29th Annual Student Research Conference
The Witches' Prophecies in Macbeth
Jacqueline O. Pecoraro
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In the prophecies to Macbeth and Banquo, the witches use ambiguous language. In Act IV one witch states, "none of women born shall harm Macbeth." Macbeth interprets this as no person shall harm him. This is just one divination given by the witches to Macbeth. Macbeth interprets the witches' prophecies exactly as they are said, and he does not think of the other possible meanings behind their words. In Macbeth's eyes the prophecies either cannot come to pass or they ensure his fate as Thane of Cawdor and then as King. This essay will demonstrate how Macbeth's disbelief in the witches leads to his downfall.
Keywords: Macbeth, Shakespeare, Prophecies, Witches, Fate
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: -4
Location: VH 1212
Time: 1:45