Hecate appears angry because the witches, whom she oversees, engaged with Macbeth in prophecies and affairs of death without her involvement. As the supreme mistress of their dark charms and the planner of all harms, she feels disrespected and sidelined, as she was never called upon to participate or showcase the full power of their collective art.
The Root of Hecate's Fury
Hecate's significant displeasure stems from a perceived breach of protocol and a lack of respect from the "beldams" (witches). She confronts them directly, expressing her indignation that they were "saucy and overbold" in their dealings.
Her specific grievances include:
- Unauthorized Engagement: The witches dared to "trade and traffic with Macbeth in riddles and affairs of death" without her knowledge or permission.
- Exclusion from Operations: Despite being "the mistress of your charms" and "the close contriver of all harms," Hecate was "never called to bear my part" in these significant magical workings.
- Denied Opportunity to Shine: She was deprived of the chance to "show the glory of our art," implying that her presence and contribution would have elevated the power and impact of their spells.
Essentially, Hecate is angry because she was cut out of a major magical operation that concerned her domain, diminishing her authority and preventing her from demonstrating her prowess.
A Breach of Infernal Etiquette
Hecate's outburst highlights a clear hierarchy within the magical realm she governs. Her position as the "mistress" indicates a leadership role, making the witches' independent actions a direct challenge to her authority.
| Hecate's Role & Expectation | Witches' Actions | Hecate's Grievance |
|---|---|---|
| Mastermind of all harms; lead the "art" | Engaged Macbeth with riddles and death prophecies | Not consulted; excluded from participation |
| Overseer of charms; rightful leader | Acted independently and boldly | Disrespected; denied showing "glory of our art" |
This anger sets the stage for her future directives, ensuring that any subsequent interactions with Macbeth will be under her direct control, aiming to rectify the slight and display her formidable power.
