Supernatural aspects of the characters and settings of MacbethThe supernatural has always intrigued humanity. People gather to hear ghost stories and see enchanted medallions. Shakespeare recognized people's fascination with the supernatural and used it in many of his tragedies. Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare's tragedies about a man, Macbeth, who wishes to become king of Scotland after three witches tell him that his destiny is to rule Scotland. Macbeth's ambition exceeds him so much that he embarks on a murderous madness. Macbeth ends up killing King Duncan; his friend Banquo; and rival, Macduff; in his quest to acquire the crown and keep it. In the end, wealth triumphs over evil, but not without character interactions and the supernatural. Most characters are linked to the supernatural, either by choice or fate. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses an underlying motif of the supernatural to control the characters and add a new dimension to the play. The motif of light versus darkness is the most important theme in Macbeth. The opening scene is dark and desolate with "Thunder and Lightning" and "An Open Place" in the stage directions. Thunder and lightning give the impression of darkness as a storm approaches. The “open place” shows that witches prefer to meet in a place free from society, where no one can eavesdrop on them. The daylight before Macbeth's final battle is the major factor that predicts its outcome (Watson 144). Siward states: “The day itself almost professes yours, / And there is little to do” (V. VII. 27-28). Because the battle takes place on a fine day, Macduff's powers are enhanced by the light, and Macbeth's power...... middle of paper ...... son, Robert. “Ambition without economy: foolish wishes and the tragedy of Macbeth.” Modern critical interpretations: Macbeth. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York. Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. 133-168.Supernatural Aspects of the Characters and Settings of MacbethThesis: In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses an underlying motif of the supernatural to control the characters and add a new dimension to the play.I. Light versus DarknessA. Scenes1. Opening2. ClosingB. Lady Macbeth1. Starts as dark2. Ends like LightII. InsomniaA. Insomnia is a sign of unhappiness1. Macbeth2. The sailorB. Witches control sleep1. The sailor2. Lady Macbeth III. Heaven versus hell. Inverness is hell1. Devil2. The Murder of DuncanB. Duncan and Macduff are bound in heaven1. Servant of God2. No defects