Supernatural

• “fair is foul and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air” -The witches (A1, S1)

  this line establishes the ambiguous and deceptive nature of the supernatural in the play. The paradox suggests that appearances can be misleading, a theme echoed throughout Macbeth. The “fog and filthy air” implies that the supernatural will cloud reality, setting a dark, unsettling tone as the witches prepare to meddle in human affairs.
• “All hail Macbeth that shalt be king hereafter” -the witches (A1, S3)

  The witches’ prophecy is the first supernatural influence on Macbeth, awakening his ambition. These predictions push Macbeth towards actions he might not otherwise consider, suggesting that the supernatural serves as a catalyst for his moral descent. The witches’ ambiguous wording creates a sense of predestination while leaving room for Macbeth’s free will, hinting that the supernatural can influence but not entirely control human decisions.
• “Stay you imperfect speakers, tell me more” -Macbeth (A1, S3)

  Macbeth’s fascination with the witches reflects his susceptibility to supernatural influences. He demands more knowledge, illustrating his growing obsession with their prophecy. This line shows how the supernatural’s allure tempts Macbeth, foreshadowing his dependence on supernatural revelations that ultimately lead to his ruin.
• “Come you spirits…unsex me here” - Lady Macbeth (A1, S5)

  Lady Macbeth invokes supernatural “spirits” to rid herself of feminine compassion, revealing her willingness to embrace the supernatural for power. Her invocation shows the unnatural lengths to which she is willing to go to achieve her ambitions. The supernatural here is linked to moral corruption, suggesting that those who call upon dark forces are bound to face ruin.
• “Is this a dagger which I see before me?” - Macbeth (A2, S1)

  Macbeth’s vision of a floating dagger is a manifestation of his psychological turmoil, driven by supernatural and psychological forces. The dagger, which seems to lead him to Duncan’s chamber, blurs the line between reality and hallucination, symbolizing how the supernatural’s influence clouds Macbeth’s perception. This moment shows how supernatural elements stir Macbeth’s ambitions and fears, propelling him further into moral darkness.
• “I heard a voice cry ‘sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep’” - Macbeth (A2, S2)

  After killing Duncan, Macbeth hears an imagined supernatural voice condemning him. This haunting voice suggests that his crime has set him at odds with the natural and supernatural order, denying him peace. The voice highlights the psychological burden of guilt as a supernatural punishment, showing how the supernatural serves as a reminder of Macbeth’s transgressions.
• “never shake thy gory locks at me!” - Macbeth (A3 S4)

  • Macbeth's vision ofBanquo's ghost symbolizes how the supernatural punishes him through guilt. Unlike the dagger, which led him to murder, Banquo's ghost is a consequence of his actions, reflecting his inner turmoil. The supernatural manifests as both a psychological consequence and an external force, implying that Macbeth's deeds cannot escape the scrutiny of the supernatural realm.
• “blood will have blood” - Macbeth (A3 S4)

  • After seeing Banquo's ghost, Macbeth expresses his belief in supernatural justice. This line reflects his acknowledgment that his violent acts will come back to haunt him. He feels trapped in a cycle of bloodshed, one that the supernatural realm enforces. The phrase "blood will have blood" suggests an inexorable fate that the supernatural will impose on those who disrupt moral order.
• “Black and midnight hags” - Macbeth (A4 S1)

  • Macbeth's address to the witches as "midnight hags" reflects his familiarity and reliance on the supernatural. His choice to return to them for guidance reveals his deepening dependence on their influence. This scene shows that Macbeth now views the supernatural as an ally, seeking answers that confirm his power and fate, even as these forces continue to mislead him.
• “Beware macduff” - the witches (A4 S1)

  • The first apparition warns Macbeth of Macduff, reigniting his paranoia. This prophecy reinforces Macbeth's descent into a spiral of violence as he attempts to protect his throne. The supernatural warnings exploit his fear, driving him to act 
• “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth” - the witches (A4 S1)

  • This second apparition deceives Macbeth into feeling invincible. The supernatural gives him a false sense of security, which leads him to ignore warnings and act recklessly. This assurance emboldens Macbeth, showing how the supernatural manipulates him by twisting truth with ambiguity, ultimately leading to his downfall.
• “My wife and children’s ghosts will haunt me still” -Macduff (A5 S7)

  • Macduff, seeking revenge on Macbeth, references the haunting presence of his family's ghosts. This idea of supernatural justice aligns with the play's broader theme of supernatural forces enforcing moral consequences The ghosts represent a demand for justice, contrasting with Macbeth's destructive encounter with supernatural forces, which ultimately leads to his destruction.