Evidence from novel that highlights consequences of the growing tribalism on the island:

In the “The lord of the Flies,” the formation of tribal groups is evident. In the beginning of chapter 1, one could easily begin to identify “the hunters.” Since the beginning of chapter 4, the group of the “biguns” and the “litluns” has been more apparent and their distancing in evident.

In chapter 1, Jack declared that his choir group will be the hunters. Upon being asked by Ralph about what task his group would prefer doing, he pronounced that “[we’ll] be hunters” (page 19). The dangerous consequences of tribalism are evident in this case. Jack (and his group) are obsessed with killing. Jack leads the brutal assault of a pig and in attempts to get meat, he ignores the fire and the boys miss their chance to be rescued. His growing passion for his tribe’s task (and the compulsion to kill) is ultimately proving to be dangerous for the others. Jack is not involved in helping Ralph and Simon build huts, and as Ralph stated, “[you] never get anything done” (page 50). Ralph is implying that Jack is only concerned with killing and fails to help out with basic tasks. Clearly, Jack and his group are distancing from the other groups and are only concerned with their group’s role (which is hunting). Their passion for their own tribe is proving to be disadvantageous.

The group of the littluns is also evident. According to Golding, “They obeyed summons of the conch. But otherwise, they seldom bothered with the biguns. They built castles in the sand at the bar of the little river. The luttlins played here, if not happily at least with absorbed attention” (page 62). This passage indicates that the littluns live in a world of there own. They don’t help out with tasks, and seem the least concerned with being rescued. The consequence of this tribe is that they are the “weak” members on the island that require support and provide none in return.

The group of Simon, Piggy, and Ralph is seemingly more apparent in later chapters. In chapter 5, Ralph states that he “ought to give up being chief” (page 100). Piggy then states that “if Jack was chief he’d have all hunting and no fire. We’d be here till we died.” Simon then replies by saying that “There’s you and Jack. Go on being chief. (page 101). Quite clearly, Simon and Piggy show support for Ralph and it seems as if they are the only ones who want Ralph to remain chief.

Answer to Article Questions:

Do you agree with Ms. Chua that we are all, “tribal animals” as she writes in the first paragraph of the article? Explain your reasoning.

I agree that we are all tribal animals because we are more likely to associate with people that are just like us. For example, in the “Lord of the Flies,” the littluns are a group because of their similar ages. I believe that we create our own groups and associate with people that share something common with us.

What did the T-shirt experiment explained in the Basic Instinct section find?

The children were assigned different colored t-shirts (blue or red) and then were shown images of random children wearing the same t-shirts (either blue or red). The experiment proved that the children showed bias towards those wearing the same color as them, despite not knowing them personally.

What does Ms. Chua explain as the, “dark side of tribal instinct”?

The dark side of tribalism is when one tribe finds enjoyment in the suffering of another tribe.

What is the demographic transformation that she describes in an effort to explain the emergence of the Trump Tribe?

To varying degrees, minorities have felt vulnerable and under threat. Today, the majorities also feel that way due to the statements that Trump has made which explicitly appeal to some voters’ racial bias.

Define: Social Mobility

It is the change in social status relative to one’s current social location within a given society.

Define: Economic Inequality

Economic Inequality is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society.

How could these concepts effect tribalism?

These concepts allow certain groups to be more likely to associate with groups that they want to.

Under what conditions does Chua state that tribalism thrives?

Political tribalism thrives under conditions of economic insecurity and lack of opportunity.

Tribalism has led to violent acts around the world in the recent years. Post 2 videos on your site and explain how they are examples of tribalism.

Tribalism has led to violent acts in previous years and in recent years as well. Tribalism has led to the worst atrocities such as genocide. Tribalism has been around since the beginning. Genocides such as the Ukrainian Genocide (also known as the Holodomar), Holocaust, Darfur Genocide, and the Rwandan Genocide have been a result of attitudes where one favors a certain racial group and shows extreme bias towards them. These are cases of extreme tribalism.

Examine the tribalism in our culture.  What sport /social / religious / cultural groups are prominent in and out of school? They do not have be organized groups. What are the positive and negative attributes of these groups?  Do you see any extremely negative attributes of tribalism that are present in The Lord of the Flies or the current political climate of America.

