What is ‘Gothic’ about act 1 of ‘Macbeth’

William Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Macbeth’ arguably contains many aspects of the gothic tradition. The audience or readers are able to witness this from the onset. Act 1 of the Scottish play introduces the underlying themes and motifs of the play, many of which could be considered overtly gothic. 

Within the gothic tradition, we see within many texts the use of a supernatural prophecy of some sort that plays on destiny and fate. This is seen throughout the gothic tradition in some way. In Bram Stokers ‘Dracula’ we see the theme of the revenant in use through the character of the count and the old world aristocracy he represents, rising again. Within Christopher Marlowe’s ‘Dr.Faustus’ the audience are able to see the protagonist Faustus build with fear due to his promised and inevitable death. Within ‘Macbeth’ act 1, prophecy plays a catalytic moment within the plot. Shakespeare introduces in act 1 the characters of the witches, who tell of a prophecy that Macbeth will become king. This perplexes and intrigues Macbeth who as a result reconsiders his opportunities. The witches exclaim ‘All hail, Macbeth that shalt be king hereafter!’ through Macbeth’s reaction to this we find out more about the character. By now the audience know Macbeth is a courageous warrior. It is then revealed that Macbeth’s physical might is accompanied by a consuming ambition and a tendency to self-doubt—the prediction that he will be king brings him joy, but it also creates inner turmoil. ‘This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good...’ the suggestion that Macbeth will become king brings out anxieties within him, which is another key aspect of the gothic. 

Works that contain the ingredients of the gothic tradition often bend the social norms of the times for a sensationalist or often grotesque effect. Within ‘Dr.Faustus’ a eerie and uncanny image of Jesus Christ is portrayed, when Faustus looks to Jesus for mercy, Mephistopheles (a devil) explains ‘Christ cannot help you, for he is just’ this subverts the usual image of Christ as a kind, merciful saviour. Within Act 1 we see how Shakespeare subverts the gender roles through the character of Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth seems to be more assertive and fanatical when she hears about the prophecy. She even taunts Macbeth and questions his masculinity when he starts to doubt his actions. ‘’be so much more than the man.’ This comment from a wife to her husband would have seemed very shocking during the time it was written. The character of Lady Macbeth is a femme fatale and reflects the fears of independent women at the time.