Inter-Textual Relations between Reginald Scot’s “The Discoverie of Witchcraft” and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”

Abstract

The article investigates the intertextual relationship between The Discoveries of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot and Macbeth by Shakespeare. Both texts are in a complex intertextual relationship. Scot expresses his explicit doubts about the phenomenon of witchcraft and witches, in general. Shakespeare, most probably, referred to Scot’s work while creating and portraying the characters of the three psychic- witch sisters in his tragedy. And though Shakespeare’s reference to Scot’s work is perhaps evident, there is still something vague, hence, it is not possible to arrive at the conclusion that the two writers shared the same opinion about witchcraft and spelling. Still, it can be concluded that Scot and his work play an important role in the investigation and interpretation of Shakespeare’s work.