Tribalism is not evident in school, at least not as significant. Teens are likely to engage with others who carry the same interests as them. For example, those who play sports are more likely to have friends that play sports and are in sports teams. However, the negative attributes of this aren’t as consequential because tribalism doesn’t exist in extreme. In “Lord of the Flies,” tribalism has many negative consequences because each tribe seems to have very different priorities, further leading to the unlikelihood of rescue.

What is the beast from the air?

The “beast from the air” that floats down to the island is a dead parachutist.

Who first sees the beast from the air?

Sam and Eric see the beast first because they were in charge of keeping the signal fire alive.

Give two examples of how the description of the beast is untrue.

Sam and Eric described the beast as a creature that had eyes, teeth and claws. They then stated that the beast followed them. These descriptions are untrue because the beast was a dead parachutist.

When Jack speaks without using the conch, what has happened (symbolically)?

It represents loss of order and structure. It’s also ironic because Jack wanted more rules in the beginning, only so he could break them.

What does Ralph continue to focus on, that the others think of very little?

Ralph wants to keep the signal fire alive, however, the other boys are distracted.

“However Simon thought of the beast, there rose before his inward sight the picture of a human at once heroic and sick.” Within this quote, what theme does Simon continue to stand for or express.

Simon thinks that the beast is their inner capacity for evil and it’s their inner fear. By saying that the beast is a “human at once heroic and sick,” he is trying to say that the beast is a human who was once “good” but his capacity for “evil” took over, just like the boys on the island. Through this quote, Simon continues to stand for goodness and shows great intuition.

Why do the boys decide to look for the Beast at the castle-like formation?

They decide to look for the beast at the castle-like formation because it is the only spot on the island left unexplored.

Why does Ralph go first?

He claims that since he’s the chief, he should go first.

Why does Jack say he joins Ralph in the search?

He sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership.

While Ralph wants to go to the mountain, what is it that the other boys want to do?

Some of the boys wanted to go to the beach and some wanted to roll more rocks.

Why does Ralph become angry with Jack and his followers?

Jack and his group are not as determined to get rescued. Ralph persists that they should go and check the top of the mountain for the fire, however, the other boys are fooling around.

Write and defend a plausible meaning of the following quote. Golding writes, “He (Ralph) found himself understanding the wearisome of his life, where every path was an improvisation and a considerable part of one’s waking life was spent watching one’s feet” (81).

Ralph is understanding the hardships of having to lead his group and realizes that the rules he makes need to be “improvised” and that he will need to improvise according to the situations that arise. He’s also thinking that most of his life now is spent thinking about how to survive.

What emotions is Ralph conveying as Golding describes his thoughts writing that Ralph, “fell into that strange mood of speculation that was so foreign to him. If faces were different when lit from above or below – what was a face? What was anything? (83).

Ralph is beginning to question existence and everyone around him. He’s trying to explain his frustration with human nature. I think he’s referring to the boys and their inability to work, so he’s sort of alluding to their dishonesty or laziness as they all were different when they first landed on the island.

Why does Ralph have to, “adjust his values” (83) in this part of the novel?

Ralph realizes the importance of knowledge and wisdom in making good decisions. He wishes he could think as well as Piggy. He comes to realize that although it was easy to be friends with Jack, Piggy is the one who is more valuable.

In page 84 Ralph describes how he has to speak simply so that the Litluns will understand him. If the Litluns represent the ‘common people’ in Golding’s allegory what is this scene trying to say?

He is trying to display them as weaker members of society that the democratic government strives to protect.

On page 85/86 what are all the thing Ralph complains about in the meeting?

Ralph complains about the fact that the boys refuse to work at building shelters, they do not gather drinking water, they neglect the signal fire.

What are all the different ways the beast is described as in this chapter?

The littluns described the beast as a dark thing, some sort of animal that comes from the ocean.

The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, is an allegorical story where each character represents a particular political, religious, or philosophical viewpoint. The island represents the entire world, Ralph represents the democratic government, Jack represents autocracy/dictatorship, and Piggy represents the forces of rationalism, science, and intellect—which often get ignored. The Littluns represent the common society.

