The first sight of Supernatural forces comes in the form of the three witches, or “weird sisters”. They open the play with a short scene that reveals their devious intentions to meet with Macbeth. Though it is unclear what they have in store for him, their quote “Fair is foul, and foul is fair: hover through the fog and filthy air” hints at deception to come. The exact origin of the witches is unclear, though it is speculated they are “partly rules of nature, and belonging to the nocturnal half of this earthly

creation; partly human spirits, fallen from their original innocence, and deeply sunk in evil…helping humans to unfold and mature themselves into the evil purpose”. (Dowden SLC 3 195) Whatever their physical makeup, they are obviously evil creatures who intend to participate in Macbeth’s undoing.

“Macbeth” is without a doubt one of Shakespeare’s finest plays. The story of Macbeth’s descent into evil is caused by his tragic flaw, ambition. However, the force of the supernatural cannot be denied. The witches sparked Macbeth’s ambition, and used their powers to create apparitions that would further entice him to murder Duncan. Once he became king, they filled his thoughts with false promises of immortality. These forces move the course of action of the play. Without them, none of the play’s actions could have occurred.

Some may say the vision of the dagger is merely caused by Macbeth’s anxiety over the murder, however, “Macbeth’s vision of a dagger is an hallucination caused immediately, indeed, by disturbed bodily humors and spirits but ultimately by demonic powers, who have so controlled and manipulated these bodily forces as to produce the effect they desire”. (Curry SLC 3 240) The vision of the dagger, caused by the evil supernatural forces, serves to confuse Macbeth’s already unclear thinking and to reinforce the idea that he should kill Duncan. It seems even to lead him to Duncan. “Thou marshall’st me the way I was going, and such an instrument I was to use”. The supernatural powers may also describe the voice Macbeth hears after the murder, when he says, “Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth doth murder sleep!’” (Curry SLC 3 240)

After this encounter, Macbeth and Banquo learn that Macbeth has been named Thane of Cawdor. To this, Banquo replies, “What! Can the devil speak true?” The realization of the witches’ first prophecy shows their insight and power. After his meeting with the witches, Macbeth becomes obsessed with the idea of becoming king. Because their first prediction came true, Macbeth puts credence in their word. He does not give into the witches immediately: “Macbeth fluctuates- entertaining them at first, then resisting, but finally yielding”. (Snider SLC 3 209)

After the murder of Duncan, Macbeth is crowned king. He does not find comfort in his position; rather, he becomes

Some topics in this essay:
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