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Supernatural Elements of Shakespearean Plays
[alert-success] Supernatural Elements of Shakespearean Plays [/alert-success]
[alert-primary] Critical Summary [/alert-primary]
Introduction :
Shakespearean tragedies are famous for their deep incorporation of supernatural elements. These aspects not only increase the drama but also hint at future events and delve into themes like fate, morality, and what it means to be human. They add to the creepy and often disturbing vibe of the plays.
Ghosts / Spirit
Hamlet :
The spirit of King Hamlet plays a crucial role in the story. It shows up to Prince Hamlet, disclosing the truth about his murder and pushing him to take revenge. This ghost triggers the whole plot and brings up important themes like the afterlife, justice, and the ethics of seeking revenge.
"I am thy father's spirit, / Doom'd for a certain term to walk the night" (Act I, Scene V).
Macbeth :
Banquo's ghost appears to torment Macbeth, representing his feelings of guilt and the fallout from his violent deeds. This haunting intensifies Macbeth's paranoia and drives him further into insanity.
"Thou canst not say I did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me" (Act III, Scene IV).
Witches and prophecies :
Macbeth :
The witches,known as the Weird Sisters,their predictions spark Macbeth's ambition, pushing him towards murder and tyranny. These supernatural prophecies bring up big ideas about fate versus free will and how dangerous unchecked ambition can be.
"All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter" (Act I, Scene III).
Supernatural visions and hallucinations
Macbeth :
Macbeth sees a vision of a dagger that seems to guide him to King Duncan's room. This vision shows how determined he is to go through with the murder, but it also highlights the mental struggle and pain he is feeling inside.
"Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand?" (Act II, Scene I).
Julius Caesar:
In the play, Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, has a dream about his death, and there are several omens that show up, warning him about his assassination. These supernatural events highlight how fate is unavoidable and how pointless it is to try to avoid it.
"When beggars die, there are no comets seen; / The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes" (Act II, Scene II).
Supernatural Curses
King Lear :
King Lear's madness is usually seen as something that happens because of the supernatural curse he puts on himself when he rejects his faithful daughter, Cordelia. The storm on the heath represents not only Lear's inner struggles but also the wild forces of nature reacting to what he has done.
"Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!" (Act III, Scene II).
A Midsummer night's dream :
This play leans more towards comedy, but it also includes important supernatural aspects with its fairies and magical happenings. Characters such as Oberon, Titania, and Puck influence the actions and feelings of the human characters, bringing a fun and imaginative twist to the story.
"Lord, what fools these mortals be!" (Act III, Scene II).
Conclusion :
In Shakespearean tragedies, supernatural elements play a crucial role in heightening the drama, hinting at important future events, and delving into complex themes like fate, guilt, ambition, and the human mind. They introduce an eerie quality that makes characters question their understanding of reality and ethics. This captivating aspect keeps audiences engaged and adds to the lasting influence and significance of Shakespeare's plays.
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