MACBETH: THE PERFORMANCEOF MY LIFE

In act one scene 3 the witches predict Macbeth's future success e.g thane of Cawdor and to be King. The scene starts with the question,and goes straight into the witches conversation. They always refer to each other as 'sister' showing how unified and close they are. A bond that no one can break,and a close circle into which no one can join. Therefore this gives off a powerful aura, and an intimidating persona to the reader, therefore adding to the gothic theme because the power and language shows how supernatural they are and above the rest of us.
Furthermore the setting we find ourselves in is 'Thunder' Same as the first scene where there is 'Thunder and lightning' this adds to the gothic genre, as it gives off the powerful imagery of sinister weather, and how this reflects on the tragic play that we are reading.
In addition to the setting, the language also has a gothic-filled vibe to it, as the witches say words that only they seem to understand,making it more supernatural and unknown to the rest of us. They also talk in riddles 'A sailor's wife had chestnuts'. This makes the reader feel more distant from their close and unified circle, as they talk in ways only they can interpret. Again adding to their intelligence as they talk in such a language.
Also they know that Macbeth is coming without having any signal or knowing that he is coming -a small show of how their power is casually used- again adding to the gothic feel of the play.
When Macbeth and Banquo come, Banquo uses gothic language as he refers to witches as 'should be women' showing how their appearance is also paranormal and out of the ordinary, causing Banquo to question 'what' they are , not who they are.
The language Banquo uses is gothic because it is harsh and unusual, for example when he says 'choppy fingers' giving off conotati0ns of weapons such as how you would use a knife to chop something. This adds to the gothic genre as it shows how their power is not only internal and mentally but physically also.
Macbeth also uses dark and dreary language (gothic) 'so foul and fair a day'. Even before meeting the witches he knows that there is not something right with that day. Sensing the supernatural and eerie setting, again making the reader fear of what is going to occur.
Also further on in the scene, towards the end, Banquo seems to accept what they say at face value, begging for them to tell him his future. He also talks about their predictions with connotations of nature 'say which grain will grow' which is contrasting to their unnatural appearance and supernatural powers. Thus showing how Banquo sees this as a natural occurence in life and accepts them as natural beings and on a higher plane of existence.
We see how they then compliment Banquo in their riddles 'Lesser than Macbeth, and greater' Which could be interpreted as, lower in status, but better as a man, maybe more noble, loving?
However Macbeth is more sinister, less trusting of what the witches say 'stay you imperfect speakers!' he still refers to their appearance as not a good sign, and seeing them as supernatural by using language such as 'strange intelligence' and 'prophetic'. This contrasts to Banquo who seems them as natural which i discussed earlier. Therefore this could be hints as to how the rest of the play will turn out, as the witches have predicted Macbeth's success, yet they have made subtle yet powerful hints as to how Banquo is a greater man, yet in a different sense..
In addition, because of how Banquo questions them, yet accepts them quickly, and then realises that they are to be awed and not feared, we see how Banquo has less prejudice and discrimination in his heart, and he feels to be accepting them is a more natural way of treating them, as he even starts to respect them seeing them as more powerful than any status could entitle them to be.