how does the Porter's speech fit in with the rest of the play Macbeth?

Hello Rachel,

To tackle the second part of your question: Macbeth was written around 1604-1606, the Gun Powder plot was 1605. Obviously the overriding 'message' of Macbeth (one that would have greatly appealed to King James) was - don't mess with the divine right to rule. A King is appointed by God and you're letting all hell break loose, if you try to disrupt that in any way. And you can see how that would fit the era surrounding Guy Fawkes and his gang.

As for the Porter's speech, I'm not sure if I'd describe it as supernatural. It's, essentially, a rather oddly placed bit of comic relief. But many of Shakespeare's plays are filled with this drastic shift from high drama (the murder of Duncan) and buffoonish comedy (knock-knock jokes).

Some people are of the opinion that the Porter's scene is simply a stalling tactic, so the actors playing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have time to wash their hands. So, who knows? Maybe that's the only purpose it serves.

Hope that helps!