On The Function Of Supernatural Elements In Macbeth And Hamlet

Supernatural elements such as ghosts, witches, and fairies were frequently employed in Shakespeare’s plays. They are undoubtedly integral components of the play. The use of supernatural elements in Shakespeare’s plays is not just an artistic technique to create mysterious atmosphere or push forward the development of the plot. Rather, it has a close relation with the characters. Macbeth and Hamlet are famous Shakespearean tragedies. Supernatural elements appear in Macbeth and Hamlet at the very beginning. These supernatural elements are essential to the plot and closely related to the protagonists’inner activities.Some researches have been done to the significance of supernatural elements in revealing the characters’inner activities, but they are too general, which are not systematic as to offer a comprehensive understanding of the significance of supernatural elements in presenting the characters’inward life. This thesis attempts to explore the supernatural elements in Macbeth and Hamlet based on the theory of Freud’s psychoanalysis. It aims at finding out the role of supernatural elements in revealing the protagonists’ inner world.Firstly, this thesis studies the supernatural elements in Macbeth. The witches represent the id of Macbeth. Their prophecies trigger the desires hidden in Macbeth’s deep heart. Macbeth’s illusions serve as the outer manifestation of his strong inward struggles.Then, it also explores the supernatural elements in Hamlet. It argues that the ghost of old Hamlet is Hamlet’s hallucination. It is the product of Hamlet’s imagination. After his father’s death, Hamlet experiences a lot of struggles and the ghost’s words serve as an effective outlet for Hamlet’s thoughts.Lastly, this thesis sums up the above discussion by saying that the supernatural elements in Macbeth and Hamlet are effective in revealing the protagonists’ inner struggles. Therefore, the study of supernatural elements can provide the reader with a further understanding of the characters in Shakespeare’s plays.