7
- In the second interposition of the Witches he forces them to speak [3.4.132-6; 4.1.50-61, 103-5].
- This is further brought out by placing alongside of Macbeth the uncorrupted Banquo, subjected to the same temptation. [Compare 1.3; 2.1.1-30; 3.1.1-72].
(2) Similarly, what the Witches reveal as Destiny confirms orassists, not alters, the natural working of events.
- E.g. Macbeth's succession to the crown depends upon a train of natural events of which the most important is the flight of Duncan's sons (2.4.21-32). Macduff is the natural leader of an insurrection against Macbeth [compare 2.3.56 &c.; 3.4.128; 4.1.74]—and as the most deeply wronged is bound to be the slayer of the tyrant [5. 7. 15: and compare 4. 3. 11 1-4 with 4. 3. 201-40]. Banquo was a natural rival of Macbeth (3.1. 50-7).
3. The main function of the supernatural element in a play is to add dramatic force to the working of events. By the interposition of the Witches the 'working of events' takes the form of a 'destiny' which appears
(1) irresistible:
- Throughout, obstacles thrown in the way of the 'destiny' become the means by which it is worked out. E.g. proclamation of Malcolm as heir apparent [1. 4. 38-42: compare 1. 4. 48-53 with 1. 3. 143-7]—flight of Duncan's sons [compare 2. 3. 141 with 2. 4. 24-32]—oracle about Dunsmane castle leads Macbeth to shut himself in that castle, without which 5. 4 would not have taken place.
(2) dark and unintelligible, till explained by fulfilment:
- Of the two oracles pronounced by the Witches in 1. 3. one is clear, the other mysterious—mystery drags on Macbeth (3. 1. 57-72) to a deed which at once explains and fulfils it. [Compare 3. 1. 134; 3. 4. 20-31; 4. 1. 100-124.]
(3) flavoured with personal mockery.
- The supernatural aids up to a certain point and then deserts: seeking unholy support finds a nemesis in losing it where most wanted. Effect of the Witches vanishing [1. 3. 78, and compare 4. 1. 133].
- The "honest trifles" principle (1. 3. 122): prying into forbidden knowledge finds a fitting nemesis in obtaining only half truths.
- The gods punish men by granting their prayers. [Macbeth's Vision of King's in 4. 1.; especially note 103.—Compare in 3. 4 apparition of Banquo in response to invitations.]
To sum up: Macbeth was the actor in the scene of his destiny: did the Witches do more than turn the (coloured) footlights on it?
