Key Theme - Supernatural Flashcards
Key Ideas of The Supernatural
-The irresistible allure of the supernatural holds immense power, tempting individuals by leveraging their desires and ambitions. Succumbing to this force invariably becomes a path that leads to inevitable downfall.
-The supernatural forces, steeped in darkness and malevolence, function as agents of the devil. Employing temptation reminiscent of the serpent’s tactics with Adam and Eve, they seek to exert control and amass power.
-Entities associated with the supernatural inherently embody duplicity (deceitful).
Mastering the art of deception is integral to their nature, enabling their supernatural power to have a more dangerous quality.
Shakespeares Intentions
-In seeking to appease King James I, who served as a patron (funder) for his plays, the portrayal of the Witches in a malevolent and sadistic light was a deliberate choice. This aligns with James l’s depiction of witches in his work “Daemonologie” showing how Shakespeare took direct inspiration from the book
-Shakespeare cautions the audience about the perilous (dangerous) consequences of succumbing to the irresistible allure of supernatural powers, emphasising that such engagement with this dark force inevitably results in a quick and catastrophic demise.
-Shakespeare skilfully depicts the supernatural with an ominous undertone, reinforcing its inextricable (closely linked) connection to hell and the devil. Thus, indulging in supernatural prophecies or interactions serves as a divergence (going away from) from the divine will of God.
Macbeth quote about The Supernatural (Act 1)
“so could and fair a day i have not seen” (Act 1)
analysis of ”so foul and fair a day I have not seen” (Act 1)
Emulating the Witches’ paradoxes: In Macbeth’s first line within the play, he echoes the paradoxical (conflicting) expression “fair is foul and foul is fair.”
->This foreshadows that he will become a vessel for their twisted misconduct right from the offset.
->Alternatively, Macbeth’s emulation of the witches’ paradoxical and oxymoronic phrases before encountering them suggests a predestined susceptibility to manipulation and deception. While his overreaching ambition causes his downfall, the supernatural forces exerted influence over him are a catalyst for the inevitability of his tragic fate.
-Visual image on “have not seen”: The phrase “have not seen” evokes a vivid image of blindness, potentially foreshadowing how Macbeth will be metaphorically blinded by the irresistible allure of the supernatural prophecies.
->This blindness foreshadows how his unchecked hubris (ego/pride) becomes a driving force leading him astray.
Macbeth quote about The Supernatural (Act 4)
”Tell me” ”Call em” (Act 4)
analysis of ”Tell me” ”call em” (Act 4)
-Imperative phrases: Macbeth’s hubris (excessive pride) is explicit as he enters, he speaks with imperative phrases such as “tell me” and “call ‘em”
->Fuelled by insatiable greed and an unbridled (uncontrolled) hunger for power, this marks Macbeth’s intentional engagement with the witches for the first time.
->This deliberate encounter underscores his abandonment of resistance to evil, signifying a departure from any pretence (claim) of morality.
-Personal pronoun “me”: The imperativeness embodied in the command “tell,” coupled with the personal pronoun “me,” implies Macbeth’s authoritative demand for universal respect and obedience, extending even to the supernatural realm
->His illegitimate title of King has evidently inflated his sense of self-importance and his hubris has made him believe he can supersede the power of the supernatural
Themes Macbeth & The Supernatural links to?
-Ambition: Macbeth’s engagements with the supernatural serve as a catalyst for his ambitious aspirations, as he interprets the prophecies bestowed upon him as a mystic insight, further igniting his desire for power and fulfilment of destiny.
-Guilt: Macbeth’s conscience becomes burdened by guilt as he succumbs to the self-fulfilling supernatural prophecies, transforming him into a tyrant. His ruthless and bloodthirsty rule ultimately reduces him to a mere semblance of his former self.
Lady Macbeth quote about The Supernatural (Act 1) x2
”Come you spirits…unsex me here” (Act 1)
”Pour my spirits” (Act 1)
analysis of ”Come you spirits…unsex me here” & ”pour my spirits” (Act 1)
-Imperative “come, you”: By employing imperative phrases like “come you,” she demonstrates a commanding familiarity with the ominous supernatural realm.
