Macbeth

1. The Supernatural In Macbeth, the supernatural is an integral part of the structure of the plot. It provides a catalyst for action, an insight into character, and augments the impact of many key scenes.

The supernatural causes the future conflict by motivating Macbeth to kill Duncan so he could become king of Scotland. The supernatural shows itself through the witches prophecies, the ghost of Banquo and the floating dagger. The witches prophecise three things to Macbeth when he encounters them.

In the play, Macbeth is ultimately responsible for the decisions and actions that lead to his downfall.

The seeds of of Macbeth’s downfall are first planted near the beginning of the play when the witches tell Macbeth that he shall be Thane of Cawdor and King (I. 3.48-50). Next to Macbeth, the witches seem to hold the most responsibility for the eventual assassination of King Duncan.

Carrying a taper (candlestick), Lady Macbeth enters sleepwalking. Lady Macbeth rubs her hands in a washing motion. With anguish, she recalls the deaths of King Duncan, Lady Macduff, and Banquo, then leaves. The Gentlewoman and the bewildered Doctor exeunt, realizing these are the symptoms of a guilt-ridden mind.

Ross tells Siward that his son is dead. Macduff emerges with Macbeth’s head in his hand and proclaims Malcolm King of Scotland. Malcolm declares that all his thanes will be made earls, according to the English system of peerage. They will be the first such lords in Scottish history.

When the lords go to arrest Duncan’s guards, they discover that Macbeth has killed them. He says it’s because he was so angry with them for murdering Duncan, but it looks really suspicious. Duncan’s sons are scared that they might be next on the hit list, so they run away.

Macbeth begins as a ‘good’ man, a very good man – loyal, responsible and honourable. During the course of the action he becomes evil, influenced by the witches who are agents of the power of evil. He is led on by their suggestion that he is destined to become king.

D. The theme of Good versus Evil is depicted in Macbeth as a struggle not only between but within characters—primarily Macbeth himself, who vacillates over whether to kill Duncan until the very end of act 2, scene 1.