PREFACE

My Dissertation is based on the topic “The Role of supernatural elements

in the play MACBETH”, in which I have discussed the theories and facts of the play
MACBETH and about the role of the supernatural elements which were used by
Shakespeare artistically. It is great in theme, in dramatic power and in poetry.

Belief in supernaturalism was wide spread in the age of Shakespeare, as such

we find in his play all the mysterious powers of the good and evil which go under the
names of angels, fairies, ghosts, witches and other supernatural agents. Through this
Dissertation, I want to show how supernaturalism, which appears to the audience in
many varied forms is used to give another great effects to the plot of the story. My
Dissertation is divided into four (4) chapters for better description.

In the First chapter, I have introduced the playwright of the play

“MACBETH”, his period of time, lifestyle of the people of his period and his writing
skills. It is important to know a little bit about the playwright before describing or
writing something about his work. Because it enables to understand what kind of
situations, atmosphere or society influence him, in what manner, to write.

The Second chapter is about the play, what is its origin, what are the
happenings and the plot of the story. A look at the play will reveal the treatment of
the major characters, will show how all of them are related, the roles of those elements
used in the play and what impact does it have on the play.

Chapter Three intends to study about the major theme of Supernaturalism.

I have defined as well as described the term in detail. The impact of it, in the form of
superstitions in the life of people is described here. The following is a quick sketch of
the evolution of the ideas of the supernatural in Shakespeare’s play.

Chapter Four enlists the different elements used in the play, their role and
importance in the play respectively.

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