Saturday, September 28, 2013

What are some of the traits portrayed by the characters in Act 4 Scene 1 of Macbeth?

In Act 4 Scene 1 of Macbeth, Macbeth
has decided to return to the witches' lair to get another prophecy.  When the scene
opens, the three witches are creating a brew that they will use to cast their spell. 
Hecate, who previously scolded the witches for dealing with Macbeth, is happy with the
witches' new plan.  Macbeth arrives and demands another prophecy.  In the scene, Macbeth
is arrogant and bossy as he tries to force the witches and the apparitions to confirm
his desires.  However, the witches tell Macbeth that he cannot command the elements of
fate and that he must just listen and receive what they have to offer.  The witches
attempt to remain neutral in the scene as they are simply the harbingers of fate and
destiny.  However, a hint of amusement is shown by one of them near the end of the
meeting after Macbeth has asked to be shown the truth about Banquo's sons becoming
king.  He is angry that they tell him that Banquo's sons will indeed take the throne for
many generations, and the witch asks him why he is so surprised.  She says that he knew
this already, and her tone mimics one of a mother mocking the folly of a child.  But
Macbeth feels secure in his state because he foolishly misinterprets the prophecy. 
Here, he is closed-minded and blinded by his own greedy
ambition.

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