Examples Of Allusions In Macbeth

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Macbeth, Supernatural and Allusion
Supernatural occurrences and allusion are an integral part of the plot structure of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. They have an impact on much of the action of the play and provide insight into many of the characters. Tapping into the common belief in the supernatural that was predominant in his time, Shakespeare used these superstitions to entertain his audiences. In Macbeth, Shakespeare manages to include both allusions and actual characters that refer to supernatural beliefs such as the presence of witches and ghosts.
Beginning with the opening scene of Act I, when the three witches, or “weird sisters” appear on the plane, the use of the supernatural in Macbeth begins. And, although they are very weird and strange, …show more content…

As he sits alone waiting for the signal which will summon him to murder Duncan, he thinks about his decision one final time. Macbeth’s vivid imagination and feelings of guilt conjure up a vision of a floating dagger. Although Macbeth knows that the dagger is an optical illusion, he allows the blood stained dagger to get to him. During Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act II, Scene 1, the utilization of successive allusions to people and practices which raise images of satanic and earthly evil is very apparent. References to Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft (Guralnik, 1980) and a forceful presence overall in Macbeth, and to “Murder himself” (Shakespeare, 2014) could have convinced Macbeth of the ultimate wickedness of his impending actions. However, he is too far immersed in the plan. The sound of the bell, which is a death knell for Duncan and a signal from Lady Macbeth that Duncan's chamberlains are asleep, interrupt any thoughts of remorse that Macbeth may have. If given more time to think about it, would Macbeth have changed his mind and therefore also changed the course of the …show more content…

The Macbeth’s fancy banquet to celebrate Macbeth being crowned king is partially a cover to conceal another murder. They invite all of the noblemen and Banquo is noticeably absent. During a toast the ghost of Banquo appears and sits in Macbeth’s seat, and of course Macbeth freaks out in front of everyone who is present, after all, he knows that Banquo is dead. Banquo’s apparition seems to remind Macbeth of the deceitful course he has chosen. The ghost disappears and then re-appears and Macbeth again loses his cool. The now worried noblemen leave. Later, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth try to explain away his apparitions due to lack of sleep and his fear. Macbeth always seems conscious of his evil choices, yet he cannot stop himself from causing further

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