1. Supernatural Beliefs: Superstitions and beliefs in witchcraft were widespread during the Elizabethan era. Many people believed in the power of witches and their ability to cast spells, influence events, and manipulate human affairs. As a result, the audience would have likely been receptive to the supernatural elements in the play, viewing the witches as credible and fearsome figures.
2. Fear and Suspicion: During that time, there were intense witch-hunts and persecutions in Europe, including England. The depiction of witches in "Macbeth" would have resonated with the audience's existing fears and prejudices about witchcraft. The portrayal of the witches as morally ambiguous, capable of both good and evil, could have heightened the sense of unease and apprehension in the audience.
3. Moral and Religious Context: The play reflects the prevailing moral and religious beliefs of the time, which were heavily influenced by Christianity and the Protestant Reformation. The witches' defiance of authority, their association with evil spirits, and their manipulation of Macbeth's ambitions would have been seen as morally reprehensible and a threat to the established social and religious order. The audience's reaction to the witches would have been shaped by these moral and religious beliefs.
4. Dramatic Presentation: The witches' appearance and behavior on stage would have also influenced the audience's reaction. Shakespeare's use of language, imagery, and stage directions creates a powerful and unsettling atmosphere. The witches' incantations, their grotesque physical appearances, and their interactions with Macbeth would have added to the sense of horror and the supernatural in the play.
It is important to note that while the audience would likely have been captivated by the witches' presence, their reactions could vary greatly depending on their individual beliefs, fears, and biases. Some may have viewed the witches as purely evil and threatening, while others might have seen them as symbols of temptation, moral corruption, or even societal upheaval.