In Lord of the Flies, the island represents our world. It is often referred to as the “scar” in the novel. Golding described the area as “the long scar smashed into the jungle” (page 1). Golding is trying to portray the island as the world which we humans inhabit. He calls it a “scar” as he is trying to display that humans have ruined earth simply by inhabiting it. In this allegorical novel, the island (referred to as a scar) represents the destruction caused by humans on earth.

Ralph represents the democratic government. In chapter 2, he states that “[they] can’t have everyone talking at once” (page 31). He then declares that if one wants to speak, they must hold the conch. This entitles everyone to voicing their opinion. Through Ralph’s teamwork and attempts at inclusion, he is promoting a democratic life on the island. Under his leadership, he attempts to include everyone (although Piggy is often left out). Ralph, in later chapters, can be seen trying to navigate the group by attempting to make them understand what exactly carries importance (such as building a fire and shelters.) He tries to guide the group and wants to protect the littluns. Ralph represents democracy and fairness.

Jack represents autocracy/ dictatorship. He states, “I ought to be chief… because I’m chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp” (18). He also leads his choir group and uses his strength and power to command them. The boys’ situation leads to the conflict of civilization vs savagery. Where Ralph is trying to maintain civilization, Jack is more inclined to break the laws and promotes savagery. His strange desire to hunt and kill pigs, his aggressive behavior, and his attitude towards Piggy makes it apparent that he represents dictatorship.

Piggy represents the forces of rationalism and is the intellectual one who often gets ignored. In chapter 1, Ralph tells Piggy that “[he] can’t come” (page 21). Piggy is often ignored due to his appearance and power. He does not fit in with the other boys, however, he provides them with intellect and knowledge. The boys overlook his abilities and this resonates with our current world as we often ignore intellect, etc. In chapter 2, Piggy states that “If I say anything, you say shut up; but if Jack or Maurice or Simon-” (page 43). Piggy is trying to state that his opinions are always ignored, however, if someone else were to say that exact same thing as him, then their ideas will be considered wonderful. Clearly, Piggy represents the rational side.

The Littluns represent the common society that the democratic government strives to protect. They are portrayed as weak members. This is apparent when Ralph stated that they must build shelter for the littluns because “They’re frightened” (page 52). Golding described the littluns’ weakness and lack of involvement by claiming that “they cried for their mothers much less now. They obeyed the summons of the conch, partly because Ralph blew it, and he was big enough to be a link with the adult world of authority. But otherwise they seldom bothered with the biguns and their passionately emotional and corporate life was their own” (page 61). This description proves that the littluns show less involvement on this island and carry little importance, further proving to represent the common society.

As Golding describes a typical day on the island he writes, “At midday the illusions merged into the sky and there the sun gazed down like an angry eye” (60). What literary device is this an example of?

There are two literary devices found throughout this quote. Personification is when a non-human thing, object, or idea is given human attributes. The sun is given the human attribute of “gazing.” The sun is an inanimate object that cannot look, see, or view anything. A simile is a comparison using the words “like” or “as.” Golding compares the way the sun shines and radiates heat, to that of an “angry eye.” Golding’s use of both personification and similes builds imagery and establishes the mood and tone of the scene. By comparing the sun to an “angry eye,” Golding conveys how the menacing rays are viewed negatively by the boys. The heat from the sun was so extreme that boys began to see mirages on the surface of the island and remained in the shade most of the day.

He goes on to write, “When the sun sunk, darkness dropped on the island like an extinguisher and soon the shelters were full of restlessness, under the remote stars”(61). What literary device is this an example of? What do you think Golding meant by this quote?

This is an example of a simile and Golding is trying to portray the harsh nights at the islands and the fear of the beast.

On page 61 how does Golding describe why the Litluns still obey the conch? How do these reasons connect with the politics of today?

The Litluns “obeyed the summons of the conch, partly because Ralph blew it, and he was big enough to be a link with the adult world of authority; and partly because they enjoyed the entertainment of the assemblies” (page 61). This connects to the politics of today because many are amused by it but rarely advocate for what they believe in. Golding employs the littluns as symbols for the weak members of society that a successful democracy strives to protect.

On page 62 how were the kids playing in the sand described? How does Roger’s actions towards the kids connect to the larger allegory?

