Supernatural in Shakespeare's Macbeth - The Witches' Role

In Shakespeare's time, many people were superstitious; they believed

that that their lives were strongly influenced, if not dictated by fate. They

also thought that the world was full of supernatural creatures, such as witches,

ghosts, and many other such beings. Shakespeare incorporated these aspects of

belief in his play Mac Beth. The witches, although accurately predicting what

would occur, i.e., Mac Beth would be king, they did not specify how their

prophecies would be realized.

The witches did possess some sort of power (unless they were privy to

some political information which MacBeth was not aware of), otherwise, how could

they have known that MacBeth had been appointed Thane of Cawdor? Of course,

once MacBeth, who, living in such a society, was superstitious, is presented

with Cawdor's title, he believes that the other prediction, namely his kingship,

must come true. Banquo notes the danger inherent in believing (and subsequently

acting on) the witches' predictions; he says, "Were such things here as we do

speak about?/Or have we eaten on the insane root/That takes the reason

prisoner?" Act I, scene 3, ll.83-85.

MacBeth is quite overwhelmed when he hears that he is now the Thane of

Cawdor. However, almost immediately, he starts thinking about how to bring

about his rule as king.

"{Aside} Two truths are told,

As happy prologues to the swelling act

Of the imperial theme.—I thank you, gentlemen.

{Aside} This supernatural soliciting

Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,

Why hath it given me earnest of success,

Commencing in a truth? I am the thane of Cawdor.

If good, why do I yield to that suggestion

Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair

And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,

Against the use of nature? Present fears

Are less than horrible imaginings;

My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,

Shakes so my single state of man that function

Is smothered in surmise; and nothing is

But what is not." (1.3.127-141)

MacBeth seems to be fantasizing about having a direct role in Duncan's

downfall. He apparently believes that the only way to make the witches'

predictions come about, is to act on his urges (although he attained the title

of Cawdor without any extraneous effort).

A wife has a large influence on her husband's thinking. Lady MacBeth

tries to persuade MacBeth to murder Duncan. Throughout Act I, scene 5, there

are many speeches in which she tries to convince him. However, the monologue

most relevant to my theme is Lady MacBeth's first speech: