Reading Journal - Gothic Elements in Act I

Scene I – The play begins with three witches which immediately implements a gothic theme as they represent darkness and black magic. The scene is set with thunder and lightning which creates a parallel to the witches, letting the audience know they are on the edge of something evil.

Scene II – There is talk of a bloody soldier in this scene, this foreshadows Macbeth’s future role in the play that will also involve more bloodshed. The language is very gothic, words such as; “merciless,” “rebel,” “bloody execution,” and “reeking wounds,” are used to emphasise the evil in the atmosphere.

Scene III – The witches use brutal, cruel language here using phrases like “killing swine.” They gruesomely discuss the torture of an innocent sailor using words such as “drain” and “hang.” They create a mysterious atmosphere by having such a close bond which we see as they talk in riddles, their unity creates the image of power as no other force can come against them. As they tell Macbeth his future they increase the mystery of the scene by leaving when he was desperate to hear more. As they hear the news that Macbeth is to be Thane of Cawdor, we see the seed in Macbeth’s mind as he starts to allow himself to believe he could one day be king, and thoughts of murder are already surfacing. However he throws away the idea saying; “whose horrid image doth unfix my hair, and make my seated heart knock at my ribs.”

Scene IV – The king talks about the Thane of Cawdor’s deception which is linked in with the gothic theme as by deceiving the king, Cawdor was living in darkness; “there’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face.” The king also declares that his son Malcolm will be heir to his throne, which threatens Macbeth’s new found desire to be king. Macbeth realises this could stop his prophecy coming true; “for in my way it lies.” Thoughts of murder reappear, but he is frightened by his “black and deep desires.”

Scene V – As Lady Macbeth hears of the prophecy, she immediately starts plotting and we see her part as a gothic lead begin to emerge in the play. She knows they have to kill King Duncan, but is aware that Macbeth is too soft a man to carry it out. She cries out to the heavens “unsex me here,” wishing for herself to be like a man, who traditionally is the only one capable of murder. There is again the use of gothic language, giving the sense of evil; “make thick my blood,” “murdering ministers” and “smoke of hell.”

Scene VI – The king comments on how lovely Macbeth’s castle is, this is a great contrast to the foreboding events the audience know is coming. Macbeth and his wife are slyly plotting the King’s murder as he relaxes in their home.

Scene VII – Macbeth has serious doubts about killing King Duncan, highlighting the difference in character between him and Lady Macbeth. We see just how evil and cruel Lady Macbeth is in her attempt to convince Macbeth to carry out their plan. She pleads, saying she would easily kill a baby no matter how sweet, if she had promised it to Macbeth. Eventually Macbeth agrees and they plan to frame the guards by getting them drunk. He comments on Lady Macbeth’s manly nature, as she is so willing and hardened to murder. The theme of deception is used again as a gothic element. “False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” This theme of the unknown creates a darkness and mystery as the audience is enthralled to see what happens next.