Macbeth– Practice 6
Starting with this passage, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents the witches as a powerful influence on Macbeth.
Write about
how Shakespeare presents the witches’ influence in this passage
how Shakespeare presents the witches’ influence in the play as a whole
Extract from Act 1 Scene 3
MACBETH [Aside] Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme. -- I thank you, gentlemen.
[Aside] Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor:
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings:
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not.
BANQUO [Aside] Look, how our partner's rapt.
MACBETH [Aside] If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,
Without my stir.
BANQUO [Aside] New horrors come upon him,
Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould
But with the aid of use.
MACBETH [Aside] Come what come may,
Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.