The Use of the Supernatural in Shakespeare's Plays

Shakespeare’s use of the supernatural in his plays is a critical element that serves to enhance the themes, drive the plot, and deepen the exploration of human nature. The supernatural is often intertwined with themes of fate, guilt, power, and morality, influencing the actions of characters and the development of the story. Shakespeare does not just use supernatural elements as devices for spectacle or entertainment, but integrates them into the fabric of his plays to explore psychological and philosophical questions.

1. The Supernatural in Macbeth

In Macbeth, the supernatural plays a central role in shaping the mood and action of the play. Shakespeare uses witches, ghosts, and visions to reflect the protagonist’s inner turmoil and moral decline.

The Three Witches: The three witches, or the Weird Sisters, are arguably the most iconic supernatural elements in Macbeth. They appear in the opening scene and set the tone for the rest of the play. Their cryptic prophecies serve as a catalyst for Macbeth’s ambition and downfall. The witches symbolize fate and destiny, suggesting that Macbeth’s rise to power is influenced by forces beyond his control. They also blur the lines between fate and free will, as they tell Macbeth of his future without fully dictating his actions, leaving him to decide how to fulfill their prophecy.
Macbeth’s Vision of the Dagger: Macbeth’s vision of the floating dagger before he murders King Duncan reflects his guilt and inner conflict. The supernatural manifestation of the dagger is not only a symbol of his murderous intent but also represents his descent into madness. The dagger scene is a moment where supernatural imagery mingles with psychological instability, illustrating the play’s exploration of moral decay.
Banquo’s Ghost: The appearance of Banquo’s ghost at Macbeth’s banquet symbolizes guilt and the consequences of Macbeth’s actions. The ghost’s haunting of Macbeth is a manifestation of the psychological torment that results from his murder of Banquo and his continued reliance on violence to secure his position.

2. The Supernatural in Hamlet

In Hamlet, the supernatural serves as both a plot device and a moral commentary on the themes of revenge, justice, and the afterlife.

The Ghost of King Hamlet: The most prominent supernatural element in Hamlet is the ghost of King Hamlet, who appears to his son and reveals that he was murdered by Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius. The ghost’s appearance sparks Hamlet’s quest for revenge, but it also raises important questions about the nature of the afterlife and morality. The ghost’s command to “remember me” forces Hamlet to confront his duty to avenge his father’s murder, but it also challenges the audience’s understanding of truth and justice. The supernatural is used here to explore Hamlet’s hesitation and indecision, as he grapples with moral and existential dilemmas.
The Ghost’s Ambiguity: The ghost’s ambiguous nature—whether it is a genuine apparition or a demonic force—further complicates Hamlet’s actions. While the ghost demands justice, it also raises doubts about vengeance and the legitimacy of revenge in the play. Hamlet’s hesitation to act on the ghost’s instructions underscores his philosophical dilemma about whether to trust supernatural forces and whether revenge is morally justified.

3. The Supernatural in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the supernatural is used in a more lighthearted and playful manner, blending romance and fantasy. However, it still reflects deeper themes of love, illusion, and control.

Fairies and Magic: The fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, particularly Oberon and Puck, control and manipulate the events that occur in the enchanted forest. Through the use of magic, the fairies create chaos and confusion, manipulating the lovers and changing their affections. The use of magic reflects the unpredictable nature of love and how it can be influenced by external forces, much like how love in the real world can be subject to caprice and illusion.
The Magic Flower: The love potion administered by Oberon and Puck causes characters to fall in love with the wrong person. This magical intervention highlights the theme of illusion in the play—characters are often in love with the idea of love, rather than the person themselves. The supernatural here functions as a vehicle for exploring the malleability of human emotions and desires.
Puck as a Trickster: Puck, as a mischievous fairy, embodies the playful side of the supernatural. He creates confusion, changes identities, and causes havoc, but in doing so, he also resolves conflicts by the end of the play. Puck’s role reflects the magical transformation of reality into a realm where dreams and fantasy can override the rational world.

4. The Supernatural in The Tempest

In The Tempest, the supernatural is an integral part of the plot and serves to explore themes of forgiveness, power, and illusion.

Prospero’s Magic: Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, wields magical powers that he uses to control the events on the island. His control over the supernatural allows him to manipulate the weather, summon spirits like Ariel, and even control the actions of others. Prospero’s use of magic reflects his need for control and his desire to right the wrongs done to him by his brother Antonio. His magic is a means of redemption, and it ultimately helps him to achieve forgiveness and reconciliation.
Ariel and Caliban: Ariel and Caliban are two supernatural figures who represent different aspects of freedom and subjugation. Ariel, a spirit of air, serves Prospero loyally in exchange for eventual freedom, symbolizing the potential for liberation and redemption. Caliban, on the other hand, is a primitive creature who resents Prospero’s control and embodies the theme of colonization. The supernatural elements of Ariel and Caliban contrast with each other, representing freedom and oppression.
The Storm as Metaphor: The storm at the beginning of the play, conjured by Prospero’s magic, is a metaphor for the emotional and political upheaval that will unfold. It also symbolizes the calming of chaos and the restoration of order, as the supernatural events on the island are ultimately resolved with forgiveness and reconciliation.

Conclusion: The Significance of the Supernatural in Shakespeare's Plays

Shakespeare’s use of the supernatural is not merely for entertainment or spectacle; rather, it serves as a powerful tool to explore human nature, psychological depth, and moral conflicts. Whether through witches and visions in Macbeth, the ghosts and fate in Hamlet, or the magic and fairyland in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the supernatural functions to reveal the deeper truths about the human condition, such as the struggle between fate and free will, the destructive nature of ambition, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Shakespeare’s supernatural elements provide a framework for his characters’ inner lives and external conflicts, ultimately contributing to the richness and complexity of his works.