Macbeth SUPERNATURAL THEME

Macbeth SUPERNATURAL THEME

1. The supernatural shows Macbeth's growing fear and paranoia, as well as contributing to creating it.

2. SETTING

3. SYMBOLISM

4. CONTEXT

   • In the Jacobean era, due to the influences of King James I and "Daemonologie" the fear of the supernatural was at its peak.
   • Supernatural beliefs influenced by pagan traditions, and heightened by political/religious conflict
     • Conflict that is echoed in the play, as a whole

5. THE WITCHES

   • Supernatural entities that torment, enlighten, and ruin Macbeth - or just give him an excuse to enact his ambitious plots.
   • Reflect the Greek Fates - and prophecy
     • Sometimes link to Hecate, the three-fold Greek goddess, that symbolises the maiden, the mother, and the crone - linking to the reversal of gender norms in the play.
     • Present Macbeth with his Fate - fate being a theme that is also discussed within the play.

6. IN CHARACTERS