The Supernatural

here is a timeline of the supernatural events in the play (Act1 to 5)

here is a timeline of the supernatural events in the play (Act1 to 5)

What are the 4 Supernatural elements in Macbeth? And give examples which support this

• The three witches: Shakespeare creates a supernatural atmosphere through their rituals and prophecies

• Unnatural or supernatural events: Shakespeare refers to storms, day darkening to night and animals behaving strangely (such as horses eating each other)

• Apparitions: The witches summon a severed head, a bloody child and a crowned child, Act 4, Scene 1

• Visions and hallucinations: Shakespeare uses a dagger, Banquo’s ghost and imaginary bloodstains to sustain the supernatural atmosphere and added to the horror throughput the play

What techniques does Shakespeare use…

• to show the audience of the lasting, transformative effect of the supernatural elements on his central protagonists, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

• What is the impact of this?

Shakespeare uses ghostly visions and hallucinations.
These elements contribute to the dramatic tension and the atmosphere of evil and uncertainty in the play.

But also symbolise the character’s gilt, fear and how paranoid they are, which represents the psychological effect of the murders they commit.

What do Macbeth’s hallucinations reflect?

His inner conflict, growing reliance on the supernatural and mental deterioration

What do Lady Macbeth’s hallucinations reflect?

they reveal her fragile mental state and overwhelming guilt, showing the corrupting power of the supernatural

What are the two ghostly visions Macbeth experiences?

he hallucinate a dagger

he hallucinates the ghost of Banquo as well as auditory hallucinations when he comments: “Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘Sleep no more:/ Macbeth does murder sleep” (Act 2, Scene 2)

How does Macbeths reliance of the supernatural change as the play progresses?

Macbeth is initially sceptical but becomes increasingly reliant on the supernatural guidance as the witches’ prophecies of power channel his ambition, giving him false confidence.

The visions reflect: his inner conflict, his guilt, his deteriorating mental state and his murderous actions

What hallucinations does Lady Macbeth have?

In Act 5 Scene 1 she sees spots of blood on her hands

What do her hallucinations reflect ?

• her fragile mental state and overwhelming sense of guilt

• They also remind the audience of the corrupting power of the dark, supernatural forces in the play

Why does Shakespeare use the theme supernatural in his play?

1) Setting and atmosphere

2) Plot driver

3) Audience appeal

4) Dramatic device

What effect does the supernatural theme have on the setting and atmosphere of the play?

• Creates the superstitious, medieval Scottish setting

• Establishes an ominous, foreboding atmosphere

What effect does the supernatural theme have on plot of the play?

• Influences Macbeth’s actions through prophecies and visions

• propels the narrative from the opening scene to the final act

What effect does the supernatural theme have on the audience appeal?

• Reflects the Jacobean audience’s fear and fascination with witchcraft

• Aligns with his patron King James I’s interest in the supernatural (author of Daemonology)

What effect does the supernatural have on the dramatic aspects of the play?

• Shakespeare starts and ends the play with supernatural elements (opens with “weird sisters” and closes with the fulfilment if the witches’ prophecies)

• Adds dramatic tension and spectacle