Comment on Shakespeare’s use of Supernatural elements in Macbeth

Answer

Comment on Shakespeare’s use of Supernatural elements in “Macbeth.”

The usage of Supernatural Elements in literature is common. ‘Supernaturalism’ has been derived from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- (above, beyond, or outside of) +natura (nature). It means a way of thinking that believes in things beyond natural laws. The greatest English dramatist, William Shakespeare (1564-1616), employs this technique through several incidents and characters in his remarkable tragic play “Macbeth” (1623) to create a doomy environment. Let us explore how the supernatural plays a vital role in this play.

The Witches and Their Prophecies: The play opens with three witches welcoming Macbeth after a victorious war. They are also known as the Weird Sisters. Their mysterious and scary presence set the tone for the entire play. When Macbeth and Banquo meet them, the witches greet Macbeth with three titles:

First Witch:

All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!

Second Witch:

All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!

Third Witch:

All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!

These creatures and their prophecies are all supernatural, as they are totally absent in the mundane world. Their words spark Macbeth’s ambition and lead him to murder and tyranny.

The Bloody Dagger Scene: In Act 2, scene 1, before murdering King Duncan, Macbeth experiences a powerful supernatural vision. He sees a floating dagger leading him to Duncan’s chamber. This is an image of the same weapon he will use to kill Duncan. The description of this scene is evident in the following lines:

Is this a dagger which I see before me,

This vision has multifaceted meanings. It symbolizes the protagonist’s inner conflict and feelings of guilt. The dagger represents his murderous intentions and his feeling that fate pushes him toward the deed despite his hesitation and fear.

The Presence of Banquo’s Ghost: Macbeth kills Banquo, hiring some murderers to prevent his descendants from taking the throne. After