Possible Consequences of Macbeth Confronting the Witches
A Moment of Accusation
Assuming that Macbeth, the tragic hero of William Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” could communicate with the witches, one would most likely imagine this conversation to be confrontational and accusatory. He would likely argue that the witches’ prophecies and manipulations were the cause of his ambition and desire for power, leading him to commit such a heinous act as murder. He would blame them for his troubles and express his belief that none of his current problems would have occurred if they had not been involved.
Blame and Betrayal
Macbeth may also accuse the witches of being deceitful and not revealing the consequences of their predictions, causing him to suffer the ultimate fate of being killed in the battle. Meanwhile, the witches, also known as the “weird sisters,” would be surprised and intimidated by Macbeth’s boldness and anger. They would listen as he vented his frustration, telling them how their prophecies and manipulations led him down a path of destruction.
A Turning Point in the Dialogue
“You bewitched me, witches!” Macbeth would exclaim. “You told me I would become a king, but you never warned me of the consequences. You said, “All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!” (Shakespeare 1.3.48). However, you never told me that I would have to commit murder and treason to secure my throne. You never told me I would lose everything I held dear, including my wife and soul.”
In response, the witches would remain silent, unsure how to react to Macbeth’s accusations. They would be aware of their guilt and the power they wielded over Macbeth, but they would also know that he acted of his own free will.
Ownership of Evil
Macbeth would continue, “It was your prophecy that made me ambitious and believe that I was destined for greatness. Your encouragement led me to take the first step towards evil. And now, here I stand, a murderer and a monster, hated and feared by all.”
The witches would finally respond, their voices dark and ominous. “Macbeth, you are right. We are responsible for your downfall. But remember, we did not force you to act. You made your own choices. You decided to listen to our words and chose to follow the path of evil.”
A Glimmer of Redemption
Their response would take Macbeth aback, andhe would realize they were correct. He would realize that his ambition and desire for power led him to misery. He would also understand that he alone was responsible for his actions and could not blame the witches for his decisions.
Still, despite this awareness, Macbeth would not be able to shake the feeling of anger towards the witches. He would ask them what his fate would be, hoping for a glimpse of redemption. The witches would answer cryptically, “Your fate is in your own hands, Macbeth. You have the power to choose your destiny, just as you have the power to change your ways.”
The Path Forward
After that, Macbeth was left with hope and a glimmer of redemption. He understood that although his past deeds could not be undone, he still had the power to change his future. He would thank the witches for their advice and leave, filled with a newfound determination to atone for his sins and make amends for his mistakes.
Summary
In conclusion, Macbeth’s conversation with the witches would be a turning point in his character development. He would realize that he alone was responsible for his actions and had the power to choose his fate. He would also understand that the witches played a role in his downfall, but his choices ultimately limited their influence. Through this confrontation, Macbeth would find hope and redemption, setting the stage for his eventual redemption and ultimate downfall.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Albert R. Braunmuller, Cambridge University Press, 1997.