Macbeth

Effect of Supernatural Forces

The presence of supernatural forces in Macbeth is an extremely vital aspect of the play. The Weird sisters are fundamental characters because they prophesizr the futire, adding to the dramatic affect of the play. They show how desire, ambition, and greed, are often more overpowering than reason. Through the predictions made to Macbeth in the second scene of Act I, Macbeth is encouraged, and his mind is opened to the possibilities of actions that he would otherwise not consider. They promise that he will be Thane of Cawdor, and even king.

Shortly after becoming Thane, his thoughts stray to the glory that he could have as ruler. “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir.” He says this because he does not wish to take any action to make sure that he becomes king, but he does, in fact, truly desire to take Duncan’s position. He gives word of his encouter to his wife, and she too, is filled with ambition; even more so than her husband. It is she, lacking the “milk of human kindness”, that persuades Macbeth to carry through with his thoughts. She says to herself, “ Come thee hither that I may pour my spirits in thine ear, and chastise with the valor of my tongue. She is helped by the forces of the supernatural world, and with this aid, is able to convince Macbeth to commit the murder. She gives up all that is feminine about her so that wretchedness and cruelty can envelop her.

The other supernatural forces that lead Macbeth down his path of evil and insanity are Banquo’s ghost, and the apparitions that the witches conjure. The apparitions especially lead to Macbeth’s downfall. The second one tells him that, “no man of woman born shall harm Macbeth”, and another says, “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him.” This gives him security, which, “is mortals’ chieftest enemy”, as Hjecate states; and in this security comes his death.