The Supernatural Influence in MacBeth

1987-1988

The Supernatural Influence in MacBeth

Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School

English IV

by James Landrith

Throughout MacBeth, the metaphysical is continually shaping and affecting the play. In Act One, Scene One the witches set the mood for the play. Their mysterious conversation sets the mood as eerie and mysterious.

In Act One, Scene Three, MacBeth and Banquo meet the weird sisters. The weird sisters tell Mac Beth that he will be thane of Caudor and later king. Banquo is told that his descendents will be kings. From here on as a result of the witches prophecy, MacBeth undergoes sever changes. Lady MacBeth, upon receiving news of the prophecy; calls upon spirits to make her cruel enough to kill Duncan.

In Act Three, Scene Four, Banquo’s ghost enters the castle and sits in MacBeth’s place. The adding of a ghost makes another aspect of the supernatural involved. In Scene Five, the weird sisters meet with Hecate, the witch in charge of the others, to discuss what they have done with MacBeth. Hecate tells the witches what to with MacBeth to fix what they have done.

In Act Four, Scene One, the weird sisters begin to call up artificial ghosts to warn him against Mac Duff. Mac Beth decides to kill Mac Duff.

Mac Beth is continually affected by the supernatural which is ever-present throughout the play, building and influencing Mac Beth into committing the murders.

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