The Supernatural in Macbeth

A detailed Summary of The Supernatural in Macbeth


"The instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence." (Page 19) These "instruments of darkness" that came in the form of witches, visions, and ghosts have played an important role in Macbeth. The witches' prophesies which Macbeth believed have brought him to the throne; however, they have also led him to his downfall. In addition, the death of the king of Scotland and Macbeth's loyal friend, and the ghosts that offered Macbeth security and overconfidence have also led him to his demise. All these factors have shown the importance of the supernatural played in the tragedy.

The "witches" in the play symbolizes the evil. In act one scene one, the three witches entered the stage when the sky is full of " thunder and lightning". (Page 11) This scenery with such stormy weather has provided a dark and miserable mood for the play. Furthermore, the use of the names, "Graymalkin" and "Paddock" that represented demon, have also shown the mysterious and evil within the witches. (Page 19) "So withered and so wild in their attireKby each at once her choppy finger laying upon her skinny lipsK and yet [her] beards forbid [Banquo and Macbeth] to interpretK" that the witches are women. (


Page 16) The physical description of the witches has also shown the use of supernatural as they "look not like the inhabitants of the earthK." (Page 16) In scene two, the witches went "to meet with Macbeth" which they gave him the three prophesies: "Thane of Glamis", "Thane of Cawdor", and the "King of Scotland". The accuracy of the predictions after Macbeth is presented with the "Thane of Cawdor", has instilled that he shall be the king. However, when Malcolm is bestowed as the "Prince of Cumberland", Macbeth saw himself one step farther from the throne which have resulted in the murdering. Macbeth has no longer "the innocent flower", but the "serpent under it". (Page 25) All these factors have shown the elements of supernatural within the witches and the impact it has upon Macbeth.

The visions of the floating dagger and Banquo's ghost are also one of the most important elements of supernatural. In act two scene one, Lady Macbeth signaled Macbeth that the path to kill Duncan was clear when she stroke upon the bell. While Macbeth is on his way to "the bloody business", the "dagger of the mind" has appeared as "a false creation proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain" of his. (Page 36) The "fatal vision" has "marshalest [Macbeth] the way t

Some common words found in the essay are:
Birnam Wood, Scotland Macbeth's, King Scotland, Elizabethans Chain, Lady Macbeth, , Nonetheless Banquo's, Cumberland Macbeth, Moreover Macbeth's, Banquo Macbeth, king scotland, act scene, birnam wood, elements supernatural, led macbeth, page 36, factors shown, page 43, scene witches, page 78,

Approximate Word count = 842
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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