The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 12.0600  Tuesday, 13 March 2001

From:           Mari Bonomi <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Monday, 12 Mar 2001 22:35:19 -0500
Subject: 12.0585 Re: Macbeth Witches
Comment:        Re: SHK 12.0585 Re: Macbeth Witches

Takashi Kozuka comments on the possible meanings of the witches' plans
for the sailor...

< the first witch's
> intention is not to kill the sailor but to *torture* him for "sennights"
> (Norton 1.3.21).  She tells the other witches that "he shall live a man
> forbid" (1.3.20). She intends to "drain his as dry as hay" (1.3.17). She
> also intends to prevent him from sleeping, >

Is this not a reference to witches sending succubi out to seduce men and
"drain them dry" of sexual potency?  Especially coupled w/ the fact that
he cannot sleep, that he'll be a man forbid, and that she'll torture
him?

Mari Bonomi

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