Role Of Supernatural Entities In Macbeth

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Throughout Macbeth, there are many plot devices that could be considered important. Each of these devices contributes to the overall work substantially. One particular plot device that stood out was the supernatural. Supernatural entities play an instrumental role in Macbeth's plot, so much so that they may have even caused some of the characters' actions. These supernatural entities such as the witches and ghosts, as well as prophecies, serve to advance the plot of the play.
A supernatural entity (or rather, entities) that stood out were the witches; they were present throughout the play from the very beginning. The witches are arguably the most important supernatural entity(s) in Macbeth. The witches foretold prophecies, and also give Macbeth …show more content…
Although not a huge part of the play, it did contribute a little to MacBeth's downfall. Seeing the ghost of Banquo introduced guilt. MacBeth felt very guilty about Banquo's death, which plagued him until his defeat. Another instance of this was the dagger apparition he witnessed before killing Duncan. After seeing these things, MacBeth reflects on murder, quoting; "The time has been that, when the brains were out, the man would die, And there an end." MacBeth now believes that even if your victim is dead, he can still come back to haunt you, in the form of a ghost in this case.
In conclusion, supernatural elements could be considered a major part of MacBeth, a part that shaped the overall plot of the work. Supernatural entities play an large role in MacBeth's plot, so even causing some of the characters' actions. Many of the events in the play could not have happened without these elements, and it can be argued that without the witches there may not have even been a story. According to the essay by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, "The supernatural is what causes conflict in the play and the prophecies from the witches in act one scene three is the inciting action in the
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