In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the supernatural, darkness and blood as elements to set an atmosphere of tragedy throughout the drama. At least one or more of these themes are used to set the mood of a scene. The supernatural components in Macbeth represent evil. The different components of the supernatural are used to create the perception of trickery, depravity and sinisterness. Shakespeare uses various forms of darkness to allude to death or evil. Darkness also acts as a veil to cover up or to hide behind from horrendous crimes. The vision and imagery of blood creates feelings of fear, horror and pain. These feelings are reinforced by the constant and recurrence of blood shed. .
Macbeth's opening scene introduces three witches (the weird sisters) to establish the element of the supernatural. They appear in stormy weather which symbolized bizarre supernatural events. "When shall we meet again In thunder, lighting, or rain?"(I.i.1) Their appearance suggests they are evil. Our imagination is encouraged by the illusions they projected. The witches rely on deception and manipulation to accomplish their evil deed. They also symbolize fate. The witches work their mischief on Macbeth. The witches" prophecies spark Macbeth's ambition. They take a perverse delight in using their knowledge of the future to play with Macbeth and destroy him. Their speeches are full of paradox and equivocation that are misinterpreted by Macbeth. The third witchs" prediction tells of the battle being over before sunset tell. This demonstrates that the witches have the power to accurately predict the future. "That will be ere the set of sun."(I.1.5).
The drama takes place in an ambiguous world were "things are not what they seem".
Three "black and midnight hags" who plot mischief against Macbeth using charms spells and prophecies. .
Their predictions prompt Macbeth to murder Ducan. He is easily tempted into murder to fulfill his ambition to the thrown.