The Evolution of Macbeth's Attitude Towards the Witches

The Beginning: Gratitude and Intrigue

Macbeth initially shows a sense of gratitude towards the witches for their prophecies. When some of their predictions start to come true, he feels a sense of intrigue and wonder at their powers. He sees them as instruments of fate guiding him towards his desired outcome.

The Shift: Fear and Distrust

As the consequences of the witches' prophecies start to unfold and Macbeth's actions become increasingly ruthless and bloody, his attitude towards them changes. He becomes fearful and distrustful of the witches, realizing the true extent of their influence on his destiny.

The Desperation: Seeking Guidance

Driven by desperation and paranoia, Macbeth returns to the witches seeking more knowledge about his future. However, his motives are no longer rooted in gratitude or trust, but rather in a desperate attempt to maintain control over his fate and grasp onto any hope or reassurance they can offer.

The Metaphor: Moral Decline and Ambition

Macbeth's interactions with the witches serve as a powerful metaphor for his own moral decline and the destructive nature of his unchecked ambition. The witches symbolize the corrupting influence of power and the consequences of allowing ambition to override morality.

Ultimately, Macbeth's attitude towards the witches evolves from gratitude to fear and distrust, reflecting his own descent into darkness and moral bankruptcy.