10C!
Cometh the hour, cometh the man...I sincerely hope you are all indeed those men for which I seek.
Below is an essay question that will allow you to truly explore the notions of Macbeth - specifically in relation to the Key Questions that we are bound by for this unit.
800-900 words - Due Wednesday 23rd October via EMAIL.
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How does William Shakespeare present the notions of ambition and morality through his play, Macbeth? In your answer, focus mostly on the dramatic techniques (those seen mostly in a play).
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Part 1
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shakespeare was a man like no other that showed a profound understanding of ambition and morality though his plays. Macbeth is a prime example of these notions as seen in the way that Shakespeare has developed his characters and breathed life into them. A key to his success is his ability to incorporate dramatic techniques, which allows him to voice his characters’ motivations, which furthers their depth. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth display prime examples of ambition and morality throughout this play, which brings their villainous nature to light.
Act 1 Scene 5 solely focuses on Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy presenting her sinister desires. She realises that her husband does not have the heart to commit such crimes to acquire the crown; so she decides to take matters into her own hands by calling upon Dark spirits to carry her. “Come to my woman’s breasts and take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers”. Shakespeare has incorporated juxtaposition and an oxymoron to display Lady Macbeth’s immoral mindset. This is the first time in the play that this gender change is displayed, which is a complete deviation to the natural order; hence this leaves us with a paradox. Dark imagery comes to light once her bizarre intentions are once again noted; when she proceeds to call on the supernatural realm as if she is hiring ministers of death. All in all, this extracts makes clear the fact that Lady Macbeth has lost her sense of morality although bringing her passionate ambition forward at the same time; by calling on dark spirits.
Act 1 Scene 6 begins with the arrival of Duncan at Macbeth’s castle as an honoured guest. He is greeted with a warm loving heart best displayed by Lady Macbeth; and in return Duncan indicates his appreciation. “Herein I teach you how you shall bid God yield us for your pains and thank us for your trouble.” Duncan over exaggerates his gratitude with the use of mythological imagery and this is also followed by a metaphor, which promotes the mythological imagery. Dramatic irony is the most monumental technique that brings sentience to this quote, as the audience is aware of what abomination is soon to occur. This device brings further depth to all that motivates Lady Macbeth as she puts on a different display for Duncan masking her true intentions.
Act 1 Scene 7 is mainly a conversation between Macbeth and his Lady which once again furthers Macbeth’s revelation of how evil his wife truly is. The queer gender inversion between the couple lingers on in this scene and at some points presents Lady Macbeth questioning Macbeth’s very manhood. “Bring forth men-children only, for thy undaunted mettle should compose nothing but males.” Absurdity is seen all throughout this comment outlining Macbeth’s shock at what his wife has come to. This hypothesis is revealed when he says that she is only fit to raise men children implying that she is not capable of raising a lady. Macbeth’s use of paternal imagery and a dash as a pause between the word men and children emphasises the fact she can only raise males. Dramatic irony is once again exposed when Macbeth says that she is not fit to raise anything but males, and the irony in this sends our minds back to when she said “unsex me here… Take my milk for gall”. At this point in the play, Macbeth still has a bearing on morality in the realisation that Lady Macbeth has completely lost hers.
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ReplyDeletePart 2
ReplyDeleteAct 3 Scene 2 reveals a quintessential example of the gender inversion returning back to the natural order. This comparison is seen between the first murder where Duncan was the victim and in this scene where there is the storming of Macduff’s castle. The difference between the two murder acts is Macbeth’s role in each of them. With Duncan’s murder, it is Lady Macbeth that is dictating to Macbeth; but when it comes to the storming of Macduff’s castle Lady Macbeth says to Macbeth, ”What’s to be done?” Then Macbeth replies, “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling night”. Basically what Macbeth is saying is, don’t worry my dear, leave it to me and be innocent of the act. This is the point where Macbeth is clearly taking charge of their ambition to stay in power of the kingship. A metaphor is used to describe the deed, the sealing night and to be innocent of the knowledge. An epithet is also used by Macbeth to add more of an emotive feel to what he is saying. Imperatives are also used further revealing the masculine side of Macbeth and showing that he can be assertive.
In conclusion, there are numerous examples of ambition and morality in this play that Shakespeare has placed to add dynamics and flavour. Shakespeare has marinated this play thoroughly using various devices and techniques as his ingredients. Consequentially the most important device was dramatic techniques, which engulfed the audience, thus adding to the superiority of Shakespeare’s plays.
ps.You can tell I got hungry close to the end.
800-900 words - Due Wednesday 23rd October via EMAIL.
ReplyDeleteMy reading is fine, I sent an email at the same time. I mealy put my essay up for the benefit of the class.
Deleteps. Why don't you put your real name as an account; and make the comment like a man.
*merely
DeleteI...I'm sorry
Deleteابو الهول
ReplyDeleteتوريد وتركيب عشب طبيعى الشارقة
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