In Macbeth, the weird sisters/witches, or the "fate sisters" are in character as the past, present, and future. When speaking to Macbeth they hail him as thane of Glamis (past), thane of Cawdor (present), and as future king. The witches as described as haggard and ugly women with beards, and Macbeth and Banquo even wonder if they are women. The first scene of act 1 sets the witches in character as they are setting Macbeth's fate in motion. The witches speak in riddles, and it confuses Macbeth and Banquo, and because they are destiny, the fact that they told Macbeth that he is to one day be king and that Banquo's children will also sit on the throne, the destiny of Macbeth is revealed. When they first hail him as thane of Cawdor, Macbeth is confused, but as soon as he finds out it is true he wonders about the witches. The general vibe from the witches isn't particularly pleasant, and they seem angry and vengeful. When a sailor's wife refuses to share her chestnuts with one of the witches she plots some cruel revenge. The characters of the witches are important to the play because they give insight into the past, present, and future.
Lauren Woitowicz
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Lauren well done. Thank you for being first to post on our blog. You make a sound observation about the witches seeming vengeful, as though they are meddling with Macbeth's life for a purpose not completely described to the reader or audience members. Excellent focus on the importance of these witches.
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