Research Question: Study how supernatural elements affect human decision-making and moral judgments in tragedies like Macbeth and Hamlet. Begin by cataloging instances of supernatural occurrences; then, use psychological theories to analyze their impact on characters’ actions. This research could illuminate broader themes of fate versus free will.

Supernatural elements are integral to the plot and character development in many of Shakespeare’s tragedies. From witches and ghosts to omens and apparitions, the supernatural forces in plays like Macbeth and Hamlet significantly influence the characters’ decisions, shaping their fates and actions. These elements often serve as catalysts for moral dilemmas and are used to explore the tension between fate and free will.

In Macbeth, the supernatural plays a pivotal role in driving the plot and the psychological deterioration of Macbeth. The three witches, or "Weird Sisters," present Macbeth with prophecies that predict his rise to power and his eventual downfall. The witches' ambiguous language, which foretells his kingship but also his demise, sets in motion his internal conflict and ambition. Macbeth’s desire to fulfill the prophecy leads him to take drastic actions, including the murder of King Duncan. The witches’ influence can be viewed as both a representation of fate and a manipulation of Macbeth’s free will, as they plant the seed of ambition in his mind, but it is ultimately his choices that lead to his tragic end.

The psychological impact of the supernatural is evident in Macbeth’s descent into paranoia and guilt. After hearing the prophecy, he becomes obsessed with the idea of securing his power and fulfilling the witches' predictions. The hallucinations he experiences, including the vision of a dagger (Act 2, Scene 1), and his subsequent actions, demonstrate how the supernatural stirs his deepest desires and fears. This combination of fate, as represented by the witches’ prophecy, and free will, as demonstrated by Macbeth's conscious decisions, creates a tragic tension that drives the plot forward.

In Hamlet, the ghost of Hamlet’s father serves as the supernatural force that sets the play’s events into motion. The ghost’s appearance in Act 1, Scene 5, demands that Hamlet seek revenge for his father’s murder, and it becomes a catalyst for Hamlet’s internal struggle. The ghost’s command to "Remember me!" forces Hamlet into a moral quandary, as he must balance his duty to avenge his father with his own ethical hesitation. The appearance of the ghost raises questions about the nature of the afterlife and the possibility of divine intervention, while also highlighting Hamlet’s wavering commitment to the task. Hamlet’s uncertainty about the ghost’s true nature—whether it is a genuine manifestation of his father’s spirit or a demonic trick—exemplifies the play’s exploration of the supernatural’s influence on human action and moral judgment.

Both Macbeth and Hamlet demonstrate how supernatural elements blur the lines between fate and free will. The characters are influenced by forces beyond their control, yet they still exercise their own agency in response to these supernatural occurrences. Macbeth’s decision to murder Duncan, prompted by the witches’ prophecy, and Hamlet’s determination to seek revenge, driven by the ghost’s appearance, illustrate how the supernatural interacts with human psychology, fueling ambition, doubt, and moral conflict.

Psychological theories, such as Sigmund Freud’s concept of the "unconscious mind" and Carl Jung’s idea of archetypes, can be applied to these characters' responses to the supernatural. Freud’s theory suggests that the supernatural occurrences in both plays represent repressed desires or unresolved conflicts in the characters’ psyches. Macbeth’s guilt over the murder and Hamlet’s hesitation to act may be understood as manifestations of their inner turmoil and fear of the consequences of their actions. Jung’s archetypes, such as the "shadow" (representing the darker, hidden aspects of the self), can also be seen in the supernatural elements, where the ghosts and witches symbolize the characters' repressed fears and desires.

In conclusion, the supernatural elements in Macbeth and Hamlet serve as powerful catalysts for the characters’ actions, influencing their decisions and moral judgments. These elements blur the line between fate and free will, illustrating how external forces, such as prophecies and ghosts, interact with the characters' internal struggles. By examining the psychological impact of these supernatural occurrences, Shakespeare provides a profound exploration of the complexities of human nature, ambition, and the tension between destiny and personal agency.