Supernatural In Macbeth Essay

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Throughout the book of Macbeth, there have been various examples of the

supernatural occurring. From the start of the play to the ending of it, supernatural events are

always related to Macbeth. The word “supernatural” is defined as, “of, relating to, or being

above or beyond what is natural; unexplainable by natural law or phenomena; abnormal.”

(Dictionary.com). Macbeth is involved with the supernatural many times and it provoked his

ambitions to the point of becoming evil.

During the beginning of Act 4, in Macbeth, The three witches were called upon by

Macbeth demanding that he should know his future now that he has acquired the crown. The

witches agreed in letting Macbeth witnessing his future. They unveiled four different
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After this, Macbeth makes decision based upon these

Lennox informs Macbeth of Macduff fleeing the country and taking aid in England where

Malcom is located. Macbeth declares Macduff a traitor also threating Macduff’s family by

saying that he will burn his house down and kill his family. After threating to take action towards

Macduff’s decision to leave the country, Lady Macduff states that Macduff doesn’t love her

anymore, but their son disagrees with her. He proclaims that Macduff is not a traitor and also that

he is not dead. Macduff’s son further explains that if Macduff was dead, she would be crying, but

she was not crying so he says that the love was only temporary. Soon after their argument, a

murderer comes in and slaughters Lady Macbeth; this is where the first specter’s warning for

Macbeth starts to affect him. Macduff, while talking with Malcom in England, hears the news

about his family and swears for revenge.

The first apparition warned Macbeth about Macduff and what he may attempt to do to

Macbeth, but the second apparition told Macbeth that no man would ever harm him, so Macbeth

made the decision to kill Macduff’s wife because he thinks that he cannot be killed. These
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They are the catalyst which unleash Macbeth’s evil aspirations.” (Matthew Monroe).

The supernatural plays an extremely important role in Macbeth. The existence of the

supernatural was very strong during the time that Shakespeare wrong Macbeth. “In the time of

William Shakespeare there was a strong belief in the existence of the supernatural…the

supernatural is an integral part of the structure of the plot. It provides a catalyst for action, an

insight into character, and augments the impact of many key scenes.” (Matthew Monroe).

Shakespeare uses this to his advantage and constructs the whole story revolve around Macbeth

and his involvement with the Supernatural. It caused Macbeth to kill Duncan, Banquo, and

Macduff’s family; not only that, but he has suffered from each one of these response. Macbeth’s

hands are forever stained after killing Duncan and nothing can wash away the crime he has

committed. Executing Banquo has accomplished nothing but made it worse for Macbeth. He sees

Banquo’s ghost during act 3 and is uneasy for the remainder of the act. The worst and final act

that Macbeth made was murdering Lady Macbeth and the rest of his family. This causes

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