Lady Macbeth's Invocation of Supernatural Forces in Macbeth

In Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth," Lady Macbeth stands out as one of the most complex and compelling characters, especially through her invocation of supernatural forces. Her ambition and desire for power lead her to summon dark spirits, revealing the extent to which she is willing to go to achieve her goals. This essay explores Lady Macbeth's relationship with the supernatural, her motivations behind invoking these forces, and the consequences that arise from her actions.

The Ambition of Lady Macbeth

From the moment she learns about the witches' prophecies, Lady Macbeth's ambition is ignited. She believes that fate has set a path for her husband, Macbeth, to become king. However, she perceives his nature as too kind and honorable to seize the throne through foul means. In Act 1, Scene 5, upon reading Macbeth's letter about the witches’ predictions, she famously declares:

“Glamis, thou art; and Cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promised.”

This line illustrates not only her acceptance of the prophecy but also a recognition of its potential. Yet it also foreshadows her willingness to manipulate events—essentially trying to control fate itself.

Invocation of Supernatural Forces

Lady Macbeth’s most significant invocation occurs in Act 1, Scene 5 when she calls upon dark spirits to “unsex” her:

“Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts! Unsex me here.”

This plea reveals several critical aspects of her character:

• A Desire for Power: By asking to be “unsexed,” Lady Macbeth expresses a belief that feminine qualities are inherently weak or nurturing—traits incompatible with ruthlessness required for regicide.
• A Rejection of Gender Norms: Her invocation challenges traditional gender roles in Elizabethan society where women were expected to be passive and obedient. Instead, she embraces aggression typically associated with masculinity.
• A Willingness to Embrace Evil: By summoning “murdering ministers,” Lady Macbeth demonstrates an explicit rejection of morality in favor of ambition.

This act signifies not only her internal struggle but also sets into motion a chain reaction that will ultimately lead both herself and Macbeth down a tragic path.

The Consequences of Invoking Darkness

The supernatural elements within "Macbeth" serve not just as plot devices but as manifestations of characters’ inner turmoil and moral decay. After invoking dark forces for power, Lady Macbeth’s initial strength begins to unravel as guilt takes hold. This transformation can be seen in later scenes where she becomes increasingly haunted by their deeds—culminating in sleepwalking episodes where she attempts to wash away imaginary bloodstains from her hands:

“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”

This iconic line encapsulates how deeply intertwined guilt is with their ambition—a consequence that starkly contrasts with their earlier desires for power without considering moral ramifications.

The Role of Fate versus Free Will

Lady Macbeth’s actions raise profound questions regarding fate versus free will in "Macbeth." While the witches' prophecies set the stage for ambition and desire for power within both characters—propelling them towards murder—Lady Macbeth actively chooses how far they will go: manipulation leading ultimately into madness. The coexistence between these two concepts highlights Shakespeare’s exploration into human nature—the fragile balance between our desires and our moral compass.

The Duality of Supernatural Influence

The supernatural forces invoked by Lady Macbeth ultimately reflect both empowerment and destruction. Initially providing a sense of agency over destiny leads them toward achieving their ambitions; however—as chaos ensues—they reveal themselves as harbingers rather than allies.

This duality emphasizes Shakespeare's cautionary message: an unchecked thirst for power can corrupt individuals wholly—not just psychologically but morally as well.

Conclusion

In summary, Lady Macbeth's invocation of supernatural forces serves as a pivotal aspect within "Macbeth." It embodies themes such as ambition versus morality while emphasizing how one's pursuit can lead down darker paths if left unchecked by conscience or societal norms. The consequences faced by both Lady Macbeth and her husband illustrate that while one may attempt to command fate through darker means—the inherent struggle between good versus evil remains an ever-present force influencing human choices throughout time.

References

• Barton, John. “Shakespeare: Complete Works.” Penguin Classics (2006).
• Mackenzie, Kenneth S., eds., “The Tragedy Of MacBeth.” Cambridge University Press (2010).
• Nuttall A.D., “Shakespeare’s Tragedies.” Yale University Press (1999).
• Sewell T.C., “Ambition And Morality In The Works Of William Shakespeare.” Routledge (2003).
• Tillyard E.M.W., “The Elizabethan World Picture.” Vintage Books (1959).