Unnatural Weather and Omens in Macbeth

The play 'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare is renowned for its dark and ominous atmosphere, which is significantly amplified by the presence of unnatural weather and omens. These elements are not merely decorative but serve to underscore the themes of chaos, disorder, and the supernatural that permeate the narrative.

Unnatural Weather

One of the most striking examples of unnatural weather in 'Macbeth' occurs in Act 2, Scene 3, when Lennox describes the night of King Duncan's murder. He says:

'The night has been unruly: where we lay, Our chimneys were blown down; and, as they say, Lamentings heard i' the air; strange screams of death, And prophesying with accents terrible Of dire combustion and confused events New hatch'd to the woeful time: the obscure bird Clamour'd the livelong night: some say, the earth Was feverous and did shake.'

This description of chaotic weather serves as a reflection of the moral and political disorder that Macbeth's actions have unleashed upon Scotland. The tumultuous weather acts as a natural mirror to the unnatural act of regicide, emphasizing the idea that Macbeth's crime is an affront to the natural order.

Omens

Omens are another significant supernatural element in 'Macbeth'. They often foreshadow impending doom and reflect the inner turmoil of the characters. For instance, in Act 2, Scene 1, just before Macbeth murders King Duncan, he hallucinates a dagger leading him to Duncan's chamber. He says:

'Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.'

This vision is an omen of the bloody path that Macbeth is about to embark upon. It symbolizes his murderous intentions and the irreversible step he is about to take.

In Act 2, Scene 4, Ross and an Old Man discuss various unnatural occurrences that have taken place since Duncan's murder. Ross says:

'By the clock, 'tis day, And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp: Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame, That darkness does the face of earth entomb, When living light should kiss it?'

The Old Man responds with:

'Tis unnatural, Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last, A falcon, towering in her pride of place, Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill'd.'

These unnatural events serve as omens that all is not well in the state of Scotland. They reflect the disruption of the natural order caused by Macbeth's usurpation of the throne.

Conclusion

Unnatural weather and omens in 'Macbeth' are crucial elements that contribute to the play's eerie and ominous atmosphere. They serve to highlight the themes of chaos and disorder, and underscore the catastrophic consequences of Macbeth's actions. By incorporating these supernatural elements, Shakespeare effectively amplifies the sense of unease and foreboding that permeates the narrative.

For more insights into the supernatural elements in 'Macbeth', you can explore the Introduction to Supernatural Elements in Macbeth, the Significance of Witches in Macbeth, and the Role of Ghosts in Macbeth pages.