When Roger and Maurice kick down the sandcastles, it signals the disintegration of ordered life on the island, and it foreshadows the end of Ralph’s democratic plans. By destroying the sandcastles, Roger and Maurice not only express an abusive power over the younger boys but indicate their increasing disrespect for civilized order. Still, Golding suggests, they have not yet devolved into complete savagery.

How does Maurice react to the situation?

Maurice, remembering his mother’s discipline, feels guilty about kicking sand into Percival’s eye, and Roger refrains from throwing a stone at Henry.

What do you think the symbol of the mask represents? In what aspects of life do people wear masks in order to accomplish something?

His painted face, reminiscent of some less developed societies, supposedly makes him indistinguishable from the animals of the forest. It represents his “savagery” and desire to kill.

What does Ralph spot on the horizon?

Ralph and Piggy spot a ship on the horizon.

Why is the signal fire out?

The signal fire going out symbolically represents the decline of civilization on the island. Jack and the hunters left the fire to hunt for the pig.

What violence does Jack commit toward Piggy?

When Piggy shrilly complains about the hunters’ immaturity, Jack slaps him hard, breaking one of the lenses of his glasses.

How did the hunters kill the pig?

When Jack and his hunters return to camp, they chant “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood” (page, 72). Jack attempts to elaborate on the hunt and mentions that all of the hunters encircled the pig. While Jack acknowledges that each of his hunters played an important role in killing the pig, Jack mentions that he was the person who slit the pig’s throat.

Who gives Piggy meat despite Jack’s objection?

Simon shares his roasted pig with Piggy.

On page 51-52 Jack and Ralph argue about Ralph’s desire to build shelters and Jack’s compulsion to hunt. What points do they make to support their arguments? Who makes a more logical argument? Justify your answer. How does Jack describe his need to hunt?

Ralph wants Jack to help him and Simon in building shelters. His reasoning is more justifiable as he states that it will rain soon, and the little children will feel safe from the beast. However, Jack is only interested in hunting and gives his desire to kill as the only reason for hunting.

What feeling does Ralph believe building shelters will illicit in the litluns?

Ralph believes that building shelters will give the little children protection from the beast.

How does Jack feel when he is hunting?

Jack states that when he is hunting, he feels as if he is being hunted.

How does Simon help the litluns?

Simon provides them comfort and gives them fruit that they cannot reach.

What were the differences between the meeting on page 30 of chapter 2 and the initial meeting in chapter 1? Why is this significant?

According to the novel, “There were differences between this meeting and the one held in the morning. Most of the children feeling too late at the smart of sunburn, had put their clothes on. The choir, noticeably less of a group, had discarded their cloaks” (page 30). However, there are more noticeable differences as well. This meeting was more organized as the platform was crowded before Ralph was finished blowing the conch, signalling how everyone knew that a meeting was about to occur (unlike the first time). This meeting consisted of setting rules. The main rule being that in order to speak, one will have to hold the conch. Another rule being that everyone should have fun. This meeting was more organized.

How does the conch seem to represent structure and order on page 31?

The conch is a symbol of structure and order because it entitles everyone to have an opinion. Everyone has the right to speak and the conch represents democracy.

How does Jack suggest that rules they create are enforced? Why do you think he does this?

Jack supports the rules at first; when the boys first suggest having rules, such as the conch giving its holder the sole privilege to speak, Jack responds enthusiastically, saying they’ll have “lots and lots of rules”, and gleefully promising punishment to anyone who breaks them. The creation of more rules provides more opportunities for people to break them, and therefore to be punished.

On page 33 what is the kids plan to live on the island?

The kids plan to build a large signal fire so any passing boats can see and rescue them.

On page 34 and 35 they discuss the beastie. How is it’s discussion represent the fear of the children?

The imaginary beast that frightens all the boys stands for the primal instinct of savagery that exists within all human beings. The beast represents their internal fear of the unknown.

Who is the most keen on being rescued? What is the plan to accomplish this?

Ralph is most keen on being rescued. He states that his father will come to rescue them

Who pessimistically introduces the idea that they may never get rescued?

Piggy, being the intellectual one, introduces the idea that they might never get rescued. On page 33, he states that “nobody knows where [they] are. Perhaps they don’t know where we was going to; and perhaps not. But they don’t know where we are ‘cos we never got there.”

