Discuss how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are effected by the supernatural.

The Supernatural

Throughout the play Macbeth, there are instances were Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are effected, and in consequence influenced or disturbed by the presence of the supernatural.

During the play, the influence of the supernatural can be expressed in instances were unnatural events took place, e.g. When Duncan’s horses attacked and ate each other.

In Shakespeare’s time, people believed that a crime against the king was a crime against god. In the event of such a crime, it was believed that natural order would be disturbed, this idea may have influenced the aspect of the supernatural during the play. The presence of witches and witchcraft in the play, may also have encouraged the idea of the supernatural.

The short scene at the beginning of the play, which shows the three witches muttering and mentioning Macbeth by name, indicates an eerie and supernatural atmosphere: “Fair is foul and foul is fair” and “Here to meet with Macbeth”. The fact that the witches mention Macbeth by name, indicates that he is going to be involved in something which may not be considered normal or safe.

In Act1 Scene3, in which Banquo and Macbeth are greeted with predictions from the witches there is an indication of evil and unnatural circumstances which are associated with witches. There is an indication that Macbeth is quite strongly effected by the witches predictions, because he begins to think of his future and he also ways up the implications of what the witches had told him. Macbeth also began to ask questions about his future which the witches refused to answer: “Stay you imperfect speakers. Tell me more.” The fact that the witches cast a spell before they meet with Macbeth, and they vanish directly after refusing to answer Macbeth’s questions, emphasises the involvement of magic and the supernatural, it also provides a strong indication of the powerful involvement which Macbeth has with the witches.

Another example of the presence of the supernatural is expressed when Lady Macbeth invites evil spirits to assist her in her plan to persuade her husband to kill Duncan: “Come, you spirits”. This creates an uneasy atmosphere and creates the idea of evil and the supernatural.

In Act2 Scene1, where Macbeth experiences hallucinations the idea of the supernatural is also expressed: “Is that a dagger which I see before me”. This is an example of Macbeth experiencing visions of a false dagger, and is also an indication of the effect of the supernatural on Macbeth.

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The idea of the supernatural is also present in Act3 Scene4 were Banquo’s ghost appears at the banquet at which Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were playing host: “Thou canst not say I did it; never shake thy gory locks at me.” This represents the supernatural aspect of the play, and the way that the supernatural can effect Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth's reaction towards the presence of Banquo’s ghost was one of disbelief, panic and absolute terror: “Prithee, see there! Behold, look, Lo! This is an example of the way Macbeth was effected by Banqou’s ghost, and overall the way in which he is effected by the supernatural.

Another example of how Macbeth is effected during the play by the supernatural is in Act2 Scene2. In this scene Macbeth suffers the inability to pray, because of the regret he feels about murdering Duncan: “I had most need of blessing and ‘amen’ stuck in my throat.” This is an example of Macbeth feeling worried and anxious as a result of the influence of the supernatural. Macbeth also becomes obsessed with his inability to say ‘Amen’, and he also begins to hear voices, these can also be counted as actions which have happened under the influence of or the result of the supernatural.

Act3 Scene5, is also an important part in the play, in terms of the effect of the supernatural on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The scene is influential because it involves Hecate promising to use her magic to ruin Macbeth, who she describes as being over-confidant: “To trade and traffic with Macbeth in riddles and affairs of death?” This is an example of Macbeth’s involvement in the supernatural, as it shows Hecate and her plans for Macbeth, which would effect him in a bad and supernatural way.

The aspect of the supernatural is continued throughout the play, especially in Act4 Scene1, were the witches chant a spell and prepare to meet with Macbeth: “..but why stands Macbeth thus amazedly? Come, sisters, cheer we up his spirits, and show the best of our delights”. This is an example of Macbeth’s involvement in the supernatural and witchcraft, which by most people would be considered neither safe or normal. As a result of his involvement with the supernatural, it is clear that Macbeth will be effected in the long run.

Another example of the effect on Macbeth by the supernatural is also in Act4 Scene1, were the witches greet Macbeth with an additional 3 more apparitions: “Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth: beware Macduff, Beware the Thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough.” This shows the witches giving Macbeth the first apparition, it also gives an example of how deep Macbeth’s involvement with the witches is. The three apparitions are also examples of how effected Macbeth is by the supernatural in this part of the play. He begins to ask questions about his future: “I will be satisfied. Deny me this, and an eternal curse will fall on you. Let me know.” This shows Macbeth demanding to know about his future, and gives us an example of his involvement in the supernatural. It also shows how deeply he has been effected by the supernatural, as he seems more determined but also anxious to know about his future, and tries to threaten the witches in order to mentain his status and find out about his future. This gives a strong example of the effect that the supernatural has had on Macbeth.

In Act5 Scene1, were Lady Macbeth suffers hallucinations and sleepwalks as a result of her conscience, the idea of the supernatural is also introduced. The fact that Lady Macbeth becomes unstable, and begins to experience hallucinations, expresses the way in which she has been effected by the supernatural: “Where is she now? What, will these hands ne’er be clean”. Here Lady Macbeth is experiencing hallucinations just as Macbeth did in Act2 Scene1, this gives the impression that the supernatural has begun to effect her as well, and also shows us what can happen as a consequence of interfering with magic and witchcraft which are both closely associated with the supernatural.

Also, the fact that throughout Act5, Macbeth recalls the witches predictions and apparitions: “The spirits that know all mortal consequences have pronounced me thus.” This gives an example of Macbeth recalling the witches apparitions, which , in terms of the supernatural would also effect him.

Another example of the effect of the supernatural on Macbeth would be in Act5 Scene5, where Macbeth experiences a complete lack of fear, which is a contrast to his character’s normal attitude towards problems and difficult situations: “I have almost forgot the tastes of fears.” This could also be considered as an effect on Macbeth, which is a result of his involvement with the supernatural.

In Act5 Scene5, Macbeth begins to doubt the witches apparitions when he hears about the sad death of his wife: “If thou speak’st false, upon the next tree shall thou hang alive..” This is an example of the failing of the supernatural, and in consequence, the effect it has had on Macbeth. The indifference of life is also expressed in Act5 Scene5, when Macbeth debates the death of his wife: “She should have died hereafter.” This gives an example of Macbeth experiencing bad times as a result of his involvement in the supernatural.

In Act5 the major event linked with the supernatural, is the prophecies coming true: “The spirits that know all mortal consequences have pronounced me thus”. The fact that the prophecies have come true, emphasise the idea of the supernatural, and gives it a truthful effect on Macbeth’s part. Act5 is probably the most influential scene in terms of the supernatural, and the consequential effect on which it had on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

In conclusion, during the play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are effected by the supernatural in many different ways. The introduction of the witches and their predictions early on in the play, express the aspect of the supernatural and the given effect on which it has on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth’s response to the witches throughout the play, also introduces the idea of the supernatural and how it effects Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Another example of the supernatural, is were Lady Macbeth appeals to the forces of darkness to assist her in her plans to persuade her husband to kill Duncan. This shows how the supernatural can be expressed in different ways, and also expresses the influence of the supernatural, both on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The other main aspects of the play, in were the supernatural is expressed is mainly in scenes where the witches have been p[resent, and the prophecies have come true. This shows that the supernatural cane have different effects 0n Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and can influence the characters and their decisions in many different ways. Overall, throughout the play, there are instances were the supernatural plays an influential and important part both in the characters and the play.

By Jenny Grindley 9,6