What is the importance of the supernatural in Macbeth? “Belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary. Men alone are quite capable of all wickedness (Joseph Conrad). Conrad was an early 20th century Polish author who is credited with this quote based on belief and the relationship between men and the supernatural. The quote says that questioning whether the supernatural exists (it doesn't say it doesn't) or not is irrelevant, because man is the source of infinite evil anyway. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, this quote is still validated, with numerous instances and quotes to do so. Macbeth centers on a brave and admirable soldier named Macbeth, who is originally Thane of Cawdor, a high political position in Scotland. He slowly transforms from a pure and respected man (with direct connections to King Duncan of Scotland) to a man driven mad by the supernatural. Thanks to the prophecies of three witches who appear periodically, Macbeth is convinced that killing Duncan and becoming king is his destiny. Because of the supernatural that he believes in and influences him, and the continual mistakes he makes, Macbeth is led to his downfall and Shakespearean tragedy. In Act 1, Scene 1, Shakespeare incorporates the three witches, the most important form of the supernatural for Macbeth. The witches meet in a storm and discuss their next meeting, “under thunder, lightning or rain” (1.1.2). The atmosphere sets up the theme of evil which lasts throughout the rest of the play. Furthermore, they say: “What is right is wrong, and what is wrong is right” (1.1.12). This quote concerns their plans with Macbeth, because their dastardly or evil plans will seem right to Macbeth, who, like all humans, carries evil in his blood. Throughout the play, witches feed......middle of paper......exists or not, but simply says that man is capable of all evil. The supernatural is the only thing that decides the fate of Macbeth and his wife, Duncan, and the others who have been affected by this evil. The three witches and the witch queen strongly influence Macbeth to such an extent that he relies on their prophecies, as he is driven mad. Banquo's floating dagger and ghost also change the way he acts, in these cases killing Duncan and making the diners suspicious. Lady Macbeth is also transformed by the supernatural, as she becomes possessed by demons and also goes mad, to the point that she screams while she sleepwalks. She eventually commits suicide due to the incessant torture caused by the evil possessing her. In conclusion, the supernatural is the most important thing in Macbeth because it determines Macbeth's actions and the events surrounding him..