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Supernatural In Macbeth

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During the 1600s, the focus in the Elizabethan society is on nature and as a result, people are superstitious and easily influenced by supernatural elements within their daily lives. Shakespeare takes advantage of these beliefs by incorporating supernatural phenomena within his literature. In the play, Macbeth, Shakespeare implements the three witches, the floating dagger, and the ghost of Banquo as essential themes within the storyline. He also incorporates this symbolism and a strong element of imagery within Macbeth, to help set the mood, foreshadow events within the plot, and act as the motivation behind the main causes of conflict between the essential characters.

The first introduction of the supernatural is depicted within Act 1, …show more content…

However, the witches further demonstrate their magical powers and malice towards humanity in Scene 3 when they wreak havoc by raising the winds and causing problems for the sailors as they wait for Macbeth. The unexpected action by the witches affects the emotion of the audience to cause wonder and uncertainty towards the depth of evil portrayed and the potential for …show more content…

Moreover, he does not display any remorse for his evil actions since he has now become consumed by his position of king. As well, he is easily deluded by Lady Macbeth and her desires which encourage Macbeth to commit yet another murder - Banquo, his former friend and army colleague.

At this point in the play, Macbeth is seen as thoroughly corrupted by evil through the eyes of the characters and the audience. The appearance of Banquo’s ghost indicates Macbeth’s guilty conscience about his actions, yet Macbeth presents two faces during the scene. On one hand he is affected emotionally by his deed, while on the other hand he pretends to feel sadness at the parting of his former friend, Banquo, as demonstrated in the following quote: “I drink to th’general joy o’th’whole table, And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss. Would he were here! To all, and him we thirst, And all to all.” (Act 3, Scene 4, lines 89-92)
Banquo is portrayed as an honourable soldier with a strong moral standing, as opposed to Macbeth’s weaknesses, driving ambition, and his dishonourable actions.The importance of the scene emphasizes this duality between morality and

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