Shannon 12 – 22 – 99 Senior English Hour 7A The Use of the Witches in “Macbeth” One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, “Macbeth”, includes examples of several literary techniques. Two techniques he uses are foreshadowing and bringing supernatural elements into a story. Like many writers, Shakespeare uses characters to foreshadow. The witches in “Macbeth” bring out the elements of foreshadowing and the supernatural. Throughout the play readers can find the witches and their effects upon the story and …showed first 75 words of 720 total…

…showed last 75 words of 720 total…Shakespeare’s use of foreshadowing through the witches proves very successful. They immediately tell the reader of Macbeth’s success and impending tragedy. After seeing only his success, Macbeth again seeks the witch’s guidance. This time he is doomed. Their supernatural powers show images which give him confidence, only to trick him in the end. The witches then foreshadow the death of Macbeth when Banquo’s descendents are kings. Bibliography "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare