part played by the supernatural in Macbeth
When the supernatural is mentioned in conjunction with the play Macbeth, it is generally assumed that one will talk about the witches. ... The supernatural imagery used in Macbeth is what moves the play along, and most of the plot revolves around it. It sparks off Macbeth’s madness, it is what drives him to kill Duncan, and in the end, it is the reason that Macbeth himself is killed. ... This sets the scene for the first act of the play because when the line, “There to meet with Macbeth” (I,i,7) is spoken, you immediately know that the title role is going to have an encounter with the witches. ... Before Macbeth and Banquo arrive, the witches are once again chanting. ... I think Shakespeare does this to keep the supernatural going throughout the whole play. Whilst the prophecy is always there, the witches (and the apparitions) are the only supernatural elements that can be seen and portrayed on a stage. Although, now that the technology is available, some stage directors decide to have a real knife on stage when Macbeth imagines it, rather than letting the audiences imagine it. When Macbeth and Banquo do arrive, they aren’t, at first, aware of the witches’ presence. ... The next time the witches speak is when they predict Macbeth’s rise to the throne. ... This prediction is undoubtedly a shock for Macbeth, but it also comes as a surprise to the audience, for those that don’t know the play. After hearing what will come of Macbeth, Banquo is naturally inclined to ask what will come of him. ... The play ends before Banquo’s sons can become kings, so no one knows if that part of the prophecy comes true. ... Ross’ arrival brings tidings from Duncan that Macbeth is to be given the title of Thane of Cawdor. Banquo and Macbeth both have important lines after this announcement. ... ” (I,iii,107), and Macbeth says, “Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor:/ The greatest is behind. ... Banquo is proclaiming his astonishment that the witches may actually be able to see into the future, and Macbeth is thinking that if they predicted this and it came true, then what about their other prediction, could that come true as well.