Themes: Supernatural Intervention in Human Affairs
The references to Christianity in Macbeth are few and superficial. Almost as an afterthought, Macbeth mentions that by killing the king he has forfeited his soul “to the common enemy of man.” Other supernatural influences abound, however, and their origin is always mysterious. Whereas Old King Hamlet’s ghost from Shakespeare’s Hamlet is very precise about how and why he has returned to earth, Banquo’s ghost does not even speak. The source of the spirits that Lady Macbeth summons to unsex her and fill her with cruelty is similarly vague. Even the witches seem to come out of nowhere, and the revelation in act 3 scene 5 that they are in the service of Hecate, Greek goddess of sorcery and necromancy, does not do much to explain their mysterious motives or origin.
Macbeth is a play in which God appears to be largely absent. It’s not clear that the spiritual “assistance” of the witches comes from Satan, but the supernatural in Macbeth is always untrustworthy—its origins suspicious and murky and its objectives equally obscure. Macduff and Malcolm eventually triumph by purely physical, explicable means, and the supernatural allies who assisted Macbeth and then deserted him seem to have had no motive beyond that of causing trouble and sowing chaos. Of interest to many readers of Macbeth is the question of free will, and to what extent Macbeth’s crimes are the result of his own ambition versus the witches’ manipulations. In this regard, the play is open to multiple interpretations. Macbeth can be characterized as a victim of supernatural intervention if it is assumed that seizing the throne would not have occurred to him without the witches’ prophecy. It can also be argued, however, that the witches’ prophecies aren’t evil in and of themselves. The witches merely state what will come to pass; they offer no insight or instruction on how this future might be achieved. Thus, Macbeth can also be held responsible for interpreting and acting on the prophecy in the way that he does.
Expert Q&A
What prophecy is given to Banquo in Macbeth?
The three witches tell Banquo that he will have kings in his family line, although he himself will never become king. This prophecy is stated along with the foretelling of Macbeth's ascension to the throne, meaning their fates are interconnected. Banquo's family line, and the witches' vague prophecy that he will be "greater" than Macbeth, poses a threat to Macbeth's crown, which contributes greatly to his paranoia.
In Macbeth, what is the second set of prophecies given to Macbeth?
In Act 4, Scene 1 of Macbeth, the second set of prophecies given to Macbeth by the Three Witches include: beware of Macduff, none born of a woman shall harm Macbeth, and he will remain safe until Birnam Wood marches to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth misinterprets these prophecies, leading to his downfall. A fourth prophecy confirms Banquo's descendants will reign for generations, unsettling Macbeth.
What is the significance of the "bloody child" apparition in Macbeth?
The "bloody child" apparition in Macbeth signifies a false sense of security for Macbeth. It tells him that no man born of a woman will harm him, which emboldens his tyrannical actions. However, this prophecy is equivocal, as Macduff, born via Caesarean section, ultimately fulfills the witches' prediction by killing Macbeth, revealing the true meaning of the apparition's message.
What do the sleeping and the dead have in common in Lady Macbeth's simile: "The sleeping and the dead / Are but as pictures"?
To Lady Macbeth, what sleep and death have in common is the lack of consciousness. Sleepers and the dead are unaware of what is happening around them, and so Macbeth has nothing to fear from them, in her view, as she is trying to reassure him and quell his fears. But there are deeper implications to her statement that relate to her own character and to the themes of the play as she articulates them.
Does the witches' prophecy about Banquo's son, Fleance, becoming king come true?
The witches' prophecy about Banquo's son, Fleance, becoming king does not come true within Shakespeare's play. However, historically, Fleance is considered an ancestor of King James I of England (James VI of Scotland), who was on the throne when the play was performed. This lineage suggests the prophecy was a nod to the Stuart dynasty's legitimacy, although modern historians view Fleance as a likely fictional or legendary figure.
How does nature react to unnatural deeds in Macbeth?
In Macbeth, nature reacts to unnatural deeds by mirroring the chaos they create. After Macbeth murders King Duncan, strange phenomena occur, such as an owl killing a falcon, continuous darkness, and Duncan's horses eating each other. These events symbolize the disorder in Scotland and reflect the unnatural act of regicide.
What are seven unnatural events in act 2 of Macbeth?
Seven unnatural events in Act 2 of Macbeth are Macbeth's vision of a bloody dagger, an unnaturally severe storm, Duncan's frenzied horses cannibalizing each other, screams and laments in the air, tales of earthquakes, Macbeth speaking about witchcraft, and Lady Macbeth drugging the guards. These events symbolize the disruption of natural order following Duncan's murder.
Witches' Prophecies in Macbeth
In Macbeth, the witches deliver prophecies that significantly impact the plot and characters. In Act 1, they predict Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland, and Banquo's descendants will be kings. In Act 4, they warn Macbeth of Macduff, assure him that no one "of woman born" will harm him, and claim he will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. These prophecies, often deceptive and metaphorical, ultimately come true, influencing Macbeth's actions and downfall.
What powers did people believe the witches in Macbeth possessed?
In Macbeth, people believed the witches had the power to foretell the future, although it is suggested they manipulated Macbeth rather than truly knowing his destiny. They used ambiguous language, like "Fair is foul and foul is fair," to create confusion. During Shakespeare's time, a widespread belief in witchcraft existed, influenced by works like Malleus Maleficarum, which portrayed witches as manipulative and linked to carnal desires.
Hecate's monologue in Macbeth and its thematic implications and contemporary relevance
Hecate's monologue in Macbeth emphasizes the theme of fate and the supernatural's influence over human actions. It underscores the idea that ambition and desire can be manipulated by external forces. Contemporary relevance lies in its reflection on how individuals can be swayed by external influences and the consequences of unchecked ambition, a theme still pertinent in today's society.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
