supernatural

• What elements are included in the supernatural theme of Macbeth?

  Quotes, character images, and symbols
• What supernatural elements are present in Macbeth?

  Witches, events, apparitions, visions, hallucinations
• Who creates a supernatural atmosphere through rituals and prophecies?

  The three witches
• What unnatural events does Shakespeare refer to?

  Storms, day darkening, strange animal behavior
• What apparitions do the witches summon in Act 4, Scene 1?

  Severed head, bloody child, crowned child
• What visions and hallucinations does Shakespeare use?

  Dagger, Banquo’s ghost, imaginary bloodstains
• What effect does Shakespeare aim to create with supernatural elements?

  Dramatic tension and atmosphere of evil
• What do the supernatural elements symbolize?

  Guilt, fear, paranoia of characters
• What psychological effect do the supernatural elements represent?

  Effect of murderous actions
• Who experiences ghostly visions, the dagger and the ghost of Banquo?

  Macbeth
• What auditory hallucination does Macbeth experience in Act 2, Scene 2?

  He heard a voice cry, 'Sleep no more'
• What impact do the witches’ prophecies have on Macbeth?

  Channel his ambition, giving false confidence
• What do Macbeth's visions reflect?

  Inner conflict, guilt, deteriorating mental state
• What hallucination does Lady Macbeth experience in Act 5, Scene 1?

  Spots of blood on her hands
• What do Lady Macbeth's hallucinations reflect?

  Fragile mental state and sense of guilt
• Of what do the hallucinations remind the audience?

  Corrupting power of dark, supernatural forces
• List the four reasons why Shakespeare uses the theme of the supernatural in Macbeth?

  • Setting and atmosphere
  • Plot driver
  • Audience appeal
  • Dramatic device
• How does the supernatural theme contribute to the setting?

  Creates a superstitious, medieval Scottish setting
• What kind of atmosphere does the supernatural establish?

  Ominous, foreboding atmosphere
• How does the supernatural act as a plot driver?

  Influences Macbeth's actions through prophecies
• How does the theme of the supernatural appeal to the audience?

  Reflects Jacobean fear and fascination with witchcraft
• With whose interest in the supernatural did the play align?

  King James I
• What is the name of King James I's book on the supernatural?

  Daemonologie
• How does Shakespeare use the supernatural as a dramatic device?

  Opens and ends with supernatural elements
• What effect does the supernatural have on the play's tension?

  Adds dramatic tension and spectacle
• What psychological state do the supernatural elements represent?

  The effect of murderous actions
• What is Macbeth's initial attitude towards the supernatural?

  Initially sceptical
• What happens to Macbeth's reliance on supernatural guidance?

  Becomes increasingly reliant
• How does the play conclude in relation to the supernatural?

  Fulfillment of the witches’ prophecies