Analysis of Witches in Macbeth In the play Macbeth by Shakespeare the three female witches play an important part in the development of the story. This essay will analyze the dramatic function of the witches in Act I of Macbeth. I think that the reason that Shakespeare begins the play with the witches is to gives us the impression that everything starts with the witches, that is they are the catalysts for everything that happens in the play. I think that the witches are also there to set the mood for the play, “Hover through the fog and filthy air.” This line gives us a sense of loneliness and desperation. The play would be