The supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth, so much to which it influences Macbeth’s actions. During this period many people believed in witches, whom was associated with evil. They considered these people to be abnormal and a threat to society. The three witches Is one supernatural element that contributed to the ultimate downfall of Macbeth. For example in the play Banquo questions himself. ”Can the devil speak truth”, and attempts to remind Macbeth of the witch's real intentions. Banquo’s warning didn’t seem to faze Macbeth which shows he is highly dependent and seduced by the supernatural. The witches predict three things to Macbeth one being he will become the Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis, and finally the king of Scotland. Macbeth is so power hungry that he allows the witches to take over his mind, causing him to kill his good friend Banguo, who tried to warn him about the witches, out of fear because he felt Banquo was a threat to him.
In Act 1 Scene 5 Lady Macbeth says, “ Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me”. Here It suggests that Lady Macbeth is asking her spirit to get rid of any unnatural feelings that may cause her to be cruel. Nonetheless, not only does the witches influence Macbeth actions but the dagger does as well. The dagger is going to determine whether Macbeth will reach a point of no return or not. Considering the fact that in Act 2 Scene 1 Macbeth killed Duncan, shows that he is willing to do anything to be king. Continuing on with Act 2, Macbeth states, “Is this a dagger which I see before me. The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee: I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. To feeling as to sight?”. This proves that Macbeth is fully aware of his actions at this point.
As mentioned before the ghost of Banquo is also a supernatural element. This supernatural element reveals insight into Macbeth’s character. In Act 3 Scene 4 Macbeth sees a ghost. He reacts horror and upsets the guest at the dinner party. He begins to speak to the ghost, which is invisible to the rest of their company. Lady Macbeth make excuses for him, saying that he occasionally have these “visions” or “fits”. This shows that Macbeth’s wife is not fully aware of the supernatural and that it has taken over her husband. In a way, Banquo's ghost serves as a reminder of the bad deeds he committed because the ghost is haunting him. The ghost is a symbol of the more peaceful path he could've taken.
By the end of the play Macbeth questions whether the supernaturals are a good thing or a bad thing?. He figures if it was a bad thing why would they promise him such a promotion that turned out to be true?. Overall, all three of the supernaturals had a cause and effect on how Macbeth reacts to things. As you notice throughout the play, the supernatural is used in all places where evil is present. Macbeth becomes overly confident with being king, which led him to his death. One of the closing images of the play is Macduff carrying Macbeth’s head. This symbolizes Macbeth’s fight to the end. These supernaturals makes up the storyline without them Macbeth would have been a dull boring play. The theme of the play is to not let being greedy lead you to self destruction or hurt towards others.
