Lecture Notes on Macbeth - Act 3, Scene 5

Introduction

• Discussion on why some evildoers in Macbeth are women.
• Exploration of sisterhood and women in power, particularly in context of the witches.
• Question: Is Lady Macbeth the fourth witch?

Scene Overview

• Location: Act 3, Scene 5 follows the banquet scene.
• Characters: The three witches and their superior, Hecate.
• Purpose: Establishes Macbeth's psychological connection with evil forces.

Hecate and the Witches

• Hecate's Role: Chief evildoer in medieval demonology.
• Conflict: Hecate is angry with the witches for acting without her authority.
  • Calls their actions 'saucy and overbold.'
  • Feels excluded from dealing with Macbeth.

Macbeth as a 'Wayward Son'

• Meaning: Macbeth is disobedient and not loyal to the witches.
• Human Perspective: Also unfaithful to Duncan, who saw him as a son.
• Demon's Perspective: Viewed similarly by the supernatural.

Hecate's Plan

• Instructions: Witches to meet Hecate at the pit of Acheron.
• Preparations: Witches to bring vessels, spells, and charms.
• Hecate's Activity: Prepare a fatal plot.

Themes and Symbols

• Spirits and Illusions: Hecate plans to confuse Macbeth with illusions.
• Security as an Enemy: Overconfidence (hubris) is man's downfall.

Contemporary and Historical Context

• Historical View: Original audiences saw women in certain roles.
• Modern Analysis: How women and power are perceived today.
• Question Posed: Why are witches women and not men?

Conclusion

• Scene emphasizes Hecate's control and Macbeth’s vulnerability.
• Invitation to ponder on gender roles and power dynamics in the play.
• Upcoming scenes will further explore Macbeth's interactions with the witches.

Next Steps

• The following short scene will be discussed soon.
• Upcoming discussions on Act 4 and Macbeth’s character analysis.