How is nature presented in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’?

Think about the natural landscapes we see in 'Macbeth'. How do the witches make their spells? Is there a particular significance to the ingredients? It might be a good idea to introduce your essay by talking about their powers and how they are able to influence the environment.When answering this it is important to think of examples of nature within the text to base your points from. Perhaps reflect on Ross’s quote “By th' clock, 'tis day, // And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp”. What does this say about the witches’ power? How is pathetic fallacy used here? In the same conversation he talks about another weird event, when a falcon was killed by an owl. “On Tuesday last, // A falcon, towering in her pride of place, // Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill’d”. What does this say about the hierarchy (order) of the land? How has Macbeth’s actions impacted nature and the natural world? Is it possible to compare Macbeth to an owl, and if so, what would this say about his character?Maybe round off your essay by questioning what these changes add to the message of the play. How do nature and fate interlink - who is able to control them? 

Answered by Emily D. English tutor

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