An exploration of different examples of the role of the supernatural in Shakespeare’s plays.
By using the supernatural, which was so believed and feared in his society, Shakespeare has a powerful dramatic tool.
The witches bring dark magic into use in 'Macbeth', while in 'The Tempest', storms and bad weather create natural justice and revenge. In 'Julius Caesar', the omens and portents of a soothsayer warn of what is to come.
This is from the series: Shakespeare Themes
Teacher Notes
This could be used to look in more detail at the role of the supernatural in Shakespeare's plays.
Students could take one of his plays and find examples of the supernatural influence on the plot.
Students could explore the different kinds of supernatural events and characters in Shakespeare's plays.
Students could consider what elements they would utilise to portray the supernatural if they were staging a performance.
Curriculum Notes
This clip will be relevant for teaching English Literature at KS3 and KS4/GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Also 3rd and 4th level in Scotland.
This topic appears in OCR, Edexcel, AQA, WJEC, CCEA and SQA.