What could Piggy’s glasses represent? How were they taken from Piggy? What could Golding’s be implying about the larger allegory?

Piggy’s glasses represent wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge. His glasses were taken away from him without his consent. Piggy represents the rational side and the intellectual one who is often ignored.

Piggy tries to introduce some logic about the size of the fire stating, “You say you wanted a small fire and you built a pile like a hayrick. If I say anything, ‘cried Piggy, with bitter realism’ you say shut up; but if Jack or Maurice or Simon” (43). What could this quote be saying about how people engage with ideas?

Piggy is trying to explain that his ideas are ignored, however, if someone else gives the same idea as his, then they will listen to it.

On page 44, what feeling makes Ralph feel savage?

According to page 44, “the knowledge and the awe made him feel savage.” Ralph is intrigued by the fire and how it ignited so quickly.

Piggy repeatedly says, “you got your small fire alright” (44). How is this an example of irony?

This statement symbolizes irony because the fire wasn’t small, in fact, it was large enough to burn a bunch of trees.

Piggy struggles to use the power of the conch to speak and get the other children’s attention throughout the chapter. What could Golding be stating about the flaws of democracy with these examples?

Golding is stating that even in a democratic world, it is hard to have an equal platform to voice their opinions. In Piggy’s case, other children do not listen to him due to his appearance, power, and lack of strength.

The result of the plane crash on the island is described as a scar on page 1. If Golding is writing the story as an allegory of the nature of mankind what could the scar represent?

On a basic level, the scar is the path that the boys’ wrecked plane has cut across the island. Literally, it is the plane’s crash site. However, figuratively, the scar represents something critical. It symbolizes the damage caused by humans. In chapter 1, Piggy questions whether they’ll be saved by asking Ralph, “didn’t you hear what the pilot said, about the atom bomb?” He continued to state that “they’re all dead.” (Chapter 1, page 9) From this, we can assume that the boys are fleeing a world that has been ravaged by war; clearly, humans have done a great deal of damage to the natural world. This serves as evidence that humans create immense damage to nature.

Ralph is initially described as a ‘fair boy’ on page 1 and 2. Why do you think this is?

Golding used characters’ physical descriptions to mirror their personality traits. Ralph is often referred to as the boy with the “fair hair,” a term that emphasizes Ralph’s desire to be “fair” and reasonable, and through this characterization, Golding establishes Ralph as a boy who desperately craves order and structure. As the elected leader of the boys on the island, it is important for Ralph to maintain order and make sure rules are established and followed. Ralph’s attractive appearance also is a major reason for his role as chief on the island. Also, Golding is trying to demonstrate the idea of how appearances play a major role in how we perceive people.

How is Piggy described in this chapter. What do you think he could represent in the larger allegory?

Piggy represents the forces of rationalism, science, and intellect—which often get ignored in this world. Piggy was first described as “shorter than the fair boy and fat” (page 1).

What is a conch? How is it described on page 11?

A conch is a shell, a type of marine mollusk. On page 11, it is described as “pretty and a worthy plaything.”

As the boys gather around Ralph on the island Golding writes, “The children gave him the same simple obedience that they had given to the men with megaphones” (14). How does this quote add to the symbolism of Ralph and the conch?

This quote displays the power and authority given to Ralph due to the conch. Since Ralph called out all the boys to the island, many saw leadership qualities in him. The quote illustrates that the attention given to “men with megaphones” was similar to the attention given to Ralph due to his conch.

How is Jack described on pg 16 and 17? What do you think he could represent in the larger allegory?

Jack was described as “tall, thin, and bony: and his hair was red beneath the black cap. His face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness. Out of this face, stared two light blue eyes, frustrated now, and turning, or ready to turn, to anger.” This description of Jack makes it apparent that he is aggressive, assertive, and somewhat “evil.” Jack represents the savagery or evil in man. His tribalism represent an autocratic government.

On page 18 the boys argue about who should be leader. How does this conflict highlight two forms of government?

Ralph asks everyone to vote for who will be elected chief. However, Jack claims he should be chief without asking anyone about their opinion. Ralph represents democracy whereas Jack represents dictatorship/ autocracy.

The boys decide that they will vote and Golding describes it as, “this toy of voting was almost as pleasing as the conch” (18). How does this description illustrate Golding’s view of democracy?

