The Role of Dreams, Hallucinations, and the Supernatural in Shaping Macbeth’s Actions

Introduction

The supernatural, including dreams and hallucinations, plays a critical role in the Scottish tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. These elements influence the psychology and actions of the titular character and his wife, Lady Macbeth. Through a careful analysis of key passages in the play, one can discern how these haunting visions and eerie prophecies shape Macbeth's destiny, leading to his transformation from a noble soldier to a tyrannical ruler.

The Role of the Weird Sisters and Their Prophecies

The opening scene of the play introduces the supernatural element through the Weird Sisters—the three witches whose prophecies incite Macbeth's ambition and lead to his downfall. In the first sentence, Macbeth quips, 'Thou has harped my fears aright,' which suggests that the witches have accurately alluded to his deepest fears. Their predictions serve as a catalyst for Macbeth's psychological transformation, as they offer a semblance of control over his future, a future shaped by their dark prophecies.

Psychological Manipulation Through Visions

Macbeth's Monologues and Dreams: Throughout the play, Macbeth experiences significant psychological manipulation through his interactions with visions. For instance, after the first prophecy comes true (the Thane of Cawdor's title is transferred to Macbeth), he begins to see visions, such as Banquo's ghost. These visual hallucinations further compound the internal conflict he faces, fueling his paranoia and strengthening his resolve to maintain power.

Lady Macbeth's Dreams: Lady Macbeth also experiences vivid dreams, as evidenced in her monologue in Act 2, where she cries out, 'Out, damned spot! Out, I say!' This dream and the subsequent accountability it brings out the internal struggle between guilt and ambition she feels. Lady Macbeth's nights are filled with haunting images that further push her to suppress all signs of weakness and maintain a facade of strength.

Double Discordance of the Witches' Prophecies

The witches' prophecies are not only cryptic but also double-edged, as they equivocate, causing Macbeth to doubt and ultimately leading to his tragic downfall. For instance, the witches tell Macbeth that he shall be king, but that "None of woman born" can harm him, which creates tension and uncertainty. Macbeth’s actions reflect his interpretation of these prophecies. He concludes that he can only be killed by one not born of woman, leading him to literally try to prevent the birth of a usurper. However, they fail to mention that Macbeth's own son, Fleance, is also not born of woman, leading to his subsequent demise by Macduff, who was born via Cesarean section.

Consequences of Deliberate Ignorance and Surveillance

Macbeth’s Banquet Scene and Banquo’s Ghost: In Act 3, Scene 4, Macbeth's reluctance to acknowledge his guilt and the presence of Banquo's ghost creates a haunting reality. This scene highlights how Macbeth's inability to face his guilt leads to even more psychological torment. He repeatedly sees Banquo's ghost, failing to control his internal conflict and allowing it to consume him. This recurring hallucination signifies the weight of his actions and the aloneness he feels in his guilt.

Lady Macbeth’s Collapse: In Act 5, Scene 1, Lady Macbeth's refusal to face the reality of her actions and her husband's descent into madness leads to a final breakdown. Her sleepwalking and the symbolic washing of a 'damned spot' symbolize her struggle with the guilt of her actions. The scream, 'Out, damned spot! Out, I say!', encapsulates her inner turmoil as she cannot separate her guilt from her sanity.

Conclusion

The supernatural elements in Macbeth are more than mere coincidences or eerie foreshadowing. They are powerful tools that drive the characters' actions, instigate their psychological transformations, and ultimately lead to their tragic fates. As Macbeth and Lady Macbeth become increasingly mired in visions and hallucinations, their decisions become increasingly deranged. The play thus serves as a haunting reminder of the destructive power of unchecked ambition and the consequences of deliberate ignorance and fear.