Introduction to Macbeth

What did Shakespeare’s audience believe about witches/witchcraft? How do you think those beliefs affected the way the audience thought about the witches in this play?

In a group, identify different beliefs in the supernatural that you have encountered/heard of... Horoscopes ESP Psychics, mediums, and fortune tellers Ghosts Superstitions, such as breaking a mirror or walking under a ladder bringing bad luck

When have you encountered mention of this phenomenon in your life When have you encountered mention of this phenomenon in your life? Have you seen movies or news stories about it, or heard stories from other people about it? Do people believe in this phenomenon today? Is that surprising? If so, why? Why do you think the idea of this phenomenon still has power for people today?

There are widely varying opinions as to whether each phenomenon is “real.” Do you think a supernatural phenomenon has to be “real” to affect our lives? How might belief in supernatural phenomena influence a person’s behavior or decisions?

Belief in the supernatural can influence what decisions a person makes, even if that phenomenon isn’t real.