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