Macbeth quote

[drchris]

What is a good quote in macbeth which shows the audience that the witches want Macbeth to suffer and eventually die?

[joggerjayne]

Do they want that ?

Or do they merely foretell that it will happen ?

[Quizmonster]

I've just reread the scenes in which the witches appear and there appears to be no such specific quote from a witch. The closest relevant one is possibly from Hecate in Act 2 Scene 5.
"...artificial sprites
As by the strength of their illusion
Shall draw him on to his confusion...
...and you all know security
Is mortals' chiefest enemy."
Confusion here means ruination and not just puzzlement. The words, "You all know", show that the witches are fully aware of Macbeth's inevitable fate. As they were willing participants in the necessary magic, presumably they wanted - as you put it - Macbeth to suffer and die.

[carolegif]

Don't the apparitions come into it as well - The branch and marching on high Dunsinane and all that. Then the bloody child representing McDuff who was born by cesarean section ...."for none of woman born shall harm McBeth...".
Also in the beginning of the play in Act 1 scene III the witches talk of cursing someone.

[Quizmonster]

Carole, despite any relevance of the apparitions, there is no direct QUOTE from a witch anywhere in the play that fits the bill set by the questioner...ie one that shows they want to see Macbeth suffer and die. Yes, there is an acknowledgement by the second witch in Act 4 Scene I that Macbeth is evil..."something wicked this way comes" immediately before Macbeth appears...but still no appropriate quote re a wish to see him suffering and dying.
Plus, in Act 1 Scene III, the first witch threatens to take revenge on a sea-captain because his wife refused to share chestnuts with her. They make no threat against Macbeth, but simply hail him and Banquo with future news.

[drchris]

thank you