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15
1
soph <3
16/11/2022
English Literature
GRADE 9- SUPERNATURAL Macbeth
1 / 5
Introduction to the Supernatural in Macbeth
Shakespeare introduces the supernatural early in Macbeth to explore the characters' moral foundations and attitudes. The witches serve as "instruments of darkness" that test Macbeth and Banquo's resolve.
Quote: Banquo refers to the witches as "instruments of darkness"
The concept of "supernatural soliciting" is central to how characters interact with otherworldly forces. This creates moral instability, especially for Macbeth.
Highlight: The supernatural elements in Macbeth serve to test the characters' "moral endurance" against their innate "human kindness"
Shakespeare uses Christian morality and Jacobean religiosity as a backdrop against which to examine the characters' responses to supernatural encounters. This creates tension between faith, ambition, and temptation.
Vocabulary: Equivocation - the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself
The play explores how engagement with supernatural forces can lead to a character's moral decline and "declining heroism," as seen most dramatically with Macbeth.
Banquo's Attitude Towards the Supernatural
Shakespeare presents Banquo's attitude towards the supernatural as initially skeptical, rooted in Jacobean religiosity and superstitions. This skepticism serves to build audience esteem for Banquo's character.
Example: Banquo classifies the witches as "instruments of darkness," showing his wariness of their supernatural nature
Banquo's Christian morality is portrayed as commendable, reflecting the values of Shakespeare's contemporary audience. However, this moral foundation is challenged when the witches prophesy that Banquo will "beget kings."
The use of equivocation in the witches' prophecies presents the supernatural as deceitful and multi-faceted. Shakespeare uses this to illustrate how even the most valiant characters can have their moral infrastructure shaken by supernatural encounters.
Quote: The witches tell Banquo he will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and "not so happy, yet much happier"
Banquo's interest in the promise of a noble line of successors demonstrates that even characters with strong moral foundations can be tempted by supernatural promises.
Macbeth's Growing Inclination Towards the Supernatural
Shakespeare portrays Macbeth's attitude towards the supernatural as evolving from initial wariness to growing inclination. This shift raises the audience's alarm due to the satanic connotations associated with engaging with supernatural forces.
Quote: Macbeth questions, "Why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in a truth?"
The playwright uses Macbeth's rhetorical questions to create a sense of self-doubt and instability. This technique highlights how supernatural encounters can destabilize a character's moral integrity.
Vocabulary: Supernatural soliciting - the act of being tempted or influenced by supernatural forces
Shakespeare deliberately uses the phrase "supernatural soliciting" to emphasize the dangerous allure of otherworldly powers. This serves to heighten the audience's sense of unease about Macbeth's moral trajectory.
The growing attraction to supernatural forces ultimately diminishes Macbeth's moral endurance, leading to his moral failure and declining heroism. This transformation is central to the play's exploration of how supernatural elements can corrupt even valiant characters.
Macbeth's Moral Decline and the Supernatural
Shakespeare uses the supernatural theme to track Macbeth's moral decline throughout the play. Initially, Macbeth is presented as a valiant warrior fighting for God and king.
Quote: Macbeth "unseamed him and fixed his head" when defeating the king's enemy
The violent imagery of Macbeth's early heroism serves as a stark contrast to his later actions influenced by supernatural forces. Shakespeare uses the motif of the "head" symbolically to represent Macbeth's declining heroism.
Highlight: Macbeth's journey from moral peak to downfall is marked by his engagement with "supernatural soliciting"
The playwright demonstrates how Macbeth's moral endurance is tested by supernatural encounters, leading him to commit regicide and lose his virtue. This transformation serves as a warning to the audience about the dangers of engaging with dark forces.
Example: Macbeth's eventual beheading and being labeled "the usurper's cursed head" foreshadows his downfall
Shakespeare uses this character arc to highlight the negative consequences of succumbing to supernatural temptations, reinforcing the play's moral message.
Overall Summary
Shakespeare's presentation of the supernatural in Macbeth:
- Explores characters' evolving attitudes and moral endurance
- Contrasts Banquo's skepticism with Macbeth's growing inclination towards dark forces
- Uses supernatural elements to highlight moral instability and declining heroism
- Employs witches, prophecies, and "supernatural soliciting" to test characters
- Demonstrates how engagement with the supernatural can lead to moral failure
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring the Spooky: How the Supernatural Shows Up in Macbeth
How is the supernatural presented in Macbeth- Shakespeare uses supernatural elements to explore moral instability and declining heroism. The witches' prophecies and supernatural soliciting test the characters' moral endurance, with Banquo remaining skeptical while Macbeth becomes increasingly drawn to... Show more
Introduction to the Supernatural in Macbeth
Shakespeare introduces the supernatural early in Macbeth to explore the characters' moral foundations and attitudes. The witches serve as "instruments of darkness" that test Macbeth and Banquo's resolve.
