Supernatural theme in Macbeth

Supernatural theme in Macbeth

1. The supernatural parts in the play are presented as evil and powerful.

   • The witches are linked to the "devil" which Banquo states and Macbeth also calls them "Fiends" These Both associate the witches with evil deeds.

2. The witches are the supernaturals force.

   • They have a "strange intelligence" and the ability to predict the future which gives them power over humans. However they are planning to harm the sea captain, they say "the ship cannot be lost". This implies that their power can be limited.
   • Their part in the play is so powerful that although they may not have a big part or seen much throughout it they drive the action of the play. Macbeth wouldn't do what he did if it wasn't for the witches.
   • They are associated with CHAOS and tty to impose UNNATURAL DISORDER.
     • The witches are motivated by destruction. "untie the winds' and "castles topple"
     • They represent struggle through natural and unnatural order.

3. Visons of the supernatural for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

   • Act 2 scene 1
     • Macbeth sees a dagger before him just as he is about to go and kill King Duncan. It isn't clear whether the dagger is warning Macbeth abut the consequences he will have to face if he goes through with this murder or whether the dagger is leading to Duncan. it represents the "bloody business"
       • "is this a dagger in which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?"
       • "a dagger of the mind, a false creation"
       • "Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf with Tarquins ravishing strides"
   • Act 3 scene 4
     • This scene is where Macbeth see's Banquo's Ghost, this gives him a "strange infirmity". No one else can see the ghost, which shows it must be Macbeths guilty conscience.
       • "Then comes my fit again" Macbeth is worried and panicking
       • Ross is in this scene and could be an agent to the supernatural because he is always in the right place at the right time.
       • "And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks,When mine is blanch'd with fear" Clearly is referring to Banquo.
   • Act 5 scene 1
     • Lady Macbeth starts to go mad as she thinks that her hands will "ne'er be clean" of Duncan's blood - her guilt becomes so big thatch ends up committing suicide.
       • "Out, damned spot! out, I say!" This shows that she is hallucinating and is panicking. It allows the audience to think wether she will confess to her sin.
       • "Whats done can not be undone. To bed, to bed, to bed"