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G9 Essay on Supernatural in 'Macbeth'
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GCSE G9 Essay on how Shakespeare presents the Supernatural in 'Macbeth'
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MACBETH ESSAY: The SupernaturalIn Macbeth, Shakespeare presents the theme of the supernatural as an evil, corrupting force
through characters such as the witches. The supernatural is the inciting force of Macbeth’s
downfall as it leads to the disruption of the natural order. Shakespeare uses the supernatural
to expose how Macbeth’s hubris and free will allow the supernatural to be powerful as he
uses the excuse of fate to justify his “vaunting” over ambition. Perhaps Shakespeare crafts
Macbeth as a flawed, human character to inform his Jacobean audience how easy it is to be
tempted by the devil. Using the hamartia of Macbeth, he warns us against the dangers of the
supernatural and the inescapable punishments and consequences of succumbing to the
supernatural as our connection with God is severed.
The supernatural is first presented through the witches where “Fair is foul and foul is fair”.
"Fair" which connotes purity can be equated with “foulness” which immediately disrupts the
natural order. The paradoxical nature challenges traditional notions of morality and questions
the reliability of appearances. This phrase triggers Macbeth down in a spiral of deception
which is escapable only by death. Upon hearing the prophecy, Macbeth immediately is
tempted and contemplates regicide juxtaposing Banquo’s rational scepticism. Macbeth’s
actions are more driven by emotion than by rational thought where he accepts the prophecy
using his free will as his fate despite witches being infamous for being unreliable. This is
because it is what he truly wants, so he chooses to ignore any sense of a realistic or rational
approach. His inner turmoil is metaphorically illustrated when he exclaims “Stars hide your
fires, let not light see my black and deep desires”. The “stars” were associated with divine
justice, representing an external moral authority which Macbeth fears will judge him harshly
for his dark intentions. The juxtaposition of light (connoting purity/truth) and darkness (
connoting evil/deception) emphasises the moral ambiguity of Macbeth's thoughts. Macbeth
acknowledges the darkness of his desires and is willing to embrace moral corruption in
pursuit of power as a transaction. It’s his free will that uses the supernatural as a justification
for his corrupt thoughts which brings forth deception, disrupting the natural order.
Despite the supernatural being presented as a corrupting,evil force Shakespeare also
demonstrates its power and hold over mortals. Lady Macbeth’s “unsex me” soliloquy shows
the vulnerability of humans as they are limited by their innate morality which is perhaps
rooted in human nature. Despite her outward appearance of strength and control as she
uses the imperative verb “come you spirits”, her plea reveals her inner turmoil and
desperation. This juxtaposition highlights the fragility of human nature when confronted with
our moral consciousness where we look to a higher power (the supernatural) to guide us as
it is inherently more powerful due to its immortality. This also shows the extent of her
ambition as she wants to transcend man-made social constructs, such as gender to be
powerful which subverts Jacobean expectations. Perhaps Shakespeare is critiquing the
influence and allure of the supernatural that leads to moral decay and disruption of the great
chain of being as we will never be able to control it despite our lust.
However, the supernatural is not presented as purely evil. Banquo’s ghost is a manifestation
of Macbeth’s guilt of regicide, when Macbeth sees him he says “Blood will have blood”. The
motif of blood serves as a reminder of his spiritual corruption and guilt but also suggests a
type of retribution and consequences of bloodshed bringing forth karma and fate and
creating blood feuds. It also foreshadows Macbeth’s death as since he has been murdered,
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