->Unhesitant and determined, she calls upon dark external forces without hesitation, seeking liberation from the societal constraints imposed by her femininity
->Her androgynous (male and female) nature would be perceived to be supernatural in the Jacobean era as the gender roles were rigid and any break in this would show she is possessed by a supernatural force
-Syntax (word-order): the syntax of “spirits” preceding “unsex” underscores her conviction that supernatural intervention is imperative for her desire to be successfully “unsexed.”
->The deliberate arrangement of these terms in her speech illuminates the dependence she places on the supernatural, revealing how this is a necessity for transcending societal norms.
->Her recognition on her dependence on the supernatural realm reflects a social awareness that liberation (freed) from the societal constraints imposed on her femininity necessitates an engagement with forces beyond the natural order
The Witches quote about The Supernatural (Act 1)
”Instruments of darkness” (Banquo Act 1)
analysis of ”instruments of darkness” (Banquo Act 1)
-.Auditory image on “instruments”: The auditory (image about sound) imagery created by the lexis (word-choice) “instruments” to characterise the Witches implies a malevolent musicality
->This showcases how their words possess an almost hypnotic trance for Macbeth
->The choice of “instruments” suggests a deliberate orchestration of their deceit, framing their speech as a manipulative melodic composition that enchants its victims
-Plosive on “darkness”: The ‘d’ plosive sound in the word “darkness” creates a harsh sound foreshadowing the dark, ominous and grim destiny the Witches are ready to inflict upon Macbeth
->Significantly, Banquo’s discernment (able to judge it well) of this “darkness,” indicates his immunity to the hypnotic and malevolent musicality that captivates Macbeth.
->Banquo’s ability to perceive their looming malevolence distinguishes him as a character not easily swayed by the enchanting allure that Macbeth falls victim to
Themes Lady Macbeth & The Supernatural links to?
-Ambition: Her relentless desire for absolute power drives her to call on supernatural forces in her quest. She recognises that such an ambitious and malevolent vision can only be achieved with the aid of dark and otherworldly powers
-Appearance vs reality: Lady Macbeth assumes the role of the tourth Witch employing cunning schemes to manipulate Macbeth. Significantly, both the Witches and Lady Macbeth embody the central theme of appearance versus reality, skillfully employing deceptive practices to manoeuvre acquiring power over Macbeth”
-Gender: Unhesitant and determined, she calls upon dark supernatural forces without hesitation, seeking liberation from the societal constraints imposed by her femininity
Themes The Witches & The Supernatural links to?
-Ambition: Macbeth’s engagements with the supernatural serve as a catalyst for his ambitious aspirations, as he interprets the prophecies bestowed upon him as a mystic insight, further igniting his desire for power and fulfilment of destiny.
->This starkly juxtaposes Banquo who is presented as perceptive and remains unaffected by their malevolent allure.
-Appearance vs reality: The Witches weave a web of deceit with supernatural ease. They masquerade (pretend to be) as prophets (predict the future), whispering promises of a glorious future for Macbeth, all the while orchestrating his descent into a grim and ominous destiny
Banquo quote about The Supernatural (Act 2 Banquo) & (Act 2 Macbeth)
”I dream’s of the three weird sisters last night” (Act 2 Banquo)
”I think not of them” (Act 2 Macbeth)
analysis of ”I dream’d of the three weird sisters last night” (Act 2 Banquo) & ”I think not of them” (Act 2 Macbeth)
-Abstract noun “dream’d”: The abstract noun “dream’d” signifies Banquo’s affliction (pain), suggesting that he is haunted not only in his waking moments but also in the realm of sleep
->This implies the intrusion of superstition into Banquo’s consciousness, trespassing on his unconscious mind.
-Motif of sleep: The motif of sleep in the play becomes synonymous with the loss of innocence. As Macbeth grapples with guilt, he declares he “sleeps no more,” echoing Lady Macbeth’s somnambulant (sleep-walking) state.
->Intriguingly, Banquo retains the capacity to sleep but acknowledges his ability to “dream.” This contrast illuminates Banquo’s preservation of innocence, as he truthfully admits to being captivated by the supernatural without succumbing to guilt-induced insomnia like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
-Foil to Macbeth: Banquo’s sincerity operates as a foil to Macbeth’s deceit, as Macbeth falsely asserts that he does not “think” of the prophecies
->Banquo’s moral characterisation is strategically employed to heighten the contrast with Macbeth’s dishonesty and duplicity (deceitfulness). This deliberate juxtaposition serves to accentuate the moral divergence (dividing) between the two characters.
