Supernatural Flashcards
Fair is foul and foul is fair
(Paradox)
Immediately establishes them as evil, saying that evilness is beautiful. Repetitions of the ‘f’ makes it difficult to establish differences between the words, highlighting the idea that everything isn’t as it seems
“Look not like th’inhabitants o’th’earth”
Doesn’t look like human beings, showing Banquo’s wisdom
Contextually, this flatters James I who is a descendant of a Banquo’s
“Instruments of darkness”
(Metaphor)
Describes the witches as property of darkness and evil. Suggested by the demonology written by James I on how to identify witches
“This supernatural is soliciting, cannot be ill, cannot be good”
Foreshadows the role of the witches.
Macbeth questions the witches powers and is wary for their ability to manipulate events. The witches are active participants in the play’s events.
“Beware Macduff…none of woman born shall harm Macbeth
opening scene
First scene in Macbeth introduces us to the witches using the pathetic fallacy “thunder and lightning”. It gives the play a special emphasis and suggests the play is a theme of supernatural and highlights the chaos they’re about to face. Acts as a catalyst of the plot
“Fill me crown to toe of direst cruelty”
Lady Macbeth wants to be the most ruthless and cruel. Cruel enough to conduct the plan
Is this a dagger I see before me
Macbeth is being influenced by the supernatural. He is seeing visions encouraging him to commit treason