Witches influces on MacBeth.?

Question:The witches play an important role in William Shakespear's MacBeth. The prophesies of the witches lead Macbeth to seek the power and prestige of kingship, leading him to usurp the throne of Scotland. But to what extent are the wrid sisters responsible for MacBeth's murderous machinations? Research Elizabethan beliefs on witches and witchcraft, and illustrate how these befliefs shape the action in the play, including the behaviour of the MacBeths.

I'm having some trouble here. I don't know how to put the essay together, and I know I will have trouble finding quotes in the essay contributing to the beliefs on witchcraft and how they shape the action in the play, including the behaviour of Macbeths. I need some help with this essay, it's due on Friday December 2007.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The witches play an important role in William Shakespear's MacBeth. The prophesies of the witches lead Macbeth to seek the power and prestige of kingship, leading him to usurp the throne of Scotland. But to what extent are the wrid sisters responsible for MacBeth's murderous machinations? Research Elizabethan beliefs on witches and witchcraft, and illustrate how these befliefs shape the action in the play, including the behaviour of the MacBeths.

I'm having some trouble here. I don't know how to put the essay together, and I know I will have trouble finding quotes in the essay contributing to the beliefs on witchcraft and how they shape the action in the play, including the behaviour of Macbeths. I need some help with this essay, it's due on Friday December 2007.

The witches are a symbol of MacBeth's ego and ambition as well as a personification of the Elizabethan idea that the supernatural was in control of people's destiny.

The play was written in the reign of King James I, who himself was interested in witches and interrogated them himself once. Google James I and witches. Some people think Shakespeare wrote the play to please King James. Of course the witches also embody the internal drives and designs of MacB and Lady M. Also there may be a curse on the play because Shakespeare might have used real witches curses in it.