The witches depart immediately at the end of Act 1 Scene 1 because their supernatural presence is inextricably linked to the chaotic weather conditions that bring them forth, and their immediate purpose of planning has been fulfilled. Their abrupt exit emphasizes their mysterious and otherworldly nature.
The Supernatural Connection to the Storm
From the very opening of Macbeth, the Weird Sisters are introduced amidst a tumultuous storm. The scene opens with thunder and lightning crashing above a Scottish moor, out of which these haggard old women, the witches, appear. Their sudden arrival and equally swift departure are intrinsically tied to these atmospheric disturbances. It suggests they are not bound by typical human constraints of space and time but manifest with, and perhaps dissipate with, the very elements that herald their presence.
- Elemental Manifestation: Their appearance and disappearance are not conventional entries and exits. They emerge out of the storm and vanish with it, underscoring their unnatural origins and powers.
- Symbolic Significance: The storm itself often symbolizes chaos, disorder, and the disruption of natural order, mirroring the witches' malevolent influence. Their departure with the storm foreshadows their fleeting yet impactful interventions in Macbeth's destiny.
Fulfillment of Immediate Purpose
Before their abrupt departure, the witches engage in eerie, chanting tones to make plans to meet again upon the heath, after the battle, to confront Macbeth. This brief but pivotal conversation establishes their next move and their target. Once this crucial piece of foresight and planning is complete, their immediate objective for appearing is accomplished.
Their rapid exit serves several dramatic functions:
- Heightens Mystery: By leaving so suddenly, they leave the audience with a sense of unease and curiosity about their true nature and intentions.
- Sets the Tone: Their fleeting appearance and ominous prophecies immediately set a dark, supernatural tone for the entire play.
- Foreshadowing: Their last words, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair: / Hover through the fog and filthy air," are uttered as they disappear, reinforcing the play's central theme of moral ambiguity and deceptive appearances.
| Aspect of Departure | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Supernatural Link | Their appearance and disappearance are tied to the thunder and lightning, signifying their non-human nature. |
| Purpose Achieved | They have successfully made plans to meet again with Macbeth, completing their immediate task. |
| Dramatic Effect | Creates an atmosphere of mystery and ominous foreshadowing for the audience. |
This abrupt departure is characteristic of Shakespeare's portrayal of supernatural entities, who often appear briefly to deliver their message or influence events before vanishing, emphasizing their transient yet powerful impact on the mortal world.
