Signing a Pact with the Devil: Hermeticism in Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Abstract

The Renaissance was an enlightening period in which new ethics and world views emerged. A move from a zealous Christian creed to an interest in worldly pleasures and the cult of the self and beauty were preached. Running parallel to these big discoveries and giant progress in different spheres, Renaissance England still bore the vestige of credence in what is considered as “weird” to contemporary man as ghosts, apparitions, and witches. Magic continued to be evoked and practices of witchcraft bore its fruition back then. What is noticeable is that despite the overall ambiance of a prevailing rational mood and thirst for the palpable, Hermeticism had a strongly felt presence in the new social milieu. This paper seeks to turn an analytical eye on hermeticism that was vividly present during Shakespeare’s time through his tragedy, Macbeth. Above all, it sheds light on the evil practices that were conquering the Elizabethans despite the progressive era that the nation was witnessing.