Read Act 1 Of Macbeth And Write

About How The Themes Of Treason, Deceit And Witchcraft Are Introduce Essay, Research Paper

? Shakespeare wrote Macbeth the play in 1606. It

was written to entertain the king (James 1st) and his brother in law

the Christian king of Demark. The first act introduces the important themes of

treason, deceit and witchcraft which the whole play revolves around. This is

portrayed through the dramatic setting of a lonely and remote wasteland where

Macbeth and Banquo come across the three witches. As Macbeth approaches the

witches are dancing to the beet of his drum, adding to the mythical magic that

is created by their presents. Macbeth portrays a loyal, courageous and

admirable captain of the king?s army at the beginning of the play. He is

praised by all levels of authority; ?O? valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!"

from the king, "For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name" from a

sergeant, and "?Bellona’s bridegroom" from Ross to suggest that

Macbeth is worthy of marrying a goddess of war. His courage and bravery is shown

by the fact that he has won two battles for his king, one in the west and one

in the east. He is rewarded for his efforts with the title Thane of Cawdor. But

as the act continues, he changes for the worse. This change is caused by three

main factors- the witches predictions that he will eventually become

king, this plants the first seed of treason in Macbeth?s mind. Lady

Macbeth?s ambition to be queen, which in turn increases his own ambition

to be king. At this period in time plays and

real life happenings that involved treason against the king such as Guy Falks

and the Gun Powder Plot caught the interest of the general public because it

was such a frowned upon and dangerously exciting subject.? It is on the moor, a life less and sterile

place that Macbeth meets the witches whilst en route with Banquo towards the

Kings camp at forres.? There is thunder

and lightning which attracts the audience’s attention and present destructive

forces, often symbolic of the super natural and the unknown.? This is the point at which the three witches

enter. This could be said to be a copy of a biblical situation where important

characters are often grouped into threes E.g. the three wise men. Shakespeare

may have created to some sort of unholy threesome to emphasise the wickedness

of the witches by presenting this in contrast with the traditional good

characters. The theme of witchcraft would of

interest to the audience because it was a very big issue at the time, as many

women had been hung in suspicion of unholy practice. The witches in this play

an important role because they are the ones who place the initial seed of

treason into Macbeth?s head.? The

witches main purpose in this scene is to cause doubt over Macbeth’s original

loyal dedication to his king. The witches can be identified as evil by the

things they say; "I come, Graymalkin", "Paddock calls", and

these are all contemporary stereotypical ‘unholy’ creatures. However the most

obvious indication that these three beings are in fact witches comes where they