ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Upon the stormy heath, the witches meet with Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft. Hecate scolds them for meddling in the business of Macbeth without consulting her but declares that she will take over as supervisor of the mischief.

Detailed explanation-2: -Hecate is the Goddess of the witches and she was working behind closed doors until Act III Scene V. The only reason as to why Hecate is seen in Act III is because she is furious with the three witches as they were making and carrying out plans regarding Macbeth without consulting her first.

Detailed explanation-3: -Who is Hecate and why is she angry? She’s the goddess of witcraft. She is mad at the witches because they were medding in the business of Macbeth without consulting her.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hecate was the chief goddess presiding over magic and spells. She witnessed the abduction of Demeter’s daughter Persephone to the underworld and, torch in hand, assisted in the search for her. Thus, pillars called Hecataea stood at crossroads and doorways, perhaps to keep away evil spirits.

Detailed explanation-5: -The goddess of witchcraft, Hecate, scolds the three witches for dealing independently with Macbeth. She outlines their next meeting with him, planning to cause his downfall by making him overconfident.