How would audiences have reacted to the witches?

Audiences in Shakespeare's time would have reacted to the witches in "Macbeth" with a mixture of fear, awe, and fascination. The concept of witchcraft was very real to people in the 17th century, and the witches in the play were often seen as symbols of evil and moral corruption. Their supernatural abilities and their prophecies would have been particularly unsettling to audiences, as they raised questions about the nature of fate and the power of the supernatural.

At the same time, the witches would also have been seen as figures of mystery and intrigue. Their appearance on stage would have been met with a sense of anticipation, as audiences would have been eager to see how their actions would influence the play's events. The witches' dark and mysterious nature would have added an element of suspense and excitement to the play, and their presence would have kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

In addition, the witches would have provided a sense of moral commentary on the play's action. Their interactions with Macbeth and the other characters would have served as a reminder of the dangers of ambition and the corrupting influence of power. Audiences would have been left with a sense of unease and uncertainty, as they considered the moral implications of the witches' actions and their impact on the characters' lives.