What role does the supernatural play in Macbeth ?
In
Macbeth, there are many sections that refer to the involvement of the
supernatural. The use of the supernatural in the script, the witches, the
visions, the ghost of Banquo, and the apparitions, are key elements making the
concept of the play work and in making the play interesting. Supernatural
forces are definitely a major factor in developing the play.
The use of
the supernatural occurs at the beginning of the play, with three witches
predicting the fate of Macbeth. This gives the audience a clue to what the
future holds for Macbeth. “When the battle’s lost and won” (1.1.4), is said by
the second witch, stating that the battle is lost by one side, and won by
another. Macbeth’s fate is that he will win the battle, but will lose his soul.
After the witches reveal the destiny of Macbeth, the plan to gain the power of
the throne is brought up. The only way to gain the power of the throne is for
Macbeth to work his way to the throne, or to murder King Duncan. Murdering the
king is an easier plan.
Lady Macbeth
also relies on the supernatural in her soliloquy, where she calls upon the
spirits to give her the power to plot the murder of Duncan without any remorse
or conscience. “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty” (1.5.47-50).
Lady Macbeth convinces her husband, Macbeth, to murder King Duncan. On the
night they plan to kill Duncan, Macbeth is waiting for Lady Macbeth to ring the
bell, signaling him to go to Duncan’s chamber. On his way, he sees the vision
of the dagger. The significance of the dagger is that it leads Macbeth towards
the chamber by the presence of evil, it being covered with blood. When the bell
rings, Macbeth stealthily proceeds up the staircase to Duncans chamber.
