All of

this relates to Macbeth and how the witches can be of relation to him.