The Shocking Presence of Witches in Shakespeare's Work

What evidence supports the idea that Shakespeare intended to shock the audience with the witches in his work?

A) Seeing witches first would jar many who believed witches were real; the dialogue delivered by the witches is spoken in an unfamiliar pattern.

B) The dialogue spoken by the witches is in iambic pentameter; many people of the era believed witches were real.

Answer:

The combination of seeing witches first and the delivery of their dialogue in an unfamiliar pattern provides the best evidence that Shakespeare intended to shock the audience.

William Shakespeare is known for his masterful plays and deep understanding of human psychology. One of the ways he captivated his audience was by introducing elements that were meant to shock and surprise them. In the case of the witches in his work, there are specific details that point towards his intention to create a sense of unease and disbelief among the audience.

Seeing witches first would jar many who believed witches were real. During Shakespeare's time, the belief in witches and the supernatural was prevalent. By presenting the witches as the first characters on stage, Shakespeare immediately challenges the audience's beliefs and expectations. This act of defying the norm would have undoubtedly shocked those who believed in the existence of witches.

Furthermore, the dialogue delivered by the witches is spoken in an unfamiliar pattern. This choice of language adds to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere that Shakespeare aimed to create. The use of unconventional dialogue, combined with the portrayal of witches as real and powerful beings, serves to heighten the sense of shock and disbelief in the audience.

In conclusion, the combination of these two details - seeing witches first and the delivery of their dialogue in an unfamiliar pattern - provides strong evidence that Shakespeare deliberately intended to shock the audience with the presence of witches in his work. By subverting expectations and playing with language, Shakespeare effectively created a sense of unease that resonated with his audience.