The Role of the Supernatural in Macbeth

The Role of the Supernatural in Macbeth

The “supernatural” has a huge influence on the action of the play. So

much in fact, that without it Shakespeare would have needed another

reason why Macbeth killed King Duncan.

People in the 1600’s believed in the supernatural, he used these

believes in Macbeth, as the main part of the story. The first and

biggest piece of supernatural was the Witches scene in Act 1 scene 3.

This plays an important part because it influences Macbeth so much.

The Witches tell Macbeth that he is going to be the Thane of Cawdor

and then he is going to be King.

2nd Witch: “All Hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!”

3rd Witch: “All Hail, Macbeth! That shalt be King hereafter.”

Immediately these sentences have an affect on him, because he seems to

be thinking about something and then Banquo asks him why he shudders.

It is quite possible that he is already thing about killing King

Duncan.

Banquo: “Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear

Things that do sound so fair?”

The witches also predict that Banquo’s sons will become Kings. They

then vanish which in itself is supernatural and inspires a huge sense

of fear and anxiousness for Macbeth. He says;

Macbeth: “Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more: