The Lying Witches and the Downfall of Shakespeares Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Lying Witches and the Downfall of Macbeth A false state workforcet or a statement intended to lead astray someone is known as a lie. Of course, there are many different types of lies. There are those blatant lies that have no truth in them whatsoever, lies of omission, and half-truths. In the Shakespearean play, Macbeth, evil witches deceive their victim, Macbeth, by telling him half-truths ab bring out his prophecies. As a result of this new half-true knowledge, Macbeth makes rash decisions that lead him to paranoia, grief, and eventually his downfall. The prime(prenominal) set of prophecies that the witches reveal to Macbeth in act 1, scene 3, stated that Macbeth was to become Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and finally be crowned king. They also said, Thou shalt get kings, g-forcegh thou be none. Macbeth was shocked when the first two prophecies came true. In act 1, scene 3, he spoke of his fears, saying unfix my hair, and make my seated lookt knock at my ribs. In Eliz abethan times, witches were known as creatures of the devil, satanic creatures who roam the world to cause destruction and chaos. But how could devils speak of great truths? Macbeths new knowledge was because reported to his wife. He writes about how he will become king. But how would he do this? One of Macbeths rash decisions was to murder the present King. Macbeth had invited the King and the Kings men to his castle to celebrate the victory of the battle that had been won. That night, while everyone was asleep, Macbeth took a dagger and killed the King. After the murder he became very paranoid. In act 2, scene 2, he cries Didst thou not hear a noise? ...Theres one did laugh ins sleep, and one cried murder, Methought I heard a voice cry sopor no more Macbeth does murder sleep...I am afraid to think what I have done look ont again I dare not. Macbeth become king. As a result of his Paranoia, he called upon murderers to execute Banquo, a friend of his that knew about the prophe cies. Paranoia had taken over his life so much that his wife was left out of his plans. He had become so paranoid, his feelings had become numb. This is shown in act 5, scene 5, when he says I have almost forgot the taste of fears The time has been, my senses would have coold to hear a night-shriek.