The conch is a powerful symbol of democratic power and is supposed to ensure equal opportunity for all the boys to put a point of view. Golding links democracy to a state of calm and peacefulness.When Golding stated that “the toy of voting was almost as pleasing as the conch,” he is displaying how the voting was taken lightly. Not much effort was put into decided who will be elected, instead the power of the conch allowed for easy approval from the others.

What characteristics were ascribed to Ralph in connection with his election as leader? What is Golding saying about how we choose our leaders?

Ralph is elected leader by the boys on the island simply because he looks like a leader to them; Piggy has all the attributes of a leader but is never considered one because of his appearance. Golding is trying to demonstrate how looks often play an important role.

What is significant in the connection of Simon and the ‘Candle buds‘? How does Jack respond to the ‘Candle buds‘?

Jack, Ralph, and Simon’s reactions to the candle buds allow the reader to gain some insight on each one of their behaviors and characteristics. Simon speaks first and uses figurative language to call what he sees “candle buds”; he clearly appreciates the beauty and fragility of the buds. Jack is the next to respond to the bushes. He slashes at them with his knife and dismisses them because they cannot provide them any food. Ralph also dismisses them, saying that they may look like candles but they cannot be lit. Clearly he lacks the imagination to see the buds figuratively, as Simon did. The boys’ reactions to these bushes is symbolic of how they respond to the events which will happen during the novel.

Why are the kids unable to kill the pig at the end of the chapter? What does that reveal about theme at this point in the story?

The Lord of the Flies revolves around theme of civilization and savagery. Although Jack is aggressive, he is still “civilized” and knows that it is morally and ethically incorrect to kill. Also, he was unable to kill “because of the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh; because of the unbearable blood.” (page 29)

*added more to paragraph 4

Macbeth written by Shakespeare displays the tragic and inevitable collapse of a virtuous and noble Macbeth. The eventual downfall and destruction of Macbeth is not just result of his own choices and actions, but is a direct result of the witches’ misguiding visions. The witches plagued Macbeth with questionable prophecies, incomplete apparitions, and destroyed him with their malicious and wicked powers. The witches are clearly one of the major reasons for Macbeth’s ruin.

In the beginning of the play, the witches greeted Macbeth with the lines, “All hail Macbeth, the future King.” (1.1, 53) They prophesied that Macbeth will ultimately become the King. This not only fueled him with false hopes, but led him into being driven by ruthless ambition. Shortly after hearing the prophecies, Macbeth’s dialogue clearly displayed his vaulting ambition. He stated that “to prick the sides of [his] intent, but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself.” (1.7, 26-29) This dialogue indicates that the only thing motivating him is ambition, which makes people rush ahead of themselves towards disaster. This highlights the fact that the witches’ prophecies have flooded Macbeth with ambition and false hopes. The prophecies had an immediate impact on Macbeth as he later stated that “[his] thought, whose murder yet is fantastical, shakes so [his] single state of man.” (1.3, 150-158) In this line, Macbeth is realizing that the mere thought of murder confuses him to an extent where he doesn’t know who he is anymore. His ability to act is stifled by thoughts and speculations. Clearly, the witches’ optimistic, yet misleading prophecies had an immediate impact on Macbeth. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth was characterized as a loyal and valiant character. His bravery and courage was so evident that King Duncan decided that he was worthy of becoming the Thane of Cawdor. Upon hearing the prophecies, Macbeth’s character changes drastically. The witches’ prophecies are clearly to be blamed for his actions. According to an English scholar, “the witches in Macbeth are important because they provide Macbeth’s call to action. Macbeth is presented as a loyal warrior, a hero who fights valiantly on the battlefield to defend his country against invasion and treachery. Yet the association between Macbeth and the Witches introduces a different side to his character.”  Not only that, but psychologists believe that others’ influence our behavior directly through speech. These two sources clearly prove the point that the witches’ prophecies had a direct impact on Macbeth’s actions.

