Shakespeare's Evidence Of Witchcraft
The belief of the existence of witches, witchcraft and magic has existed since the ancient times.
A great deal of superstition and anxiety influenced the way society reacted towards those who were suspected of witchcraft during the Renaissance.
The idea behind witchcraft is that witches are closely associated with black magic; that is to say they have supernatural power closely associated with evil deities.
There are references to witches and black magic in many sacred texts and historical documents, including the Holy Bible, which says, "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.”
Macbeth was written by Shakespeare for King James I, who had quite an interest in witches. In fact, King James I felt he was …show more content…
This caused many people with these characteristics to be accused of witchcraft. Men were sometimes accused, but nowhere near as often as when women were.
Actions that raised suspicions of witchcraft include:
Birthmarks: Any birthmark would be seen as a mark of Satan, and therefore cursed.
Negative personality traits: Any disagreement would be seen as a witch-like attitude.
Being married with too many or too few children: Being unnaturally fertile would be seen as a result of magic, and the children would be “stolen”. This was because the accused would be supposedly attempting to increase the witch population. If, however, a woman had no children, that would be seen as a curse.
Financial success or failure: Financial success would be seen as witchcraft, as it was thought that women would not be able to survive without the financial support of a male. On the other hand, financial failure would be seen as a curse.
Having female friends: Any meeting without a male present would be considered a meeting about …show more content…
– Live you, or are you aught
That man may question?” – Banquo, from Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3, lines 37-41
This quote is taken from Act 1, Scene 3, when Macbeth and Banquo meet the three witches. Here, Banquo asks what the witches are, and states that they are dressed in tattered clothing, and look inhuman. He then asks if they are real or supernatural spirits. This reinforces the mystery surrounding witches at the time and the appearance stereotype. The fact that the witches are travelling in a group of three supports the theory that witches did not work alone. The questioning of the witches’ existence strengthens the theory that they are closely linked with supernatural powers.
The theme of supernatural powers runs all through Macbeth, and plays an important part in the play. The witches’ telling of Macbeth’s fortunes are what cause Macbeth to murder King Duncan, and the witches therefore are a key part of the pivotal point in the start of the play.
The witches were a tactical inclusion, as the public held a great interest in the subject at the time, as did King Duncan I, which consequently vastly increased the popularity of the
A great deal of superstition and anxiety influenced the way society reacted towards those who were suspected of witchcraft during the Renaissance.
The idea behind witchcraft is that witches are closely associated with black magic; that is to say they have supernatural power closely associated with evil deities.
There are references to witches and black magic in many sacred texts and historical documents, including the Holy Bible, which says, "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.”
Macbeth was written by Shakespeare for King James I, who had quite an interest in witches. In fact, King James I felt he was …show more content…
This caused many people with these characteristics to be accused of witchcraft. Men were sometimes accused, but nowhere near as often as when women were.
Actions that raised suspicions of witchcraft include:
Birthmarks: Any birthmark would be seen as a mark of Satan, and therefore cursed.
Negative personality traits: Any disagreement would be seen as a witch-like attitude.
Being married with too many or too few children: Being unnaturally fertile would be seen as a result of magic, and the children would be “stolen”. This was because the accused would be supposedly attempting to increase the witch population. If, however, a woman had no children, that would be seen as a curse.
Financial success or failure: Financial success would be seen as witchcraft, as it was thought that women would not be able to survive without the financial support of a male. On the other hand, financial failure would be seen as a curse.
Having female friends: Any meeting without a male present would be considered a meeting about …show more content…
– Live you, or are you aught
That man may question?” – Banquo, from Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3, lines 37-41
This quote is taken from Act 1, Scene 3, when Macbeth and Banquo meet the three witches. Here, Banquo asks what the witches are, and states that they are dressed in tattered clothing, and look inhuman. He then asks if they are real or supernatural spirits. This reinforces the mystery surrounding witches at the time and the appearance stereotype. The fact that the witches are travelling in a group of three supports the theory that witches did not work alone. The questioning of the witches’ existence strengthens the theory that they are closely linked with supernatural powers.
The theme of supernatural powers runs all through Macbeth, and plays an important part in the play. The witches’ telling of Macbeth’s fortunes are what cause Macbeth to murder King Duncan, and the witches therefore are a key part of the pivotal point in the start of the play.
The witches were a tactical inclusion, as the public held a great interest in the subject at the time, as did King Duncan I, which consequently vastly increased the popularity of the