Essay plan : Shakespeare present guilt in Macbeth

• How does Shakespeare present the supernatural in Macbeth?

  As a disturbing, seductive force tempting Macbeth
• What was the belief of a Jacobean audience regarding witches?

  Belief in witches and the Devil was widespread
• What does the witches' chant "Fair is foul and foul is fair" signify?

  It establishes a world of blurred moral boundaries
• How does Shakespeare create a spell-like atmosphere with the witches' chant?

  Through paradox and rhythmic chant
• What warning does Shakespeare convey through the supernatural's inversion of truth?

  It creates moral instability and confusion
• How does Banquo describe the witches?

  As "instruments of darkness" who "tell us truths"
• What does the metaphor of the witches as "instruments of darkness" imply?

  They manipulate by offering partial truths
• What Jacobean fear does the witches' manipulation reflect?

  Being lured into sin by the Devil
• How is Macbeth described when he hears the witches' words?

  As "rapt," indicating he is spellbound
• What does Macbeth's instant entrancement by prophecy signify?

  How quickly the supernatural influences him
• What does Shakespeare show about Macbeth's choice regarding the witches' temptation?

  Macbeth chooses to follow the witches' influence
• What vision does Macbeth see before Duncan's murder?

  A dagger that he questions its reality
• What does Macbeth blame his vision of the dagger on?

  A "heat-oppressed brain" indicating madness
• What does the hallucination of the dagger suggest about Macbeth?

  The supernatural has invaded his mind
• How does Macbeth's character change by Act 4?

  He becomes recognized as "something wicked"
• What does the witch's statement about Macbeth reveal?

  His complete corruption by the supernatural
• What is the overall message Shakespeare conveys about the supernatural in Macbeth?

  It tempts and destroys, poisoning reason
• What warning does Shakespeare provide for a Jacobean audience regarding the supernatural?

  Against trusting dark forces or defying God