What does Shakespeare tell us about the Stuart attitude towards witchcraft?

In this question, we're looking for context, language, character, and imagery. 

Context: James 1st, wrote daemonologie, burning of witches, suspicious- role of religion

Language: Fair is foul and foul is fair- upsetting social norms, master of revels

Character- explore the idea of stock characters, visual representation, the element of control. gendered evil (female power) 

Imagery- weather (pathetic fallacy), clothing and appearance (Banquo's comment on their beards), spells and chanting, use of violence and stereotypically innocent victims

Conclude- generally negative to appease the king and remain in line with the suspicions of the time 

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

What makes a good English Literature essay?


'Othello is more about the absurdity of jealousy than its destructive power.' To what extent do you agree with this view?


In Othello, why does Shakespeare use light and dark imagery?


How do I approach comparing unseen text during an exam?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences