Comparing the Supernatural in William Shakespeares Hamlet and Macbeth

Comparing the Supernatural in William Shakespeares crossroads and Macbeth In the time of William Shakespeare thither was a strong belief in the existence of the magical. Therefore, the supernatural is a recurring theme in many of Shakespeares plays. In two such plays, settlement and Macbeth, the supernatural is an integral part of the structure of the plot. It provides a atom smasher for satisfy, an insight into character, and an augmentation of the impact of many key scenes. The supernatural appears to the audience in many varied forms. In small town there appears perhaps the closely notable of the supernatural forms, the spook. However, in Macbeth, not only does a ghost appear, but also a floating dagger, witches, and prophetic apparitions also strain appearances. The role of the supernatural is very important in both Hamlet and Macbeth. A ghost, in the form of Hamlets father, makes several visitations in the play. It first appears to the watchmen, Marcellus and Bernard o, on with Horatio near the guardsmens post. The ghost, though silent causes them a little anxiety, It harrows me with fear and enjoy(I.i.53). It is not until the appearance of Hamlet that the ghost speaks, and only then aft(prenominal) Horatio has expressed his fears about Hamlet following it, What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord, or to the horrifying summit of the cliff(I.iv.76-77). The conversation between the ghost and Hamlet serves as a catalyst for Hamlets later actions and provides insight into Hamlets character. The information the ghost reveals incites Hamlet to action against a situation with which he was already uncomfortable, and now is horizontal more so. Hamlet is not quick to believe the ghost, The spirit that I have seen may be ... ...e supernatural provides a catalyst for action by the characters. It supplies insight into the major players and it augments the impact of many key scenes. The supernatural appeals to the audiences curiosity of the myste rious and thus strengthens their interest. Works Cited Curry, Walter. Supernatural in Hamlet and Macbeth. London Mass Peter Smith, 1968. Epstein, Norrie, The Friendly Shakepeare, refreshed York, Viking Publishing, 1993. Magill, Masterplots- Volume 6, wise Jersey, Salem Press, 1949. Schlegel, August Wilhelm. Criticism on Shakespeare s Tragedies . A guide of Lectures on Dramatic Art and Literature. London AMS Press, Inc., 1965. Shakespeare, William. Tragedy of Macbeth . Ed. Barbara Mowat and Paul Warstine. New York Washington Press, 1992. Wills, Gary. Witches & Jesuits. Oxford Oxford University Press, 1995.