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”, 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”. Lady Macbeth convinces her husband, Macbeth, to murder King Duncan.
