Supernatural In Shakespeare's Macbeth

A detailed Summary of Supernatural In Shakespeare's Macbeth

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the use of the supernatural is effectively used to create interest and suspense. The theme of the supernatural is developed through character and plot- the witches and the apparitions. Both of these influence Macbeth; at first the supernatural motivates Macbeth to seek power and then the supernatural takes part in his demise.

The first use of the supernatural occurs at the beginning of the play, when the three witches predict the fate of Macbeth. This creates suspense as the audience gets a clue as to how the future will unfold for Macbeth. "When the battles lost and won"(Act I, Scene I, l.4) is said by the second witch. It says that every battle is lost by one side and won by another. Macbeth's fate is that he will win the battle, but will lose his time of victory during the battle for soul. Later on Macbeth repeats this line which shows he realizes his own fate and that he believes the prophecy.

After the prophecies of the witches' reveal the fate of Macbeth, the plan in which to gain power of the throne is brought up. The only way to gain power of the throne was for Macbeth is work his way to the throne, or to murder King Duncan.

After the murder is committed, Banquo eventually develops suspicions about Macbeth killing Duncan to have power of the throne. Guilt and fear grows inside Macbeth and his wife and they decide to have Banquo killed. The supernatural is presented again as Macbeth and his wife attend a banquet at which a ghost appears. Once the murderer notifies Macbeth that the deed was done, he observes the ghost of Banquo sitting in his regular seat. This causes Macbeth to act in a wild manner, making people suspicious of his actions, "Gentlemen, rise; his highness is not well." (Act III, Scene VI, ll.31-120).

The use of the supernatural heightens suspense as Macbeth is constantly relying on the prophecies of the three witches. Hecate, the Queen of witches is angry with the three sisters for not involving her in their encounters with Macbeth. The witches plan to lead Macbeth to his downfall by making him feel over-confident. (Act III, SceneV, ll.1-35). Further on in the play, Macbeth finds his way to the witches' cave and demands to know what lies ahead for him. The three witches predict what he is going to ask and produce the first apparition which is an armed head. "Macbeth!, Macbeth!, Macbeth!, beware of Macduff; beware thane of Fife. Dismiss me: en

Some common words found in the essay are:
Shakespeare's Macbeth, Scene IIIll1-37, Scene Ill98-102, VI Scene, Lady Macbeth, Scene Ill85-87, III SceneV, Hecate Queen, Act Scene, Dunsinane Hill, power throne, gain power throne, act iii, macbeth beware, beware macduff, supernatural macbeth, gain power, dunsinane hill, fate macbeth, macbeth beware macduff, act vi scene, macbeth macbeth, witches predict,

Approximate Word count = 870
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.

Supernatural In Shakespeare's Macbeth

Related Essays

Professional Essays

Saved Paper

Newest Essays

Testimonials