The document discusses how the three witches confused Macbeth in Shakespeare's play. It notes that the witches correctly prophesied that Macbeth would become the Thane of Cawdor and Glamis. This led Macbeth to believe the third prophecy that he would become king, despite the horror he felt at the thought of murdering King Duncan to make this happen. The document explores how Macbeth's thoughts became increasingly negative and frightening as he contemplated fulfilling the witches' prophecy through regicide.

1. Macbeth – Two Truths
Did the Three Witches confuse Macbeth?
www.englishabc.co.uk 2014

2. Macbeth – Two Truths
Positive, good thoughts Negative, bad thoughts
Family
Friends
Class
Homework
Can you become confused?Areas of
your life
What thoughts have you had
about…?

3. ‘It’s just like they
said – now I’m
the thane of
Glamis and the
thane of
Cawdor.’
So far the witches have told me two good
things that came true.
It seems like this will mean I will become king.
Why was I promised
a promotion that
turned out to be true?
I’m the thane of
Cawdor, just like they
said I would be.
This supernatural temptation doesn’t
seem to be a bad thing, but it can’t be
good either.
Why do I find myself thinking about murdering King Duncan?
Why this thought so
horrifying that it
makes my hair stand
on end?
It makes my heart
pound inside my chest!
I am really frightened by the
horrible things I’m
imagining.

4. Macbeth – Two Truths
What two true things did the witches say to you?
What else did they say?
Why do you feel so bad?
What are you imagining in your mind?
Who will be Macbeth?
Talk to
‘Macbeth’! Who will ask questions of him?
Why are you so
confused?
What were you promised?
What’s happened to
your hair?
Who are you thinking to kill?

5. Macbeth – Two Truths
Have you ever been really frightened?
Have you ever been confused?
What about you?
Have you ever wondered what to do?
Talk about these experiences and stories that
you have had, or perhaps your friend has had.
Have you ever felt bad?

6. Macbeth – Two Truths
Have you ever been really frightened?
Have you ever been confused?
What about you?
Have you ever wondered what to do?
Talk about these experiences and stories that
you have had, or perhaps your friend has had.
Have you ever felt bad?