Explore the way Shakespeare present the supernatural in Act 1 of Macbeth

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Explore the way Shakespeare present the supernatural in Act 1 of Macbeth.

The play Macbeth was written by William Shakespeare between the years 1603 – 1606. Macbeth explores many themes such as Ambition, love, superstation and many more. One of the theme explored is supernatural this is presented through language and through dialogue.

Shakespeare presents the supernatural in Act one, scene two through the paradox in introductory line of Macbeth.  Shakespeare brings the supernatural feel by making the first line of Macbeth the last line of the witches in scene one. “Fair is foul.” When Macbeth is first introduced in the play, he repeats the last line of the witches, “fair is foul”. It already makes it seem that there is some kind of connection between the witches and Macbeth; this is suitable that Shakespeare makes the audience see this connection as by using the paradox “fair is foul” it expresses the theme of the play,’nothing is not what is seems ‘and by showing this to the audience it appears that the quote contradict itself but it is actually expresses the truth, the audience get a taste of what they are about to see happening in the play very soon.  The use of the word “foul” creates a negative image suggesting something horrible is going to happen in the near or distance future. At this point Macbeth does not know about the witches but due to the use of paradox we can see the theme appearing, presenting us the audience with suspense making us feel something bad is going to happen. Shakespeare probably does this to make Macbeth seem as bad character that contradicts itself as later we see him being glorified for becoming the thane of Cawdor meaning that he done something worthy for getting such a title but later accepting murderer as the best way of becoming king, making it seem that Macbeth is not what he seems. Shakespeare presents the supernatural in the Macbeth’s first line to grab the attention of the audience and make them aware of Macbeth.

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Shakespeare presents superstation within the opening scene of Macbeth; Shakespeare does this by making the first scene revolve around the witches. The witches already bring superstation and fear but this is created more through the use of language. “In thunder lighting or in rain,” Immediately by making the first scene of the play about the witches , it engages the audience and puts their beliefs into test as in that in that era when the play was first performed, people would have been afraid of  witches and witch crafting. The image of thunder and lightning are all so dark images, ...

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