In this paper, the three weird sisters - important characters in Shakespeare's Macbeth - are examined. The question that is posed is concerned with the nature of these witches: Are they just common witches or do they represent the sisters of Fate of ancient mythologies?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Witches
- The Weird Sisters
- Reasons for Shakespeare's portrayal of the Weird Sisters as witches
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the multifaceted and ambiguous nature of the three Weird Sisters in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. It aims to investigate the different interpretations surrounding their origins and presentation, particularly contrasting their portrayal as stereotypical witches with their potential representation as the three Fates. The paper seeks to understand Shakespeare's reasons for disguising the Weird Sisters as witches.
- The depiction of witches in the Early Modern period.
- The characteristics of the Weird Sisters in Macbeth.
- The comparison between the Weird Sisters and the three Fates in various mythologies.
- Shakespeare's potential motivation for portraying the Weird Sisters as witches.
- The influence of King James I and his personal views on witchcraft on the play.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the paper, focusing on the Weird Sisters' ambiguous nature and function in the play. It highlights the importance of understanding their portrayal within the context of the Early Modern period's belief in witchcraft.
- The Witches: This chapter delves into the stereotypical depiction of witches during Shakespeare's time, examining their physical attributes, social standing, and common practices. It then analyzes how these stereotypes are reflected in the witches portrayed in Macbeth.
- The Weird Sisters: This chapter explores the theory that the Weird Sisters in Macbeth represent the three Fates. It examines the meaning of the word "weird" in Shakespeare's time, the connections to various mythological figures, and the evidence from Holinshed's Chronicles supporting this interpretation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper focuses on the themes of witchcraft, the Weird Sisters, the three Fates, Early Modern period, Shakespeare, Macbeth, King James I, and the influence of mythology on Shakespeare's works. It delves into the complexities of the play, analyzing the characters' roles and motivations within the context of the historical and cultural beliefs of the time.
- Quote paper
- Saskia Schäfers (Author), 2014, The Weird Sisters in Macbeth. Supernatural Fates or Common Witches?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/429932