The three witches were the reason behind Macbeth’s destruction and death. The second apparition that they presented Macbeth with reinforced the idea that “none of woman borne” shall ever harm Macbeth. This apparition renewed Macbeth’s confidence and gave him the strength to continue doing evil. However, this apparition was misleading because Macduff was apparently not born of a woman. Macbeth was certain that he will continue his reign as King and set out to fight Macduff alone. He made this decision because of his certainty that no one can harm him. Surely, Macduff killed Macbeth. However, Macbeth could have actually survived had he not been presented with those apparitions in the first place. He could have been more cautious and taken precautions to avoid his death. It was his certainty and trust in the witches’ visions that resulted in his death. In response to the third apparition, Macbeth said “who can impress the forest, bid the tree/ unfix his earthbound root? Rebellious dead, rise never till the wood of Birnam rise.” (4.1, 100-105). This clearly illustrates Macbeth’s assurance in the apparitions as he thinks that his murders will never come back to haunt him. Clearly, the witches are at fault for Macbeth’s choices and even death as they presented him with apparitions that led to his death. He was given false assurance and confidence which directly influenced his choices. The witches are at clear fault for Macbeth’s fate.

The witches’ evil and malicious powers destroyed Macbeth; their quotes represented evil and they had a significant impact on Macbeth’s actions. Their supernatural powers were evident in Act 3, Scene 5. Hecate stated that “He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear/ His hopes ‘bove wisdom, grace, and fear. And you all know, security/ Is mortals’ chiefest enemy.” (3.4, 30-34) Hecate is stating that Macbeth will be fooled into thinking he is greater than fate, he will mock death, and he will think he is above wisdom, grace, and fear. Ironically, after this scene, Macbeth’s life worsens. He gets into deeper trouble and faces more difficulties. It is quite evident that Hecate and the witches have supernatural powers that allow Macbeth to face critical and unfortunate circumstances. There is more compelling evidence to prove that the witches did in fact have super powers. In the Elizabethan era, it was legal to kill individuals who were suspected of witchcraft because of the Witchcraft Act passed in 1563, which set out steps to take against witches who used spirits to kill people. King James I became king in 1603. He was particularly superstitious about witches and even wrote a book on the subject. Shakespeare wrote Macbeth especially to appeal to James – it has witches and is set in Scotland, where he was already king. The three witches in Macbeth manipulate the characters into disaster, and cast spells to destroy lives. Elizabethans thought fairies played tricks on innocent people – just as they do in the play. When Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1606, then, he knew that his audience would have felt a mixture of fear and fascination for the three ‘weird sisters’. Shakespeare’s inspiration for the three witches comes directly from their evilness and it is quite evident that he intended to present the witches as if they had supernatural powers. This proves the fact that the witches did in fact influence Macbeth’s choices and decisions through their supernatural powers. Not only that but researchers believe that witchcraft is real. “The concept of witchcraft and the belief in its existence have persisted throughout recorded history. They have been present or central at various times and in many diverse forms among cultures and religions worldwide, including both “primitive” and “highly advanced” cultures, and continue to have an important role in many cultures today.” This is immense evidence that proves the existence of witchcraft and its affects.

The witches’ influence over Macbeth’s decisions and choices is apparent. Their prophecies, apparitions, and supernatural powers contributed immensely to Macbeth’s destruction. It is quite undeniable that their influence led to Macbeth’s undoing.

The memes summarized the play as each meme was able to capture the main events of a specific scene. Each meme tells a part of the story. The characters in the memes are able to display the expression/ emotion of the characters in Macbeth. With the help of the captions, one can understand what the meme is talking about.

The memes include allusions, quotes, and references from Macbeth. They revolve around the themes of loyalty vs tyranny, appearance vs reality, and masculinity. For example, the first meme includes an image of a witch with a very sly expression. The caption makes the witches’ evil intentions clear and represents their misguiding powers. This is an allusion to The Three witches in Macbeth. Another meme highlights the theme of loyalty and treachery as the character in the meme seems to be more inclined to a treacherous path. Another one of the memes makes an allusion to The Witches’ famous quote, “double, double toil and trouble.” It displays how Macbeth will be presented with double problems and difficulties. Such references make the memes more connective to the play.

The memes express the significance of the play as each meme alludes to an important aspect of that certain scene. For example, one of the memes referenced the meeting with the Three Witches. Another meme referenced the murder of Duncan and Banquo. Finally, leading up to the murder of Macbeth himself. Quite evidently, each meme is relevant and significant to the play.