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Supernatural, darkness, and blood in

             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.


Essays Related to Supernatural, darkness, and blood in

1. Macbeth and the Supernatural

Throughout the play, the supernatural is portrayed to the audience in a variety of forms. ... Referred to as "dark instruments" by Macbeth, he seeks them out in their cave and demands to know if the prophecies given to him are true. ... The ghost admonishes Macbeth of the horrors he has committed to gain the crown, and the innocent blood spilled by his actions. ... The dagger appears to be covered in blood, and leads Macbeth to Duncan's room. ... The floating dagger adds one of the first supernatural elements to the story. ...

  • Word Count: 625
  • Approx Pages: 3

2. Sheridan le Fanu:in A Glass Darkly

In Victorian Supernatural fiction we see ourselves "in a glass darkly". ... The "glass" of Le Fanu's is believed a mirror in which "darkly" viewed we see a darker nature to our own selves. ... Dr Hesselius is a unique an important and character within the stories and within the tradition of Victorian Supernatural tales as well. While he is a distinct man of science and the rationality of thinking that comes with the discipline, he also proves to be sympathetic towards some more spiritual or supernatural explanations of certain medical phenomenon. ... The tale creates an interesting and...

  • Word Count: 1988
  • Approx Pages: 8
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

3. Supernatural Elements in Literature

" In today's day and age, "otherworldly forces" are now dubbed as the "supernatural." The supernatural or the paranormal world itself is an abstract concept to fully grasp. ... The eccentricity of the supernatural world is what makes it such a popular genre for audiences to enjoy. ... For example, some supernatural beings can represent simple themes of temptation or vice. ... (Homer 223-224) As previously mentioned before, some supernatural creatures are beings of temptation and vice. ...

  • Word Count: 2649
  • Approx Pages: 11
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

4. Unnatural Darkness in Macbeth

In the end, Macbeth knows that he will be punished for his dark actions because his heart,which is beating blood inside a coward, turns into stone leaving him dispassionate. ... The witches even though are considered evil and supernatural, warns Macbeth numerous times that he needs to stop and think about the future ahead. ... Not only is it dark the next day, but everyone else, especially Lady Macbeth, feels the darkness and sorrow in their heart. ... Even though the blood of his "frenemies " have been wash away by the Scottish people's tears, Macbeth is still drowning in the blood, and ...

  • Word Count: 1978
  • Approx Pages: 8
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

5. Macbeth

Make thick my blood. ... Lady Macbeth, with the help of darkness, will do whatever it takes to satisfy her needs. ... Here's the smell of blood still. ... With the help of supernatural occurrences, the two were able to choke back remorse and guilt; at least for a while. When the supernatural powers were exhausted and blood, or conscience was free to run through their veins, there was too much guilt carried in their blood for even them to handle. ...

  • Word Count: 1037
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Hound Of The Baskervilles

This can be clearly seen on p.6 when out of an old manuscript it is read "a foul thing, a great black beast, larger than any other beast with great blazing eyes and a jaw dripping with blood". ... Another example of a supernatural event would be on p.44 when Dr. ... What makes this even qualify as supernatural is that after Dr. ... Watson was that of the supernatural beast known as "The Hound". ... "I placed my hand upon the glowing muzzle, and as I held them up to my own fingers smothered and gleamed in the dark. ...

  • Word Count: 823
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

7. Vampirism in the Fall of the House of Usher

Supernatural phenomenon opens up the exploration for one particular supernatural explanation, vampirism. ... However, Roderick's true intentions may be much darker, justifying his vampire mentality. ... Whereas the traditional vampire sucks blood, there are also those, such as the house, that suck the youth, hope, and passion from its victims. ... Roderick's isolation in the gloomy house with "dark draperies" and "dark and intricate passages (530-531)" eventually instilled its dark and depressing characteristics upon him. ... Poe uses the vampire theme, disregarding the gross blo...

  • Word Count: 1291
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

8. Macbeth

Examining certain scenes of the play, it can be determined that as supernatural occurrences develop, Macbeth reflects a darker self-image. ... And on thy blade and hilt, drops of blood which was not so before. ... Macbeth's guilt and fear combined drive him to darker and more evil actions in an attempt to cover his past misdeeds. ... The use of supernatural in Macbeth, provides the suspenseful nature of his work. ... The use of supernatural in Macbeth caused Macbeth to become a darker and more evil person with each paranormal encounter. ...

  • Word Count: 694
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

9. Themes of Superstition in Macbeth

The debate continues in Shakespeare's dark play, Macbeth, as tragic Macbeth contemplates his fate and his role in his own demise. In the hopes of pleasing his witchcraft-loving King James I, Shakespeare adds the element of supernatural, and this addition gives the reader another angle to view the fate dilemma. ... The two moments when the witches encounter Macbeth are moments of high emotion for Macbeth; the first occurs immediately following a stunning and violent victory, and the last amidst his descent into a cold-blooded tyrant. ... Although Banquo cautions him about these dark happ...

  • Word Count: 675
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

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