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 

EJ

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

What did Sylvia Plath mean when she wrote: 'I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am'?


How do you write a thoroughly coherent essay?


How is the theme of love presented in Chapter 23 of 'Jane Eyre'?


What do Feminist critics do?