The Supernatural in Macbeth | Theme Analysis

Summary

This video script delves into the theme of the supernatural in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' highlighting its influence on the play's tragic events. It discusses the presence of witches, apparitions, and the disruption of nature, all of which contribute to an atmosphere of fear and unpredictability. The script examines the characters' relationships with these supernatural forces, particularly Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who are driven by ambition and guilt to embrace dark powers, ultimately leading to their downfall. The video also explores how Shakespeare uses the supernatural to caution against the perils of engaging with such forces, aligning with the beliefs of the Jacobean era and King James I's fascination with witchcraft.

Takeaways

• 🌌 The supernatural in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' includes elements such as witchcraft, apparitions, and the disruption of nature, which are used to create a sense of fear and unpredictability.
• 📜 The Jacobian era, during which 'Macbeth' was written, was characterized by a belief in the supernatural, with King James I being particularly fascinated by witchcraft and authoring a book on the subject.
• 🧙‍♀️ The Weird Sisters, or witches, play a significant role in the play by tempting Macbeth with prophecies and later misleading him through visions, contributing to his tragic downfall.
• 👻 Lady Macbeth's relationship with the supernatural is more direct, as she invokes dark spirits to aid her in her ambition and to purge her of guilt, ultimately leading to her demise.
• 🔮 The play opens with a supernatural event, setting the tone for the disturbing events that unfold, with the Weird Sisters chanting a spell that reflects the paradoxical nature of the play.
• 🌑 Lady Macbeth's soliloquy reveals her willingness to embrace the supernatural to achieve her ends, commanding spirits to fill her with cruelty and to remove her womanhood, which was seen as a sign of weakness.
• 🗡 The vision of the floating dagger is symbolic of Macbeth's temptation towards murder and the influence of the witches' spells, blurring the lines between hallucination and supernatural summoning.
• 🌳 The disruption of nature following Duncan's murder, such as strange bird behavior and the earth shaking, suggests a supernatural response to the treasonous act, reflecting the belief in a natural order.
• 🔮 Macbeth's return to the Weird Sisters in Act 4 signifies his reliance on supernatural forces for guidance, further emphasizing his transformation into a monstrous figure.
• 👁️ Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, where she is haunted by visions of blood on her hands, symbolizes her guilty conscience and the consequences of her alliance with evil spirits.
• ⚰️ The play warns of the dangers of engaging with supernatural powers, as both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth lose their humanity, hope, and ultimately their lives due to their trust in these forces.

Q & A

What is the definition of 'supernatural' as discussed in the context of Shakespeare's Macbeth?

In the context of Macbeth, 'supernatural' refers to events, powers, or creatures that cannot be proved or explained through science, often relating to gods or magic, such as fortune-telling, casting spells, or speaking with ghosts.

Why were beliefs in the supernatural considered the norm during the Jacobian era when Macbeth was written?

During the Jacobian era, beliefs in the supernatural were considered the norm because King James the First, who was on the throne when Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, was fascinated by witchcraft and the supernatural, and even wrote a book on the subject called 'Demonology'.

How does Shakespeare use the supernatural to drive the plot of Macbeth?

Shakespeare uses the supernatural to drive the plot of Macbeth through the actions of the weird sisters and several ghostly apparitions that sow mishaps and mayhem for Macbeth, creating a fearful and unpredictable atmosphere.

What are the three specific forms of the supernatural present in Macbeth?

The three specific forms of the supernatural in Macbeth are witches and witchcraft, apparitions such as ghosts and strange visions, and the disruption of nature.

How does Macbeth's interaction with the supernatural influence his character development?

Macbeth's interaction with the supernatural, particularly the weird sisters, tempts him with prophecies that heighten his ambition and later mislead him through strange visions, hastening his tragic downfall.

What is Lady Macbeth's relationship with the supernatural, and how does it differ from Macbeth's?

Lady Macbeth has a different relationship with the supernatural; she welcomes dark spirits to possess her to purge any guilt over the plan to murder Duncan, showing her as a dangerous woman prepared to consult with supernatural forces for her ambitions.

How does Shakespeare use the opening scene with the weird sisters to set the tone for the play?

Shakespeare opens the play with the weird sisters on an empty heath, chanting a spell that twists the world upon its head, setting a tone of foreboding and disturbance for the events that follow.

What is the significance of Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in relation to the supernatural?

Lady Macbeth's soliloquy is significant as it shows her calling upon the spirits of darkness to fill her with cruelty and remove her womanhood, indicating her willingness to embrace supernatural forces for her ambitions.

How does the floating dagger vision in Act 2, Scene 1, symbolize the supernatural's influence on Macbeth?

The floating dagger vision symbolizes the supernatural's influence on Macbeth by representing both the violent murder he is tempted to commit and the spells and temptations of the weird sisters, suggesting that he is being summoned to commit the murder by evil forces.

What does the disruption of nature in the play signify in relation to the supernatural?

The disruption of nature signifies a supernatural response to Macbeth's treasonous actions, implying that his deeds have caused a disturbance in the natural order, which cannot be undone.

How does Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene in Act 5 reveal the consequences of her interaction with supernatural forces?

Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene reveals the consequences of her interaction with supernatural forces as she is haunted by visions of her crimes, seeing blood on her hands that she cannot wash off, leading to her losing her mind.