Three Witches (Weird Sisters): Central to the play's thematic development, appearing only in four scenes.
Plot Overview
The witches agree to meet again after the battle to greet Macbeth.
They quickly disappear, called away by their familiars, Grimalkin and Paddock.
Themes and Symbols
Catalysts for Events: The witches act as catalysts for the events in Macbeth, influencing the dark mood.
Hurly-Burly: Refers to the chaos and battle, setting the stage for subsequent events.
Thunderstorms: Symbolize the witches' ominous intentions and the play's dark mood.
Familiar Spirits
Grimalkin: A cat
Paddock: A toad
Reflects the common belief in the 17th century that witches used animals as intermediaries between themselves and the devil.
Key Quotes
"Fair is foul, and foul is fair": Reflects the witches' disdain for goodness and preference for evil, setting the tone for moral confusion and malevolence in the play.