Quote: Banquo refers to the witches as "instruments of darkness"
The concept of "supernatural soliciting" is central to how characters interact with otherworldly forces. This creates moral instability, especially for Macbeth.
Highlight: The supernatural elements in Macbeth serve to test the characters' "moral endurance" against their innate "human kindness"
Shakespeare uses Christian morality and Jacobean religiosity as a backdrop against which to examine the characters' responses to supernatural encounters. This creates tension between faith, ambition, and temptation.
Vocabulary: Equivocation - the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself
The play explores how engagement with supernatural forces can lead to a character's moral decline and "declining heroism," as seen most dramatically with Macbeth.
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Banquo's Attitude Towards the Supernatural
Shakespeare presents Banquo's attitude towards the supernatural as initially skeptical, rooted in Jacobean religiosity and superstitions. This skepticism serves to build audience esteem for Banquo's character.
Example: Banquo classifies the witches as "instruments of darkness," showing his wariness of their supernatural nature
Banquo's Christian morality is portrayed as commendable, reflecting the values of Shakespeare's contemporary audience. However, this moral foundation is challenged when the witches prophesy that Banquo will "beget kings."
The use of equivocation in the witches' prophecies presents the supernatural as deceitful and multi-faceted. Shakespeare uses this to illustrate how even the most valiant characters can have their moral infrastructure shaken by supernatural encounters.
Quote: The witches tell Banquo he will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater" and "not so happy, yet much happier"
Banquo's interest in the promise of a noble line of successors demonstrates that even characters with strong moral foundations can be tempted by supernatural promises.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Macbeth's Growing Inclination Towards the Supernatural
Shakespeare portrays Macbeth's attitude towards the supernatural as evolving from initial wariness to growing inclination. This shift raises the audience's alarm due to the satanic connotations associated with engaging with supernatural forces.
Quote: Macbeth questions, "Why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in a truth?"
The playwright uses Macbeth's rhetorical questions to create a sense of self-doubt and instability. This technique highlights how supernatural encounters can destabilize a character's moral integrity.
Vocabulary: Supernatural soliciting - the act of being tempted or influenced by supernatural forces
Shakespeare deliberately uses the phrase "supernatural soliciting" to emphasize the dangerous allure of otherworldly powers. This serves to heighten the audience's sense of unease about Macbeth's moral trajectory.
The growing attraction to supernatural forces ultimately diminishes Macbeth's moral endurance, leading to his moral failure and declining heroism. This transformation is central to the play's exploration of how supernatural elements can corrupt even valiant characters.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Macbeth's Moral Decline and the Supernatural
Shakespeare uses the supernatural theme to track Macbeth's moral decline throughout the play. Initially, Macbeth is presented as a valiant warrior fighting for God and king.
Quote: Macbeth "unseamed him and fixed his head" when defeating the king's enemy
The violent imagery of Macbeth's early heroism serves as a stark contrast to his later actions influenced by supernatural forces. Shakespeare uses the motif of the "head" symbolically to represent Macbeth's declining heroism.
Highlight: Macbeth's journey from moral peak to downfall is marked by his engagement with "supernatural soliciting"
The playwright demonstrates how Macbeth's moral endurance is tested by supernatural encounters, leading him to commit regicide and lose his virtue. This transformation serves as a warning to the audience about the dangers of engaging with dark forces.
Example: Macbeth's eventual beheading and being labeled "the usurper's cursed head" foreshadows his downfall
Shakespeare uses this character arc to highlight the negative consequences of succumbing to supernatural temptations, reinforcing the play's moral message.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Overall Summary
Shakespeare's presentation of the supernatural in Macbeth:
- Explores characters' evolving attitudes and moral endurance
- Contrasts Banquo's skepticism with Macbeth's growing inclination towards dark forces
- Uses supernatural elements to highlight moral instability and declining heroism
- Employs witches, prophecies, and "supernatural soliciting" to test characters
- Demonstrates how engagement with the supernatural can lead to moral failure
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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App Store
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Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user