Macbeth Superstitions - 1109 Words

Macbeth: Superstitions The tragedy of Macbeth was written by Shakespeare in 1606 and produced in 1610. Macbeth is the most concentrated of Shakespeare s tragedies. The action gushes forward with great speed from the beginning to end. The main characters in the play are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who are very noble, but their evil ambition ultimately causes their downfall and death. The play focuses around evil, greed and the supernatural. The play was written by Shakespeare for the king at that time, since he was a big believer of witches and the supernatural. Supernatural is classified as the unnatural or the explainable mysteries of our universe. In Shakespeare s time many people would relate many of the unusual happening against the†¦show more content†¦Their powers were in part to tell future events, to create evil and destruction. The witches could not however do fatal harm to their victims. In appearance they were sexless. Banquo says that they should be women but they have a beard. The witches relation to Macbeth is that they represent Macbeth s evil ambition, only Macbeth can see the witches and no one else. Later in the play they lead him to his destruction. They do not guide Macbeth but they only represent his own wishes and thoughts. Shakespeare s witches are a compound of native folklore and classical mythology. They serve demons, for they are summoned by the devil and predict apparitions. They are associated with Hecate, the Greek goddesses of sorcery. Although the witches can foretell the future, the main idea of the play is that Macbeth bears responsibility for his own actions. The witches, and ghosts influence him but do not control his destiny. Superstitions were often believed by many Elizabethans in Shakespeare s time but how are these superstitions used in the play. Superstitions are the unnatural unseen of the universe. Witches were one of these superstitions. Witches are no longer a big thing in today s society but it was a different story for Elizabethans in Shakespeare s time. The witches and other superstitions in the play which include ghosts, destiny and apparitions all have a role in the play about Macbeth. These superstitions were used to entertain the people ofShow MoreRelatedEssay on Superstition in William Shakespeares Macbeth1284 Words   |  6 PagesSuperstition in William Shakespeares Macbeth Throughout Elizabethan times, Witches and witchcraft were considered to be in existence. Seeing a large proportion of the female community being condemned to death, which involved either drowning, hanging or being burnt at the stake was quite plausible at this time. Such savage practices were urged on by macabre and fevered fantasy of the supernaturalRead MoreThe Rituals of an Actor: Biography of David Edwards1527 Words   |  7 Pagesdecades. 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