The Power of Nature and the Supernatural Powers in William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" (original) (raw)

Abstract

This study examines the power of nature and the supernatural powers in Macbeth, the last and the shortest of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, and their influence on the course of events in the play. Macbeth is the one of Shakespeare plays that supernatural figures and elements take place at most. The mainstays of the play are developing events as a result of the prophecies of the witches, supernatural powers’ triggering human greed and as a result of this, deterioration, distortion and disorder occurring on the universal order. In this study, in which cases the harmony and balance of nature is impaired, what happens as a result of this deterioration and the perspectives of the people of Shakespeare’s era about the witches were examined with comments by famous critics.

Key takeaways

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  1. The text explores the interplay between nature and supernatural forces in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
  2. Shakespeare's portrayal of witches serves as critical catalysts for Macbeth's ambition and subsequent downfall.
  3. Nature in 'Macbeth' is personified, reflecting human emotions and foreshadowing chaos.
  4. The play underscores the theme of moral disorder leading to universal instability and eventual retribution.
  5. Shakespeare's historical context influences the narrative, addressing themes of kingship and legitimacy relevant to King James I.

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References (6)

  1. Crivelli, Paolo and David Charles. "'ΠΡΟΤΑΣΙΣ' in Aristotle's Prior Analytics." Phronesis (2011): 193-203.
  2. Honan, Park. Shakespeare: A Life. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.
  3. Mabillard, Amanda. Shakespeare's Sources for Macbeth. 20 August 2000. http://www.shakespeare-online.com/sources/macbethsources.html.
  4. Randolph, Octavia. Wyrd: The Role of Fate. n.d. 23 May 2016. <http://octavia.net/wyrd-the- role-of-fate/>.
  5. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. New York: Dover Publications, 1993.
  6. Urgan, Mina. MACBETH (Bir İnceleme). İstanbul: Çan Yayınları, 1965.

FAQs

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What role do witches play in the structure of Macbeth?add

The analysis indicates that the witches serve as critical catalysts for the play's tragic events, framing Macbeth's actions through their prophecies. Without the witches' influence, the narrative's potency and thematic depth would significantly diminish.

How does Shakespeare portray nature's reaction to human actions in Macbeth?add

Shakespeare demonstrates nature as an active participant, often reflecting human turmoil through dark and violent weather patterns. For example, Act 2, Scene 4 conveys public awareness of nature's disturbance post-Duncan's murder, symbolizing the moral chaos.

What distinguishes Shakespeare's portrayal of Macbeth from historical accounts?add

Shakespeare's adaptation fundamentally alters Macbeth's characterization, portraying him as cruel and malevolent, unlike the historical figure known for integrity. By choosing to represent Macbeth as a tyrant, the playwright comments on the nature of power and corruption.

What does 'weird' signify in relation to the witches in Macbeth?add

In Shakespeare's context, 'weird' originates from 'Wyrd,' denoting fate and destiny, positioning the witches as agents of Macbeth's subconscious. They embody complex archetypes that blend elements of fate and evil within the narrative.

How does Shakespeare's use of supernatural elements reflect societal beliefs?add

The incorporation of witches aligns with the Elizabethan era's fascination and fear of the supernatural, enhancing thematic richness. Notably, the belief in witches was prevalent during this period, which allowed for deeper audience engagement with the motifs of fate and moral consequence.