Shakespearean Plays Questions Long
The role of the supernatural in Shakespeare's play Macbeth is significant and pervasive, serving as a driving force behind the actions of the characters and the overall plot. The supernatural elements in the play include witches, prophecies, apparitions, and the presence of evil spirits, all of which contribute to the tragic downfall of the protagonist, Macbeth.
From the very beginning of the play, the supernatural is introduced through the witches, who are portrayed as otherworldly beings with the ability to foretell the future. They meet Macbeth and Banquo on the heath and deliver prophecies that ultimately shape the course of the play. The witches' prophecies, particularly the one that predicts Macbeth's rise to power and eventual downfall, ignite his ambition and set him on a path of destruction.
The supernatural also manifests through the prophecies that Macbeth receives from the witches and the apparitions he encounters. The prophecies, such as the one that states "none of woman born shall harm Macbeth" and the one that assures him he will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane, provide Macbeth with a false sense of security and invincibility. These prophecies manipulate his actions and decisions, leading him to commit heinous acts in order to secure his position as king.
Furthermore, the supernatural is present in the form of apparitions that appear to Macbeth, such as the floating dagger and the ghost of Banquo. These apparitions serve as a manifestation of Macbeth's guilt and inner turmoil, haunting him and driving him further into madness. They also act as a reminder of the consequences of his actions, foreshadowing his eventual downfall.
In addition to the witches and prophecies, the supernatural is also represented through the presence of evil spirits throughout the play. Lady Macbeth, for instance, calls upon these spirits to "unsex" her and fill her with cruelty, enabling her to carry out the murderous plans she and Macbeth devise. The presence of these evil spirits highlights the corrupting influence of the supernatural on the characters, as they are driven to commit immoral acts in their pursuit of power.
Overall, the role of the supernatural in Macbeth is instrumental in shaping the narrative and the characters' actions. It serves as a catalyst for Macbeth's ambition and downfall, manipulating his decisions and leading him to commit heinous acts. The supernatural elements in the play also contribute to the atmosphere of darkness and evil, emphasizing the moral and psychological consequences of unchecked ambition.